Monday, December 5, 2011

Let's Be Gracious

I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon in bed, finally getting some time to rest a head cold.  The only way for me to get proper rest is to go off line; no emails, no facebook, no news.  I lasted until about 6:30 p.m.  I opened FB, and saw Matt Hill’s status on the passing of Hubert Sumlin at the age of 80.  My heart sank. 

Just the weekend before, Thanksgiving Weekend, Bob Margolin was in Boulder for the Otis Taylor Trance Blues Workshop/Jam/Festival, and he and I talked about what a difficult year the Blues has suffered.  We were sitting at the bar of Blues & Greens at the Outlook, as we have so many times over the years, having a quick bite in between workshop sessions.  Because the restaurant staff has suffered an inexplicable number of tragedies, particularly in the young sibling department, the subject of loss was heavily in the air: the 39-year old sister of one of our senior bartenders (and one of my best friends) was terminally ill, and passed away the day after this conversation.  Three weeks earlier was the sudden passing of another bartender’s 22-year old brother.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I Have A Cool Job!

I’ve know for a few years now that my job is way cool, but sometimes the severity of the way coolness can be overwhelming. 

First, I’ll not make the assumption that all readers know what I do:  I book and promote live Blues shows at the Boulder Outlook Hotel.   A little history; when hotel owner, Dan King, first started booking music in the hotel’s restaurant, he had a kitchen tenant called Skinny Jay’s.  Some artists would say, “Welcome to Skinny Jay’s!” on the mic.  I asked them to please change that to “The Outlook,” as the tenant had nothing to do with the music, and I didn’t want the name recognition falsely placed.  Then three years ago, Dan took over the kitchen, and named the restaurant Blues & Greens (local food, live music).  I’ve spent the last three years introducing bands with “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Blues & Greens.”   I gave that up a week ago.  Because of my earlier insistence, everyone refers to us as The Outlook. 

I’m coming up on five years at this wonderful Home of the Blues, and am daily grateful that I decided very early on that we needed a weekly “Blues Letter,” as now, all those shows have been documented.  I was genetically blessed with a good memory, but we’ve had so many barn-burners here, that even my near-total recall is tested (Blues Letter archive here).

Sunday, October 30, 2011

John-Alex

The first time I met John-Alex Mason was the first time I was to hear him perform. Both events proved to be monumental on many levels. Musically, I couldn’t believe this Nordic version of the Greek God Apollo could sound like an African American native of Clarksdale, MS. But indeed he did.

I would go on to hear John-Alex many, many times over the years, and each time, my mind returned to the first, because each time was sui generis. One of the last times I heard him play, he was at the Boulder Outlook with the Cedric Burnside Project, and I wrote this (complete blog entry can be found here):

The evening opened with the amazing one man wall of sound, John-Alex Mason, alone on guitar. I’ve known John-Alex for a few years now, and yet this was the first time I’ve heard him alone on guitar. He typically plays his solo gigs on guitar and drums simultaneously, creating the illusion of a full band, and with a voice that was made for singing the Blues. I loved hearing him stripped down and raw last night.

I so did love it. Although most know that I’m the promotional director and talent buyer for the Boulder Outlook, I’m still perfectly comfortable blowing our own horn. We’ve had countless “one of those nights” at the Outlook. One jam saw the Tommy Castro Band, The Insomnias, Jason Ricci & New Blood, and the Delta Sonics. No cover. That lucky capacity crowd will be talking about that night for the rest of their Blues-loving lives. The same can be said of the audience that night with John-Alex and the CBP. So much so, that I broke the rules and let them play past music curfew. No one wanted that night to end.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

John-Alex Mason, November 30, 19--, October 19, 2011

It is with a very heavy heart that I must report the news of John-Alex’s passing. He had been in the hospital in critical condition for almost three weeks after a routine outpatient procedure. He was comatose for all of that time with massive brain damage.

John-Alex was scheduled to play here this Saturday night with Gary Allegretto. Gary is now hosting a Memorial Concert with the Rob Wilson Band. There is no cover. 8:00 - 10:30.

Sunday we are hosting a Memorial Service and Blues Jam for John-Alex, 6:30 - 10:00. Let’s make sure he hears us. Goodbye my friend. 

~Honey Bee Sepeda

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Future of The Blues

There are several perks that come with being a talent buyer for a popular live Blues venue, and the music itself heads the list. High up on that list is bearing witness to growth of the next generation of great Blues musicians.

Yesterday afternoon, we had the Young Blood Blues Band open for a Dan King for City Council campaign volunteer party, and the kids were a worthy choice for the honor. This band came to be about three years ago, starting with Tony Golden (bass) and Zach Bahn (drums and recently excepted to the Denver School of the Arts ), who were both eight at the time. They were at the Outlook for a Sunday jam, sat in with the adults, and were already a solid rhythm section. I told them if they put together a band, I’d hire them to open on occasion. They took me seriously. Not too long after that, Zach and Tony sat in with Steady Rollin‘ Bob Margolin once at the Outlook, prompting Bob to say on the mic, “I’ve had to pay rhythm sections that aren’t this good.” Oh, and they got their picture in Blues Review magazine in Bob’s column. Not bad. Now a seasoned eleven, they rock the stage with bandmates Ryan Hutchinson, eleven (keys), Brady Hutchinson, fifteen (guitar), Melisa Lundy, thirteen (vocals), and Rhyleigh Abel, ten (harmonica).

Since the conception (Jim Primock and I even came up with the band’s name that very first night), they have played a few times at the Outlook, and I recently arranged for them to open for Bob Margolin at the Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO. They then returned the favor, and had Bob sit in with them. Pure magic. (See YouTube on the right).

