Beachstreet Pavilion @ 17th St., Virginia Beach, VA

“Keepin’ the Blues Alive in Hampton Roads Since 1984”

NATCHEL’ BLUES NETWORK

The official bi-monthly publication of The Natchel’ Blues Network, Inc.: a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Blues. AFFILIATE OF THE BLUES FOUNDATION

Recipient of 1998 KBA Award

“Blues Organization

of the Year”

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U.S. Postage

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Norfolk, VA

Permit #344

Volume 23 Number 6 November/December 2007 Norfolk, Virginia

BANDS THAT PLAY BLUES IN HAMPTON ROADS

Big Fun - Bruce Gray - 622-7235Black Rose Blues Band - JD Silvia - 523-4372Black White Blues - Carlton Newsome - 947-4669 Blues Empacts - Bill Kelly - (757) 229-9672Blues Xchange - Tommy Parker - 498-3545Bryan Dunn & Co. - Bryan Dunn - 631-8790C-Street - John B. Holt - 722-8616dc3 - Dave Coghill - 463-2384DOAD - Ted Doty - 486-9740Eddie Level - Lloyd Jones - 418-1910Fat Tony - Sandy Martin - 406-2425Freeborn Blues Band - Dan Lubertazzi - 872-8580 Fully Loaded - Johnny Ray Light - (757) 719-3271HammerHead Blues - Phil Branton - 483-1350H.M. Johnson Band - Carlton Lillard - 547-4506Incognito Brothers - Ron Parker - 481-6425John Baldwin Group - John Baldwin - 735-4409Michael Clark Band - Michael Clark - 533-3088Mojo X - Lloyd Jones - 418-1910M.S.G.-The Acoustic Blues Trio - Jackie Merritt - 722-5811Nasty Phat - Mono Lee - 235-2725Rag Hat Blew - Fletcher Harrell - 587-4846Rhythm Kings - Mike Coghill - 460-6414Right Time for the Blues - Reggie Barber - 237-6920Rylo - Gabriel Baesen - 729-4660Shakedown - Howard Anby - 566-3770Shelly Craig-Potter - 546-1528Sweet Papa & the Too Hot Blues Crew - Ernie Williams - 855-7461T-Ford 2 Blues Project - Teaford Webber - 287-8784The Janitors - Danny Morgan - 437-4419Tim Morgan & the Mojo Brothers - Tim Morgan - 875-0447

If I’ve missed anybody or need to update some information, e-mail bluzq@hotmail.com with subject as “Band List.”

ANNUAL TAX DEDUCTIBLE MEMBERSHIP DUES:INDIVIDUAL $20 FAMILY $30 CORPORATE $100

Please return this membership application with your check or money order to: Membership, Natchel’ Blues Network, P.O. Box 1773, Norfolk, VA 23501-1773. Dues are for the period of one

calendar year, starting with your application date. Thank you for supporting the blues!

20 Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org

Natchel’ Blues Network, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to promoting blues as a true American art form. Your annual contribution puts you on our mailing list for the newsletter/calendar and notices of special NBN events and meetings. If you enjoy blues music and/or play blues music, please join the NBN! Become an NBN Member = Receive discounts at area businesses on food, entertainment and musical merchandise! (Discounts applicable only when presenting valid NBN Membership Card.) Please support your local blues organization!

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NBN is sponsored in part by The City of Hampton and the Hampton Arts Commission, TNCC Cultural Affairs,Virginia Commission for the Arts, & the City of Virginia Beach through the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.

PLUS More on Pages 10-11

TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL!

14th Annual Blues at the Beach Festival Wrap-Up

Blues Birthdays NOVEMBER DECEMBER1 Sippie Wallace2 Mark Wenner3 Sonny Rhodes 4 James Peterson5 Ike Turner6 Rory Block8 Bonnie Raitt9 Linda Hopkins Susan Tedeschi10 Wilbert “Big Chief” Ellis Bobby Rush11 Sippie Wallace Mose Allison LaVern Baker12 Bukka White13 Blue Lu Barker John Hammond Jr.14 Carey Bell Buckwheat Zydeco15 Anson Funderburgh16 W.C. Handy Hubert Sumlin19 Chris Cain21 Mac (Dr. John) Rebennack22 Angela Strehli23 R.L. Burnside24 Rosa Henderson Donald “Duck” Dunn25 Jimmy Johnson Jerry Portnoy26 Tina Turner27 Jimi Hendrix29 Lucille Hegamin John Mayall30 Robert Nighthawk Brownie McGhee Smokin’ Joe Kubek Mike Morgan

