Monday, May 11, 2009

Younger Than B.B. King.....

This guy calls me "kid."

The main star Saturday at Freshfield Village, was Travis "Moonchild" Haddix.

He brought his 6-piece orchestra to the FREE 5th annual "Blues By The Sea" and showed everybody what the bluez is all about.

Travis,71, has worked in the Midwest most of his career but Shrimp City Slim lured him to our coast for a first-ever appearance down on Kiawah Island.

I think I have a shirt like that in the back of my closet.

The 2-8pm show opened with local picker Davis Coen who had formed a Trio this time.

He was followed by Bill Lupkin - on harp - with his Chicago Blues Coalition.

It was a Low Country debut also for this fantastic performer.

The Larry Garner Blues Band filled out the bill.

"Shrimp" sure knows how to pick 'em.

Did I mention the show was FREE? The lawn was packed with fans in folding chairs, kids running around and vendors offering fish tacos, juicy burgers and hot pizza.

Some of us sipped a beer. Or two.



Gary Erwin (Shrimp City himself) was wearing a t-shirt from his 1st annual blues offering at Kiawah...and so was I.

He did tell me he planned to have a shirt available for next year.

Meanwhile, I carry a Sharpie pen with me to these blues festivals and often ask performers to pen their thoughts on my back.

Or on my front.

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posted by chucker @ 10:58 PM 0 Comments

Monday, February 12, 2007

Oops... Dress Code Violation

So the first 3 days of the annual BLUES BASH, I managed to go to 6 venues and listen to 10 different performers. Not a bad start.

I doubt I can keep up that pace but we'll see.

Picking the right clothes (t-shirt or real shirt?) didn't seem that important. Just wear any shirt that mentions a band and you're ok.

The Chicago Blues Festival shirt drew some comments and questions as did the Eric Clapton '06-'07 tour one.

BUT, if you are going to wear a radio station shirt, then be careful NOT to attend a show sponsored by a competing station. I kept my jacket on at Home Team Bar-B-Que and asked if they were offering any "Bridge" t-shirts but they weren't.

Big Bill Morganfield packed the barbecue place and he had to really squeeze it all together to get his 5-piece band on that tiny, tiny stage.

In fact, the slide trombone player gave a new meaning to "in your face" music as people would dodge and weave in the front row.

On Sunday, at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, Chick Willis commented that he had done a gig at the library. "It was strange man, no drinking, no cussing, no smoking, but we did have a few dancers."

The 17th Annual Lowcountry Blues Bash continues through Sunday so get out there and enjoy yourself. Just watch what t-shirt you wear!

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posted by chucker @ 8:19 PM 0 Comments