Friday, September 16, 2011

The phone call came in at 10:01 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2011. It was John Catt, founder of the Grand County Blues Society. I was moments away from heading out the door for a long walk on an only-in-Colorado September day of glorious beauty; slightly crisp temperature, with glimpses of vibrant golds and reds in the leaves, heralding the upcoming annual display of their brilliant pallet. The mountains are looking on in excited anticipation of the show. It’s my favorite time of year. Then the day crashed and burned into horribleness. The conversation went like this:

HB: Hi Darlin’, what’s up.
JC: You haven’t heard [stated more as a sad fact than a question].
HB: [Cautiously] Heard what?
JC: I’m sorry, Dear, I have bad news.
HB: What.
JC: Willie “Big Eyes” Smith passed away this morning.”

It’s a few hours later, and the word “no” is still screaming in my head.

Willie and I weren’t friends on the level of phone calls and “keeping in touch.” No, ours was a Blues Friendship. Those Big Eyes lit up when he saw me, as did mine. He was one of the sweetest, loveliest people I’ve ever known, and I rejoiced every time his agent (for this region), Derek Smith, would email me with dates for Willie. The last couple of time he’s played the Outlook, I’ve had to move local bands to accommodate his schedule. The local bands didn’t complain. Actually, they felt honored to be rescheduled for Willie.


Willie and Bob Margolin were the first national acts to play the Boulder Outlook. They were on the gig together, and it was the first time I went to the place that was to become my home away from home. It was a sold-out show, and the music was superb. I saw Willie (with his band) about a year later, again at the Outlook. It was a rare weekend night that local Blues heros, the Delta Sonics, had the night off, and Willie Panker and John Butler (drums and bass respectively) came down for the show, and we all sat together. It was remarkable.


He’s played for us a number of times since, and each time our friendship grew a little deeper, with more laughs borne of familiarity and history (not to mention mutual friends). He was last here on April 23rd, and we spent a good bit of time together that day, a few hours before the gig. His son, Javik, was with him as well. We had a lovely time, most of it spent laughing. When I went up to him to say “goodnight,” I was met with the type of embrace, so warm, so genuine, that it was the first thing that sprung to my mind when John Catt delivered the sad news. I may not have Willie here any longer, but that moment is mine forever.

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Stuck Inside of Boulder with The Memphis Blues Again


Apparently I woke juxtaposing Memphis and Bob Dylan.  But with the IBC Preliminary Band Round here at the Outlook this Sunday, ‘tis no wonder I’ve Memphis on my mind. 

But first, tonight.  The wildly energetic Jason Downing will be here with Musketeer Gripweed, and it’s been quite some time.  Jason has unique approach to music, and he’s fun to watch.  See you tonight, Jason.

Tomorrow night brings one of my favorite’s back; Maynard Mills.  The last time he was here, Gretchen Troop and her husband, Biff, were thinking of going out, and so I suggested the Outlook for Maynard since they’d not heard him before.  They picked me up, and on the drive over told me they were only staying for the first set.  I thought to myself, “We’ll see about that.”  By the third song, they were both asking me how it was they’d not heard him before.  We stayed for both sets. 

Saturday night Paul Soderman and BluesHouze is back!  It’s been a long time coming, so don’t forget if you want to get a seat come early, however with them it’s usually come early if you want to get in.  And rest up, because there is always a very crowded dance floor for these guys. 

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Do You Remember The Very First Day Of September...

Ok, so I kind of paraphrased Earth, Wind and Fire there, but it fits. Love was changing the mind of pretenders...

Speaking of pretenders, before I go any further, a Craigslist ad was brought to my attention this morning, and I’d like our readers to know WE DID NOT PLACE THIS AD AND IT HAS NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO DO WITH THE OUTLOOK. Here’s the ad:
“Looking for a Blues Band (Colorado)
Date: 2011-08-31, 4:39PM MDT
If you are a local blues band and you have not yet played at The Blues and Greens Restaraunt in Boulder.................then I would like to see a pic, bio and hear your music.”

First of all, if I were to place an ad, the spelling and grammar would be correct. Just sayin’. Second, it’s not THE Blues and Greens, it’s Blues & Greens. We at least know the name of the venue, sheeeesh! Amateur!

Ok, so on to the Blues! Tonight is the long-awaited Clay McClinton show! We’ve all been wondering about the Son of Delbert, but we know that he grew up with the Blues in his blood, listening to the best. I can’t wait to hear this future of the Blues Ambassador. And I have to admit that since his posters have been hanging around the room for about four months now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that he’s something of a cutie pie. Again, just sayin’. Here’s something tasty:

“Clay's musical virtuosity shines with the release of his third album, Livin’ Out Loud (2010). He blends Americana and Texas blues with a touch of country to give us a tremendous follow up to his two previous releases—Out of the Blue (2004) and Son of a Gun (2006). Livin’ Out Loud is openhearted and thoughtful, and often explores the tension between the love for adventure and the longing for home. Clay has taken grand leaps both as a singer-songwriter and as a musician, and the eleven tracks also foretell of great things to come. Much like his earlier albums, Clay wrote or co-wrote ten of the tracks. He was honored to write with Bruce Channel, Dave Duncan, Rob Roy Parnell, Ricky Ray, and of course, Delbert. He produced the album with Kevin McKendree, a longtime family friend as well as Delbert’s piano player. Clay describes the process of creating the album with these and other great musicians as one of self-discovery and personal and professional growth.”

Saturday, August 27, 2011

To Jason, Shawn, and Todd, With All My Love

It’s been a bit more than a year since one of my favorite bands disbanded; Jason Ricci and New Blood were one of those bands that always filled a room, and we certainly miss them as a unit. There is a lot I can say but I think the review I wrote the first time I heard them almost five years ago, is pretty much to the point:

New Blood for the Blues

For centuries there has existed a rare, temporary medical condition striking a dozen or so tourists annually in Florence, Italy, the cradle of Italian Renaissance, and a city which simply groans under the weight of her myriad masterpieces. For these few tourists, encountering masterpieces pretty much wherever the eye lands, creates symptoms including amnesia, dizziness, and disorientation, and often requires a hospital stay. French novelist and writer Marie-Henri Beyle, known as Stendhal, was struck with the malaise in 1817, thus finally giving the illness a name: Stendhal Syndrome.

