Thursday, May 29, 2008

Very Early, Early Bird Blues Show

Since I was selected as a "SpoJo" (Spoleto Citizen Journalist), I try to keep on top of what interests me during our annual Arts Festival.

As a live music fan in general - and Blues in particular - I am looking forward to the Piccolo-Spoleto Early Bird Blues show starring OLD CROW downtown today from 4-7 pm.

The venue is the Mad River Bar & Grille at 32 N. Market and the admission is only $10.

This former church building - just off East Bay - is known as a High Energy Sports Pub/Tavern with 23 hi-def tvs but it also has become a mecca for Blues music since Cumberland’s closed, according to Gary Erwin, producer of Charleston's annual 10-day Blues Bash each February.

OLD CROW, from North Carolina, plays Delta Blues, Ragtime and Old Timey Bluegrass on harmonica, fiddle and Dobrow. If you’ve enjoyed The Wiyos or our local musicmakers The V-Tones, you should have a rollicking good time today at Mad River.

Gary has Blues acts booked at Mad River almost every day - check the schedule at www.piccolospoleto.com - and Wanda Johnson is set for Friday June 6.

Please check out my SpoJo entry at www.spoletotoday.com and follow ALL the great contributions in print, blogs, on Twitter, Videos and even Podcasts.

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posted by chucker @ 10:15 AM 0 Comments

Friday, February 22, 2008

Two Fun Music Venues..

Usually I don't talk about music acts that have come and gone - like Johnny Rawls seen here - but the 18th Annual Blues Bash had a surprise venue that really was outstanding.

Jeanne, the founder of JB Pivot's, coined the phrase "Shut up and shag" 22 years ago and it's been a staunch supporter of beach music and the blues ever since.

Harriet bought the club 11 years ago and told the Blues Bash she wanted to be a major venue - booking acts all 10 nights. Wow. That's commitment to live music.

If you've never stopped by, check out the Beach Club on Savannah Highway (behind Shoney's). They teach dancing the Shag Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Another delightful venue is the Map Room on Sam Ritt.

Diverse bookings offer many surprises and on March 1 - every first Saturday of the month - get over there to enjoy the V Tones.

Bring the kids and let them run and dance as this zany crew brings back Vaudeville, the Roaring 20s, Klezmer and Ragtime.

Starting early (6:00 -9:00pm) they amuse and amaze with Kazoos, ukeleles, tap dancing and a drummer who plays a floor lamp.

Good family fare by a talented, offbeat group that's been around for years.

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posted by chucker @ 11:38 AM 1 Comments