A Hairy Day In Columbia
The headliner at the 19th annual Columbia Blues Festival this Saturday was
Sonny Landreth.
He's described as a Louisiana-based slide guitar wizard.
New to me, he is praised for showing "a style of his own" that keeps his right hand very busy.
I liked what I heard but had to read a few reviews to realize he was "fretting the strings behind the slide" to produce his distinctive sound.
The Blues Festival is presented each year by Word of Mouth Productions. They stamp your hand at the free shows with
WOMP.
This is my third year attending and I like what they do and how it's done.
It's family-friendly with great sound but this year, there were some problems with the stage lighting which is disappointing if you're trying to take pictures.
The acts are exciting - and varied - so there's something
for everybody.
One of the early performers Saturday was
Andrew Scotchie and The River Rats, from Asheville.
Nice tight group with a rousing sound.
And LOTS of hair.
That was evident all day as people with long hair played on stage and danced in the crowd.
Hair in motion was almost a sub-theme for the festival.
A player I like is Shane Pruitt and his groomed pony-tail was complemented by a beard I had not seen before.
He's part of the
Mill Billy Band from Spartanburg but I was not aware of the storied background.
Here's a link to an article that tells about Shane, Brendon Turner and Freddie Vanderford and a bit of history of the textile mill towns that created bands like this one.
There was an active trio of young people dancing in the crowd in front of the stage.
One I would call the
Rainbow Lady with her bright and colorful outfit and energetic dancing ability.
Later, when it got dark, I noticed she added tiny sparkling lights to her tutu.
Both of the men would leap into the air, twisting and writhing and be almost constantly in motion.
One had long hair, down to the middle of his back, and I caught one
EXPLOSION of hair as he bounced up and down.
I have never seen hair do that before. Massive.
It didn't just sway from side to side as he danced. It did more than just fall over his face.
It had a life of its own. Yikes.
I understand
Sonny Landreth has appeared at the WOMP Festival before.
Glad I got to see him and all the other talented acts.
Plan to come next year for the 20th annual event at Five Points in MLK Memorial Park.
(Click on the photos for more details.)
Today is the
Marine Corps 238th birthday.
Back when I was a Marine, my hair was cut very, very short.
It never really "came alive" as I saw this weekend.
Gives a new meaning to
"longhair music."Labels: 19th annual Columbia Blues Festival, Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Brendon Turner., Freddie Vanderford, Mill Billy Band, Shane Pruitt, Sonny Landreth, Tommy Malone, WOMP
Bundled For The Blues ....BRR
Low Country Blues Bash included a great blues act on the harbor last night.
The venue was listed as the
Reel Bar at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.
Actually it was in a tented area BEHIND the bar. With plastic panels. And numerous gas heat lamps.
Well, yes, it WAS warmer than Chicago.
You could see the breath of the
Frankie's Blues Mission trio. And the breath of the audience members.
A few weeks ago I started taking a look at Charleston restaurants and bars that had cozy fireplaces. Guess I better add those that have heat lamps too.
I'm not complaining. Not really.
It's the 21st Annual and each February, the weather is a gamble.
I salute Gary Erwin for producing this year after year and providing a GREAT festival each time.
I'll be toasty warm INSIDE the
IOP Rec Center tonight 5:00-8:30 enjoying Gary (aka Shrimp City Slim) on keys and Miss Wanda Johnson,
followed by the
Planet D Nonet. Then to the nearby Morgan Street Grill for
Freddie Vanderford/Brandon Turner and ending at Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island for
Ten Foot Polecats from Boston.
Sunday it's back to the REC CENTER on IOP again 2:00-5:30.
This will be followed by a mad dash home for some pizza and commercials and the
Super Bowl.
(Click on pics for more detail. Tell me about YOUR favorite place-with-fireplace and stop by again. Stay warm and dry.)
Labels: /Brandon Turner, 21st annual Lowcountry Blues Bash, Andolini's Pizza, Boston, Freddie Vanderford, gas heaters, Morgan Street Grill, Planet D Nonet, Reel Bar, Super Bowl, Ten Foot Polecats
Early Bird Special...
When you reach a certain age, some phrases just seem to jump out at you.
Like
"Early Bird Special."Not that a late night event deters me. I just like the concept of an occasional afternoon musical delight.
Say 5:00pm to 7:00pm... featuring the BLUES ... during Spoleto.
Performed at
Mad River Bar & Grill on The Market.
I've mentioned before what a great room this is for musicians and for the audience.
The former
Seaman's Chapel has a vaulted ceiling and wood walls. The "lively" music bounces around nicely.
An attentive staff serves food and beverages as you sit back and relax in booths or tables and at the long bar.
Meanwhile, playing a fantastic set, Freddie Vanderford and Brandon Turner are cranking it out.
Freddie, on harp, last month received the 2010
South Carolina Folk Heritage Award at a ceremony in Columbia.
I called a few friends to join me and we all scrambled for parking spaces.
A fun afternoon. A delight.
The
Specials continue through June 9. Check details at the
Mad River website.
[Click (twice) on the photos for more details. Of course I had my camera with me.]
Labels: Brandon Turner, Freddie Vanderford, Mad River Bar and Grill, Piccolo-Spoleto, Seaman's Chapel, The Market
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That was evident all day as people with long hair played on stage and danced in the crowd.