Boulder, Colorado has recently experienced an opposing variation of this rare malaise, in that rather than the visiting tourist being struck, it is the locals who are visited by it. And it’s not as much a visual attack, it’s an oracular one. It’s known as “JRS,’ or Jason Ricci Syndrome, and it clobbers Boulder periodically. The symptoms are the same. The treatment, however, rests not in minimizing the exposure, but intensifying it. The patient becomes incapable of resisting finding JRS-related masterpieces online and listening for hours on end, abandoning sleep and nutrition. And on occasion, all mental reason.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

How Do You Solve A Problem Like The Beiber?

Like many a Blues fan, I am frequently frustrated at the fortunes of mediocre, auto-tuned talent, while geniuses like Pinetop Perkins and Honeyboy Edwards have to work well into their 90’s to keep food on the table. It isn’t fair, but it is our actuality.

I was in the middle of a big move when the news of Amy Winehouse’s untimely death hit the wire, and was leveled with sadness at the loss of such a talent. I’ve been thinking a lot about her, one of those rare artists who captivated the masses without requirement of bells and whistles, just that raw, scarcely-found innate talent. I don’t often find myself thinking about globally popular musicians, nor the pop world in general, but now that I have, I’ve come to realize a few things:

First of all, I don’t think Justin Beiber is a problem, and in all candor, I’ve only heard approximately four minutes of his music, so I’m too ill-informed on the subject to pass judgement, beyond that those four minutes didn’t speak to me. It is here I must disclose that when I was ten, I was all about Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson, so I do understand the appeal to young girls. And since that will never change, the Blues world needs to embrace it. And I have just the magic weapons to get the Blues into the hands, ears, and hearts of the next generation: Austin Young, Jack Gaffney, Taylor Marvin, Nic Cottonseed Clark, Noah Mast, and Forrest Raup. The oldest in this fantacy band is seventeen.

Given the technology we have today, stars are being made on You Tube. The trick is to get something to go viral, and viola! At the risk of sounding exploitative, all these guys are good looking, charming, and DAMN talented. And whether we want to admit it or not, what initially gets the attention of tweens and teens are looks; the music comes later. I was eighteen the first time I heard live Blues, and I was hooked from moment one. I think kids are smarter than Madison Avenue gives them credit, and if you give them quality, they will recognize it.

Remembering that the word “fan” derives from “fanatic,” once people become fans of a band, they will read every interview and review they can find, and it is through that practice that they are directed toward the influences of their new musical heros. I speak from personal experience: Several years ago I was at the Outlook to review a band I’d not seen, Jason Ricci and New Blood. I became an instant fan, and for weeks searched the internet for all I could find. And, in light of that research, I know about all of Jason’s influences.

So, for the sake of argument, imagine this band of teenagers gets a viral hit, and then the interviews begin. Then, everyone of their fans would know the names and music of Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Kim Wilson, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, etc. What I’ve realized in all this thinking about Amy Winehouse, is that there is a HUGE audience for true genius, and we have a lot of them in the Blues world, we just need to start thinking like the kids if we want to reach them. I’m going to talk to the parents of the aforementioned geniuses, and see if we might want to put something together. Anyone reading this who also knows of young, genuinely talented Blues artists, consider You Tube. The Blues is the oldest and most deeply rooted music in the American catalog, but our approach can’t be. We need to change the way we think about promotion, and the first step is accepting the reality that the way to the masses’ hearts begins with the youth.

 ~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Monday, July 18, 2011

Young Austin

I was planning on doing an extensive interview with fifteen-year old Austin Young, but after his performance yesterday at Arvada, CO’s Blues and BBQ Festival, it can’t wait. He’s just that good.

With sixteen-year old Noah Mast on bass, and Austin’s father, Tim, on drums, Young Austin and No Difference are becoming one of the area’s more sought-after bands. And with damn good reason. Before I continue, here is a paragraph from his bio:

"...Austin Lee Young, a Colorado native, has been described by some as being a “phenom” guitar player. His youth and energy lend to his own style of music which he calls “Texandrix Blues”. At 15 years old he exudes unbelievable passion and displays electrifying musicianship in his performances. His inspirations span the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Tim Young, and Ted Johnson..."

Although the guitar is his instrument of choice, Austin is able to participate in any jam on the drums, bass guitar, and keyboards. His stage presence and relationship that he builds with audiences can only be described as “crowd pleasing”.

Crowd pleasing, indeed. I’ve been watching his talent develop for about three years now, and yesterday was the most electrifying performance of his that I’ve seen to date. He dedicated Muddy’s “Honey Bee” to me, and he tore up the long solo. To shreds. Not only would Muddy have been proud, I know his mentor and recent Pinetop Perkins Foundation Masterclass Workshop teacher, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, would have been as well.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wet Carpet Blues

Last Thursday, just as I was mentally confirming my decision to move (dramatic rent increase on the horizon), the skies over Boulder opened wide for more than an hour. I stood looking out my sliding glass doors at my partially enclosed terrace, noticing quickly rising water. The deluge was too much for the drain to handle.

It only took about fifteen minutes for the edge of the carpet to feel damp. Within half an hour, about 100 square feet of my living carpet was soaked. Half my living room was primed for seeding. Management showed up with an industrial sized shop vac (a good plan since my neighbor across the hall suffered the same wet fate), and after rearranging my living room furniture, spent over an hour vacuuming rain water out of the carpet, along with my dream of an indoor vegetable garden.

The following afternoon fans arrived. Big, loud, vibrating carpet-drying fans. I was told they needed to run at least 24 hours. Fair enough. I have plenty of CDs to drown out a couple of fans. And so I passed the rest of Friday and much of Saturday rotating CDs (I’m old school; I still have a CD player), while I cleaned up and sorted for the move.

