Wanda's Going To China.
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This time next week, Blues Singer
Wanda Johnson - from the South Carolina upstate - will be on her way to perform in Macau, China.
That's what they mean when they say
"Talent will take you a long way."
Caught her and
Shrimp City Slim (Gary Erwin) last night at A Dough Re Mi in Mt. Pleasant for several excellent sets and it's no wonder she's in demand around the world. Her Blues chops are finely tuned.
Sitting in with Shrimp's band was
Dr. Pickup from Paris, France so it was a really international Friday night. The whole band will travel with Miss Wanda so it should be quite a show.
Last night the room was packed and, on one side, a happy crowd helped a fellow celebrate his birthday and, on the other side, a group of ladies also were eating pizza and birthday cake.
Tonight I'll be sitting down front at the Performing Arts Center in North Charleston for the
Lucinda Williams concert. Last time she was here, it was packed-shoulder-to-shoulder at the
Music Farm.Labels: A Dough Re Mi, birthday, China, Dr. Pickup, France, Gary Erwin, Lucinda Williams, Miss Wanda Johnson, PAC, Paris, Performing Arts Center, Shrimp City Slim
Wanda Johnson really packed the house at A Dough Re Mi Sunday night. Not an empty seat in the place.
Except hers.
A serious illness in the family had
Miss Wanda headed home to the Upstate instead of to Mt. Pleasant for a scheduled evening of Piccolo-Spoleto Blues.
Shrimp City Slim (Gary Erwin) was there with his band which had backed her on her new CD
"Hold What You Got."
They sent her their love and prayers and then played her music to a capacity crowd of more than 130 patrons. Extra rows of chairs were placed in front of the stage and they filled early, attesting to the appeal of the popular young Blues singer.
Gary announced he expected Miss Johnson to be back for two scheduled appearances elsewhere in town June 5 and 6, also part of Piccolo-Spoleto.
This is a follow up to my posting that she would present a Sunday Blues treat. I looked forward to hearing her again.
Unfortunately, on arrival, a sign at the door informed us a medical emergency forced her to immediately join her family out of town and she would not perform.
The sign stated the
Shrimp City Slim band, her backup band on her CD, would perform and they did a great job, playing most of the songs from her two CDs.
The crowd - many in town for Spoleto and quite a few first-timers at the Blues club - showed their appreciation to Gary Erwin, keyboard; Jerome Griffin, bass; "Silent Eddie" Phillips, guitar and Lamont Garner on drums.
It was a different evening than I had planned but the music was great as the band showed its respect.
Full Festival coverage at
www.spoletotoday.com.
Labels: A Dough Re Mi, backup band, Gary Erwin, Miss Wanda Johnson, Piccolo-Spoleto, serious illness, Shrimp City Slim, Upstate
High Tech Spoleto....
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Hey, I'm now a Citizen Journalist, invited to give some "electronic" blog coverage for this year's Spoleto.
Officially, I am known as a
SpoJo.This Sunday evening, May 25, Spoletians can experience the wonderful
Miss Wanda Johnson, a highly-talented Lowcountry Blues specialist, at
A Dough Re Mi Pizzeria in Mt. Pleasant.
The 3-hour show starts at 8pm so, for heaven's sake, get over there and check her out. I've had the pleasure of listening several times and can attest she is fantastic. The venue has a great sound system and is ideally suited for both performers and for the audience.
And, in addition to a great serving of Blues, you can munch a hot slice (or two) of delicious pizza as you support the arts.
Be sure to check for FULL Festival coverage at
www.spoletotoday.com.
[Miss Wanda is pictured at The Mills House during a February Blues Bash]
Labels: A Dough Re Mi, Blue specialist, citizen journalist, local legend, Miss Wanda Johnson, SpoJo
Musical Countdown To Spoleto...
Todd Wolffe, down from NYC, by way of Pennsylvania, had us rockin' last night at A Dough Re Mi in Mt. Pleasant.
In keeping with my plan to talk mainly about acts you still have a chance to see, it was announced the trio will be on that same stage again in 3 weeks.
So circle Friday June 6 on your calendar now for a great evening that's NOT really part of Spoleto but offers several sets of raucous rocking and rolling.
Rev. Dr. Johnny Mac opened the 4th annual
Blues By The Sea down at Kiawah last week but he is VERY active locally and you can catch him at clubs all over town.
Keep an eye out for his high energy music popping up somewhere soon.
My Spoleto/Piccolo/Fringe plans are in the works and 10 tickets have been ordered so far. Naturally I will have my camera with me but many places bar my simple camera - even if I shoot with no flash - but I am surrounded by crowds of people holding up their cell phones.
Must be an important call they want to share.
Labels: 4th annual Blues By The Sea, A Dough Re Mi, cell phones, Fringe, Johnny Mac, Kiawah Island, Piccolo, Spoleto, Todd Wolffe
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This time next week, Blues Singer Wanda Johnson - from the South Carolina upstate - will be on her way to perform in Macau, China. 
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