I said “much” of Saturday. Around 2:30ish, just as I was preparing to silence the fans for a few hours (the carpet was almost dry), the skies opened up again. Do I need to go on with this tale of woe, or can you figure out what happened next? I’ll give you clue: Think deja vu: Management, neighbor, rain water again sucked up with my garden dream. Just add a fan. I had three loud fans. So the remainder of Saturday, and all of Sunday and Monday were passed with the loud din of drying being covered by some loud Blues.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Deal With The Devil: A Boulder Story

A few years ago, I published a spoof on Robert Johnson’s deal-with-the-devil. Many laughed, and many emailed me to see if I was alright. I repost it here, but if you don’t know the story of the Robert Johnson myth, this won’t makes sense. Any readers falling into that category, I suggest you read this first. 

I wanted to share a recent experience with you (for those of you not familiar with Boulder, we used to have an eyesore known as the Crossroads Mall).

Ok, something happened to me on my way home on the night of October’s full moon. I couldn’t be sure if what I think happened actually happened. I needed some time to process. Well, now I think I can let you in on it, freaky and unbelievable though it is.

I’d been at the Outlook listening to some great, soulful blues and decided to walk home. I was Walking up the road with my laptop in my bag propped up on my shoulder on an October cool night, a full moon filling up the dark sky. I was thinking about the blues preaching to me, when I heard, "Put that laptop down, girl, you drivin' people nuts." It was a quiet, dark and lonesome road, with a crazed, poisoned dog howling and moaning in a ditch alongside the road sending electrified chills up and down my spine, as I was coming up on the ghost of the demolished Crossroads Mall just south of home. Then I saw a man sitting off to the side of the road on a log at the heart if the old Crossroads Mall, and he says, "You're late, Honey Sepeda." I dropped to my knees and said, "Maybe not."

The man stood up, tall, barrel-chested, and black as forever, and walked out to the middle of the old Crossroads Mall where I kneeled down. He says, "Stand up, Honey Sepeda. You want to throw that laptop over there in that ditch with that hairless dog and go on back to the Outlook and just listen, because you just another blues reviewer like all the rest, or you want to write about the blues like nobody ever wrote about it before? Turn phrases nobody ever heard before? You want to be the Queen of the Blues Writers and have all the whiskey and men you want?"

Tear Drop Collector

As I am moving next month, I spent much of today organizing and packing CDs.  Lots, and lots, and lots of CDs.  I do believe I could open my own CD kiosk if I were of the mind to sell them, which I’m not.  Anywho, I put on Teresa Lynne and the Dreamboats’ latest CD, Tear Drop Collector, to keep me company while I pack, and I’m glad I did.  I have to get back to packing, but here’s what I think about this fantastic CD (I initially wrote this a couple of months ago):

I’d like to tell you about Teresa Lynne’s new band, Teresa Lynne and the Dreamboats.  They played the Outlook recently, and it was my first time hearing this new lineup, and they are dreamy!  Along with Ms. T. are Jimmy Lange, Rick Ross, Richie Foelsch and Jerry Alan.  I’ve always loved Teresa’s music no matter who’s backing her, but this band was born to play with her.  I swear her voice is even better with these guys, and she’s kicked her harp mastery up a few notches.
  
Now color me biased, but her latest record, Tear Drop Collector has become one of the top ten played here at Chez Honey Bee, and she’s in some heavy company.  Ok, yes she has both Bob Margolin and Chris Cain as guests on this release, and ok, yes she mentions me in the liner notes, but I’d love it even if she had forgotten me.  Teresa knows how to turn a phrase, and as good as she is on covers (although there is only one cover on this CD), making them her own, it’s her facility with innuendo and phraseology with her originals that knocks out the listener.  She’s wry, droll, and clever, turning common terms upside down and shaking the hell out of them.  She’s a wordsmith, pure and simple, not to mention a Colorado treasure.  I’m honored to have my name associated with this favorite record of mine.  This is one purchase immune to buyer’s remorse. 

Congratulations, Teresa!  It’s one hell of a record! 

~Honey Bee Sepeda~

Winter Park, Summer Blues Parts #1, #2 and #3

PART ONE

I’m having another one of my William Wordsworth days. Perhaps I should explain. Wordsworth’s I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud has been my favorite poem for decades. Certainly the imagery is beautiful and spot on, but it’s that last stanza that hooked me the first time I read it. And every time since. I even made a refrigerator magnet with that stanza to remind me of the benefits of daily reflection.

I can tell when I’m going to have a Wordsworth day the moment I open my eyes. Like this morning. That last stanza is about reflection, and this morning I’m in full-on reflection mode from this past weekend’s 9th Annual Blues From the Top festival. The daffodils and my heart are dancing to the Blues (read the poem at the conclusion, and that will make sense).

This is the first year I’ve made the journey to Winter Park, CO, on Saturday morning instead of Friday evening. There were logistical concerns that prompted that decision, and although I missed the Friday night jam at Smokin’ Moe’s, I still heard about a week’s worth of great Blues in an awe inspiring Rocky Mountain setting. It’s just so damn beautiful! And, had I gone up Friday evening, I wouldn’t have had an EXHILARATING wildlife sighting. My good friend Bill was driving, and as we rounded a corner, I noticed what I thought were three small deer having a little nosh by the side of the road. Just as we got parallel to them, I noticed they were in fact rams. I’ve been in Colorado for twelve and a half years and these were my first rams! I’m still pretty excited about it. The last two on my list for sightings are mountain lion and bobcat. If anyone has any good sighting areas, hit me back.

We entered the park just as Michaela Rae was getting started, the teenager’s third consecutive year opening the festival, and she did us proud. I was carrying a boxed kid’s electric guitar for signatures. It’s a beautiful small, fire-engine red electric that I’m hauling around the planet for signatures so we can auction it at my Blue Star Connection Birthday Benefit in December. What better place than festivals to maximize signature value? The front is now almost completely covered. And guitarists only on this one.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Winter Park, Summer Blues Part #3


And now we’re on to Sunday.  Blues From the Top Sundays always start at 10:30 a.m. with a gospel set.  This year was Ashley Cleveland, and wow!  This was the most rocked-out gospel performance I’ve ever witnessed.  By appearances alone, gospel is the last genre of music one would assume from this band, but gospel they are, and I witnessed a number of tissues on faces by the time Ashley’s voice was quiet.  She’s a powerhouse, and I personally hope BFtT brings her back.  I’d also like to have the flowing cardigan she was wearing.  It was beautiful.  And I’m so shallow...

They were followed on the main stage by one of Colorado’s great Blues heros, Sammy Mayfield, and judging by the audience reaction to his introduction, he inspires a lot of pride around these parts.  Right before he and his band went on, I was backstage and I heard someone say, “I think he has Mr. Wonderful with him.”  I spun around on my heels and said, “Mr. Wonderful is here?!  I LOVE Mr. Wonderful.”  About a year or so ago, Mr. Wonderful and Frank Terry came to one of the Blues jams at the Outlook, and Mr. Wonderful did a cover of “Stand By Me” that had tears streaming down my face.  It was and still is the best cover I’ve ever heard of that great classic.  

Sammy had nine people on that stage, including my good friends, Andy Irvine on bass and Scotty Rivera on drums.  Round about the middle of the set, as I was dancing away in the pit, I glanced up and Scotty was smiling at me.  So I did what any girl would do:  I blew him a kiss.  He then did something pretty amazing.  Right in the middle of playing, he was able to shift one of his sticks to the other hand and blow me a kiss without missing a beat!  Very impressive.  As was the entire band, and with Mr. Wonderful’s energetic performance, I think we were all a little exhausted after their set.  And happy.

Winter Park, Summer Blues Part #2


So, where was I?  Ah yes, Dustin Pittsley was just taking the stage.  The boys from Oklahoma revved up the crowd and let everyone know why their Colorado popularity is exploding.  This was their first Blues From the Top appearance, but clearly won’t be their last.

In between each of the main stage acts, we enjoyed sets from The Future of the Blues, the kids’ stage.  Ranging in ages ten to late teens, the Future Stage produced some wonderfully memorable sets, demonstrating the remarkable musical abilities inherent in some kids, and how fun that can be when they are given both encouragement and room to grow.  I think the youth stages at both BFtT and Greeley Blues Jam show how serious we Coloradans are about the future of our beloved music. 

A couple of weeks ago, Young Austin received the first standing ovation of the GBJ, and this past weekend, he got a few more, as did all of the kids.  At the risk of sounding corny, one would have to be soulless not to tear up and feel a glowing warmth from head to toe and beyond watching and listening to these kids give it their all, with the Blues flowing through their young veins. Every great now and again I get some mild grumbling about how often I put kids’ bands on the stage at the Outlook, usually opening for a bigger act.  I’ll take the grumbling, because along with John Catt of BFtT and Pam and Al Bricker from GBJ, I firmly believe it is my responsibility and obligation to do whatever I can to nurture and motivate these talented kids.  The Catt, the Brickers, and the Bee will continue our support of these kids and their music for as long as we draw breath.

Winter Park, Summer Blues Part #1

I’m having another one of my William Wordsworth days. Perhaps I should explain. Wordsworth’s I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud has been my favorite poem for decades. Certainly the imagery is beautiful and spot on, but it’s that last stanza that hooked me the first time I read it. And every time since. I even made a refrigerator magnet with that stanza to remind me of the benefits of daily reflection.

I can tell when I’m going to have a Wordsworth day the moment I open my eyes. Like this morning. That last stanza is about reflection, and this morning I’m in full-on reflection mode from this past weekend’s 9th Annual Blues From the Top festival. The daffodils and my heart are dancing to the Blues (read the poem at the conclusion, and that will make sense).

This is the first year I’ve made the journey to Winter Park, CO, on Saturday morning instead of Friday evening. There were logistical concerns that prompted that decision, and although I missed the Friday night jam at Smokin’ Moe’s, I still heard about a week’s worth of great Blues in an awe inspiring Rocky Mountain setting. It’s just so damn beautiful! And, had I gone up Friday evening, I wouldn’t have had an EXHILARATING wildlife sighting. My good friend Bill was driving, and as we rounded a corner, I noticed what I thought were three small deer having a little nosh by the side of the road. Just as we got parallel to them, I noticed they were in fact rams. I’ve been in Colorado for twelve and a half years and these were my first rams! I’m still pretty excited about it. The last two on my list for sightings are mountain lion and bobcat. If anyone has any good sighting areas, hit me back.

Friday, June 24, 2011

One Of Those Days

I recently had one of those days that makes me thrilled to be involved in this great music. My last blog was on the Pinetop Perkins Foundation and all they do, and posting it prompted a call from PPF Board Member, Bob Margolin. He wanted to fill me in on the Masterclasses he’d just finished teaching. He was driving back to North Carolina from Clarksdale, so he had some time to chat.

The workshop kicked off last Tuesday night with a meet and greet between the students, their families, and the teachers. Bob was teaching the guitar, with Erwin Helfer filling in on piano for the recuperating Ann Rabson. Here’s the schedule:

Youth Workshop Series Schedule 
  • Tues., June 14    5:00 PM               Meet and Greet 
  • Wed., June 15    9:30 AM-4:00 PM  Masterclass Workshops 
  • Thurs., June 16   9:30 AM-4:00 PM  Masterclass Workshops 
  • Fri., June 17        9:30 Am - Noon    Masterclass Workshops 
  • Fri., June 17        8 pm - 1:00 a.m.   Performance Jam - Ground Zero Blues Club 

    That’s a full few days! This was the second year of the program, and by Bob’s account, a tremendous success. There were fourteen kids attending, ten on guitar, and four on piano. The event took place at the Shack Up Inn and Hopson’s Commissary.

    A little history: anyone with any Blues knowledge whatsoever knows about Hopson’s Plantation and the many Blues legends who, at one time or another, picked cotton there. I was less certain about the Commissary, so I decided to do a little research. That was a few hours ago. I got steeped and lost in history. Here are a couple of wonderful excerpts regarding both the present use and historical use of the Commissary starting with a couple of paragraphs from Gary W. Miller © 2001, Gary W. Miller, Djgaryblues.com, (Appeared in Nov, 7 2001 issue of Blueswax.com)

    Saturday, June 18, 2011

    The Pinetop Perkins Foundation

    Pinetop Perkins was one of the last great Mississippi Bluesmen. He began playing blues around 1927 and is widely regarded as one of the best blues pianists.

    The Pinetop Perkins Foundation is a tax exempt non-profit organization. It's mission is to provide encouragement and support for youth and young people at the beginning of their musical career; and help provide care and safety for elderly musicians at the twilight of their career. 


    ~thepinetopperkinsfoundation.org~

    That’s a lofty and noble mission, and one in which I plan to become heavily involved. What’s not to admire about this foundation?

    As I sit here at my desk, early on a Saturday morning, I’m thinking about Austin Young and Jack Gaffney. Austin is 15 and Jack is 13. Last night they both played Clarksdale, MS’s renowned Ground Zero Blues Club®, famously co-owned by Academy Award® winning actor, Morgan Freeman. Not bad for a couple of Colorado teenagers.

    Here’s how this went down: shortly after Mr. Perkins’ passing, I was speaking with Foundation Board Member, Bob Margolin, about the mission and how I might become involved. Bob thought that I should speak with Board President and Pinetop’s long-time manager, Patricia “Pattop” Morgan, but to wait a few weeks until she had time to decompress from the funerals and breathe a little bit. So I did.

    Wednesday, June 15, 2011

    Jammin' In Greeley!

    The Colorado Blues Season is officially open!  Saturday was the seventh annual Greeley Blues Jam, the kick off festival, and they did it up right.  Even Mother Nature cooperated offering up perfect weather, with just enough cloud cover to keep it from getting too hot.  All the heat came from the performances.

    I entered the Arena to the frenzied energy of Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, and they raised a lot more than just hell.  Dwayne has arms like Big Bill Morganfield that dwarf the accordion, over which Mr. Dopsie has absolute dominion.  He’s also funny and enjoys a lot of playful audience interaction, keeping people dancing and laughing.  After their highly energized performance, I set out to find Dwayne to give him my card for the next time he comes through Colorado.  They would be a lot of fun at the Boulder Outlook, so we’re going to be talking in the next week.  It’s a good thing too, as throughout the course of the day, I ran into many of the Outlook’s regular supporters, and several inquired as to the possibility of booking these young men. 

    While I was backstage waiting for Dwayne, I ran into my friends, the Nighthawks.  We had a tremendously fun reunion which lasted most of the day.  Last month they took home a Best Acoustic Recording BMA for Last Train to Bluesville, so it was good to get the chance to congratulate them.  It’s a wonderful CD.

    Thursday, April 21, 2011

    The Blues Had A Grand Baby

    The title is obviously a paraphrase of Muddy’s famous quote, “The Blues had a baby, and they named it Rock and Roll.”  That phrase kept rolling around my head last night as I listened to the Cedric Burnside Project.  If Rock and Roll is the baby of the Blues, then Rap and Hip Hop are the grandkids.  And they were on stage together last night at the Boulder Outlook.  To take the theme even further, Cedric and baby brother Cody are the grandsons of Blues legend, R. L. Burnside, and they offer up all kinds of proof of their lineage.

    Cedric, or “Ced,” as his friends call him (and I’m now one!), is a triple threat: guitar, drums, and a voice that makes butter seem bitter.  The evening opened with the amazing one man wall of sound, John-Alex Mason, alone on guitar.  I’ve known John-Alex for a few years now, and yet this was the first time I’ve heard him alone on guitar.  He typically plays his solo gigs on guitar and drums simultaneously, creating the illusion of a full band, and with a voice that was made for singing the Blues.  I loved hearing him stripped down and raw last night.  And then he brought up a couple of friends.

    Thursday, March 31, 2011

    Lionel and Honey: A Friendship Tree

    Dear Readers,

    I give you fair and advanced warning: This is going to get mushy. I just got off the phone with Lionel Young, the first and only double International Blues Challenge Winner, and my friend. It was an inspiring discussion. As are most with him.

    He was returning a call I placed earlier to cover some business. Upon concluding said business, we did as we often do and spent some time chatting and catching up on the topical issues of life.

    Lionel and I are lucky, not only to be true friends, but to share a number of true friends, one of them being Bob Margolin. In light of the very recent passing of Pinetop Perkins, Lionel asked me tonight how Bob was doing. [Ed. Note: Since this is a Blues blog, I’m not going to explain that inquiry; Dear Reader knows.] Having had the pleasure of speaking with Bob earlier today, I was able to answer that question: Sad, moved, inspired, and as well as can be expected. We then spent several minutes in a Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin Fan Club Meeting. A lovely place to be. And a place we visit often during our phone chats. More on that club and membership requirements in a later post. 

    Wednesday, March 30, 2011

    Top of The World Blues

    Literally. Every year on the last full weekend of June, Winter Park, CO, is transformed into a Blues lover’s paradise. At 9000 feet above sea level, this June 24th opens the ninth year of Blues From the Top, another festival I WON’T miss. I know Telluride gets a lot of prestige and attention, but Winter Park is my favorite!

    Before I go on to the myriad ways in which this festival is the pride of Colorado, I offer some practical advice. I live in Boulder, which is around 5500 feet above sea level. I’ve been here for 12 years, so I’m acclimated to the altitude. Until I go to Winter Park. Those additional 3500 feet can be tough. However, a couple of years ago I discovered ChlorOxygen, a chlorophyll concentrate which increases oxygenation. Beginning three weeks before the big weekend, I start taking it daily. It really helps. I have no interest in the company, nor am I a paid spokesperson. I offer you this link to make it easier on anyone wanted to minimize the effects of altitude.

    Back to the Blues. From the Top. Although officially a two-day festival, it’s actually been three. In past years, things have kicked off Friday afternoon in the courtyard outside of Smokin’ Moe’s. Last year it was Curtis Salgado and Alan Hagar! Seriously! This year however, there will be a surprise in the park on Thursday, followed by concerts in the courtyard, so it’s now unofficially a four-day event.

    Tuesday, March 29, 2011

    The Festival Season Is Just Around The Corner

    Which means I’m on a diet. Summer clothes are simply too unforgiving of winter’s indulgences.

    Here in Colorado, The Greeley Blues Jam (link here) kicks off the Blues Festival season on the second Saturday in June every year. I have a five-year calendar, and that Saturday is marked off each year. I know where I’ll be. For June 11, 2011, they have once again secured a stellar line up:
    • Robert Randolph & The Family 
    • Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers 
    • The Nighthawks 
    • Trampled Under Foot 
    • Coco Montoya 
    • The North Mississippi Allstars 
    And that’s just main stage! Second stage always has great local and regional Blues acts as well, and adding the Blues 101 Youth Stage in the mix, well it’s a one-day festival that packs in two days of music. Very efficient. And not only that, but because there is an Event’s Center on the grounds, weather is not a factor. Last year was a deluge of rain, so the organizers got busy and moved everything over to the E.C., and we all enjoyed a great day of music and dry socks.

    Before the big day, however, is the Big Night. Every year, on the second Friday night in June, Greeley is the place to be. No exception this year:

    Greeley Blues Jam 2011 
    Downtown Friday Events, June 11
    9th St. Plaza & Surrounding Area

    FREE music all day and night!


    Tuesday, March 15, 2011

    Connecting The Stars

    A few years ago I learned about a wonderful charity called Blue Star Connection (BSC). And I connected. BSC puts musical instruments in the hands of critically ill children. Many of these kids can’t go out in public because of compromised immune systems, so they miss music lessons and being with their friends. Electric guitars and amps are the most popular. They’re easier to play, and these kids are often weakened by their treatment, so it’s a good match. BSC has placed keyboards, drums, tons of harmonicas, acoustic guitars, and even a saxophone (very expensive, but this one was donated). Unfortunately, there is always more demand than supply.

    Within weeks of my initial introduction to the organization, I held the first of what would become an annual fund-raiser. On my birthday. This December will be the fifth annual Honey Bee Birthday Blue Star Connection Benefit (that’s a lot of B’s).

    Sunday, March 6, 2011

    Memphis Maniphesto Complete

    Memphis Maniphesto
    The Characters:
    Lionel Young, violin/guitar/vocals
    Jay Forrest, drums/vocals
    Kim Stone, bass
    Andre Mali, trumpet
    Dexter Payne, Sax/harp
    Ricardo Pena, keys/guitar/vocals (not on the road trip part, is flying in and out, so he won’t make an appearance until the third act: “Memphis”)
    Honey Sepeda, cook/problem-solver/distraction/den mother
    ACT ONE: “Kansas”
    After a four-hour unscheduled detour involving a faulty tire on the rental van, we are now headed through the center of Kansas. It’s almost 8:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2011. It’s dark in the van, and Kim’s watching a movie, while Lionel is driving and trying to talk to me while I’m trying to write to you. Andre, of course, remains the saint of patience and is interceding on my behalf, sitting in the passenger seat, chatting with Lionel about music so I can work on this blogging business. Jay and Dexter are in Jay’s car just behind us. It’s already been an adventure, and we’re but nine hours into the journey.
    While temporarily stalled at a truck stop right at the entrance to Prairie Dog Town, between Colby and Oakley, Kansas, Jay pulled me aside and walked me a short way to show me, off in the distance, the world’s largest prairie dog. Well, just the head, but I saw it! No one else bothered. I guess not everyone is into fine art.

    Wednesday, February 9, 2011

    "...For The First Time In IBC History..."

    Those were the most beautiful words uttered on Saturday night. It’s when we knew

    Before I get to all the excitement, my apologies for this being so late. After the band finals, we raced home for the guys to change, then out to dinner, then back to Beale Street, then up Sunday for breakfast, packing, and a twenty-hour trip home. I’ve been off line. And now I have a cold.


    Ok, back to Saturday. As the guys went to the stage door to check in, Rose and I waited out in the cold for the box office to open, planning on purchasing tickets then going off somewhere on Beale St. for a coffee or something. However, after said purchase, we entered the lovely Orpheum Theater and saw the crowd. We amended our decision, found two seats, again within line of sight of the judges, and settled in for the next four and a half hours. It went by in a flash.


    Saturday, February 5, 2011

    The Finals!!!

    I’ll get to the suspense in a few, but the important news is the Lionel Young Band IS GOING TO THE FINALS!!! Only eight of the original 110 bands have advanced to the finals, and the LYB have more than earned their spot. And not only that, but Big Jim Adam and John Stilwagon are also going to the finals! Colorado is well represented.

    Saturday, February 5, 2011, 10:00 a.m., usual spot. I have to keep this brief as we have to be at the Orpheum Theater by 1:00 p.m.

    Lionel and Dexter went out last night, so Andre, Kim, Ricardo, Jay, Rose and I stayed here at the house, waiting for the announcement. The LYB played the New Daisy, a big room and perfect for their sound. All the acts were good, but Rose and I kept the judges table within line of sight, and all of them were table dancing and taking pictures by the LYB’s second number. The semifinals allow for a 30-minute set, and the guys took those extra five minutes and schooled the entire room. During that set, the judges gave them three standing ovations! Our guys OWNED that room.

    Friday, February 4, 2011

    Round Two

    ROUND TWO

    Thursday, February 3, 2011, 11:00 a.m., kitchen table.  Andre and I both sit here at our laptops, easing into the day. Jay is upstairs reading, Kim still asleep, while Lionel and Dexter lounge in their living room beds, talking about the day ahead.

    Again, we have to be at Club 152 for check in by 4:40, even though they aren’t scheduled to go on until 9:40. Today’s rehearsal is set for noon, and this will be the first one with Ricardo in a couple of weeks. Ricardo and his friend are staying one block over in the guest room of Barbara, a generous friend of Heidi’s, so logistics remain simple.

    Willie Panker is in town, playing with the New Orleans band, Lil’ Red and Big Bad. I didn’t see him last night, but we got to chat on the phone for a while. With all that’s been going on, I had completely forgotten my good friend is here. Their set is at the New Daisy at 7:55 tonight, so I should have time to head over there.

    Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin arrives tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see him. He plays both Friday and Saturday nights, and with all the others in town, well the choices are overwhelming: Trampled Under Foot, John Nemeth, Shawn Starski, Bob, etc. Fortunately the schedules for them are somewhat staggered, so I might be able to get to all.

    Wednesday, February 2, 2011

    Round One

    ROUND ONE

    Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 11:20 a.m., once again, Heidi’s kitchen table. Lionel and Dexter have headed to Beale Street to register the band and get the competition schedule. The worst-case weather scenario for St. Louis wasn’t realized, so we have hopes that Ricardo will get here in time. Not big hopes, but some...

    Heidi is out and the rest of the guys are in various rooms around the house, leaving me to some solitude while I get breakfast ready. I’ve peeled and diced potatoes, which are now cooking, and am waiting for Lionel and Dexter to return with the rest of the groceries for a complete breakfast. Yes, breakfast tends toward noonish with these guys. Another adjustment for me.

    Heidi just got back and informed us that she spoke with John-Alex Mason, who’s on his way to Memphis, and they are currently driving 30 miles per hour through Oklahoma because the roads are so bad. Fortunately, they’re not due here until tomorrow.

    Lionel just called. They’re scheduled tonight for 7:20 p.m. at Club 152. It will be extremely tight, but if Ricardo’s flight is on time and his rental car is at the ready, and the roads are clear...well, he might make it. If...

    Monday, January 31, 2011

    Memphis Maniphesto Part 1

    MY MEMPHIS MANIPHESTO

    The Characters:

    Lionel Young, violin/guitar/vocals
    Jay Forrest, drums/vocals
    Kim Stone, bass
    Andre Mali, trumpet
    Dexter Payne, Sax/harp
    Ricardo Pena, keys/guitar/vocals (not on the road trip part, is flying in and out, so he won’t make an appearance until the third act: “Memphis”)
    Heidi Knochenhauer, our Memphis hostess, friend, and bar-b-que guide
    Honey Sepeda, cook/problem-solver/distraction/den mother

    8:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2011. After a four-hour unscheduled detour involving a faulty tire on the rental van, we are now headed through the center of Kansas. It’s dark in the van, and Kim’s watching a movie, while Lionel is driving and trying to talk to me while I’m trying to write to you. Andre, of course, remains the saint of patience and is interceding on my behalf, sitting in the passenger seat, chatting with Lionel about music so I can work on this blogging business. Jay and Dexter are in Jay’s car just behind us. It’s already been an adventure, and we’re but nine hours into the journey.

    While temporarily stalled at a truck stop right at the entrance to Prairie Dog Town, between Colby and Oakley, Kansas, Jay pulled me aside and walked me a short way to show me, off in the distance, the world’s largest prairie dog. Well, just the head, but I saw it! No one else bothered. I guess not everyone is into fine art.

    Thursday, January 6, 2011

    Honey Bee Blues

    Hello Blues Fans,

    With a new year comes a new endeavor in my quest to spread the word about America's first original music genre. The Blues. For the last three and one half years I've been the author of a weekly Blues Letter for the Boulder Outlook Hotel's venue, Blues & Greens, one of the best live Blues venues ever! Ok, perhaps I'm biased, but I'm far from alone in that assessment. Now I'm hoping to reach a larger audience with my stories about a musical career I never saw coming.

    A bit of history. I began my love of the Blues when I was but a teenager. My brother, Kelly, and I had just moved to Washington, D.C. with our parents, and we headed out one evening to explore Georgetown, the section of the city in which we lived. While walking down Wisconsin Avenue, Kelly noticed a sign for the Bob Margolin Blues Band. Now, being a youngster with limited interest in music beyond the most popular, I had no idea who this guy was. Kelly informed me quickly that Bob Margolin played with Muddy Waters. Ok, more confession; I had no idea who Muddy was. Rather than explain, Kelly simply insisted we go in. Being as I wasn't too keen on walking the streets of a new city by my lonesome, I was pretty much without choice.

    Saturday, January 1, 2011

    MEMPHIS: COOPER-YOUNG

    The Characters:

    Lionel Young, violin/guitar/vocals
    Jay Forrest, drums/vocals
    Kim Stone, bass
    Andre Mali, trumpet
    Dexter Payne, Sax/harp
    Ricardo Pena, keys/guitar/vocals (not on the road trip part, is flying in and out, so he won’t make an appearance until the third act: “Memphis”)
    Honey Sepeda, cook/problem-solver/distraction/den mother
    Byron Cage, former drummer for Jason Ricci & New Blood
    Morris and Germaine, cat

    9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2011, Memphis. Heidi and I are sitting at her kitchen table drinking coffee, answering emails, and chatting softly while the lazy men sleep. A soft rain is falling, and not so soft snores resonate throughout the house.

    Built in 1922, Heidi’s house is beyond charming, cozy, and whimsical. It’s in mid-town Memphis in the Cooper-Young neighborhood. We arrived around 4:30 p.m. yesterday to a balmy 60 degrees. With the freezing cold of St. Louis behind us, we all felt weatherly blessed. After unloading, catching up with Heidi, and a quick glass of wine, Dexter, Kim, and I took off for a long walk around Cooper-Young. For my Colorado audience, I can say with full authority that this neighborhood could be dropped near downtown Boulder, and fit right in, socially, architecturally, and charmingly.