1 Lou Rawls4 Larry Davis Little Jimmy King5 Sonny Boy Williamson II7 Johnny Mars8 Henry Johnson9 Junior Wells10 Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones11 Big Mama Thornton12 Joe Williams13 Wayne Bennett Robert Covington Lurrie Bell Lucky Peterson17 James Booker Paul Butterfield18 Peg Leg Sam Pee Wee Crayton Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson Lonnie Brooks Rod Piazza19 Professor Longhair Cornell Dupree21 Peetie Wheatstraw Walter “Wolfman” Washington22 Lil Green23 Rosco Gordon Esther Phillips24 Dave Bartholomew25 Tampa Red Little Richard Joe Louis Walker27 Matt “Guitar” Murphy Tracy Nelson28 Johnny Otis30 Bo Diddley31 Odetta

Sept. 14-16, 2007

Photos by Shar Wolff

Debbie Davies & Janiva Magness

Michael Burks

14th ANNUAL BLUES

AT THE BEACH FESTIVAL

WRAP-UP

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

COMPETITION WINNERS

TATE’S VINTAGE

ViGNETTES

INTERVIEW WITH

FIONA BOYES

THE BLUE HIGHWAY

DVD/CD REVIEWS

BLUES CALENDAR

SEEN AROUND TOWN

BLUES BITS

AND MORE

CD WINNERS

NBN DrawingOnce a month we will draw the name

of a new/renewing member for a FREE CD

September – Katherine & Jim DiCroccoOctober – Robert (Bob) G. O’Neal

192 Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

(757) 495-8506 (757) 495-0961Providence Square Shopping Center

Virginia Beach, VA 23464

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Only $10!Maximum 25-30 words

Contact Beth Jarock at (757) 623-8559 or bluesbet@infionline.net

Where U can Hear the BLUESWHRV 89.5 FM Blues Stage with Melvin Van Peebles Thursday @ Midnight

Out of the Box with Paul Shugrue Monday-Thursday 7-9 pm, Sat. 1-5 pm

A Shot of the Blues with Paul Shugrue Friday 10 pm-midnight Blues Before Sunrise with Steve Cushing Sunday 1-6 am

WHOV 88.1 FM Nothin’ But the Blues Wednesday 7-10 pm

WESR 103.3 FM Blues Review with Billy Sturgis (VA Eastern Shore) Wednesday 8-9 pm

WFOS 88.7 FM Who’s Got the Blues with Richie Babb 3rd Sunday of month 4-7 pm Blues Traffic Jam Monday-Friday 3-7 pm

JOHN NEMETHMagic TouchBlind Pig Records BPCD 5109www.blindpigrecords.comwww.johnnemethblues.com

Wow! What a CD this is. John Nemeth not only plays a killer harmonica but also has a silky smooth voice that will have you saying, “Who is this again?” Think

of Robert Cray and John Fogerty and you have an idea. Nemeth hails from Boise, Idaho, where his first exposure to music was singing in the Catholic Church. He began playing with the Junior Watson band in 2002, then filled in for Sam Myers with Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets.

On this effort Nemeth is backed by his old pals, guitar greats Junior Watson and Anson Funderburgh (who also produced the CD). Other featured artists include: Ronni James Webber on Fender Bass, Eric Przygocki on acoustic bass, John Calhoun Stree on piano and organ, Wes Starr on drums, Mark Kazinoff and John Mills on saxophone, and Al Gomez on trumpet.

It all starts with a cool rendition of Junior Wells’ “Blue Hit Big Town.” “Blue Broadway” follows with a classic R&B sound. The title song “Magic Touch” comes up next and just plain rocks out. Acoustic lovers will appreciate the cut “She Did Not Show” about a groom getting jilted at the altar. The most humorous song is “You’re An Angel” about a lover who is wreaking havoc on his life. I love the line “Doin’ a good job, baby.” You may also recognize a reworking of the Willie Dixon song “Sit and Cry the Blues.”

TOMMY CASTROPainkillerBlind Pig Records BPCD 5111www.blindpigrecords.comwww.tommycastro.com

San Francisco native Tommy Castro has assembled a nice lineup of musicians to help him on his latest release entitled Painkiller. Randy MacDonald on bass, Keith Crossan on saxophone, and drummer Chris Sandoval anchor

the sessions. Special guests include: Coco Montoya (guitar & vocals), Angela Strehli (piano & vocals), David Maxwell (piano), Teresa James (piano & vocals), and Tom Poole (trumpet & flugelhorn). Together these artists combine a mesmerizing blend of rock, Memphis soul, and good ol’ blues.

This is a great CD for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Castro is on top of his game as a guitarist. You can hear so many of his influences: Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, B.B. King, and Buddy Guy, just to name a few. But over and above that, it’s just the way all the instruments come together. I love the horn lines on many of the tracks. There is piano on almost every track that really adds some nice rhythms, too. The title cut “Painkiller” is to me the most exciting track. “Big Sister’s Radio” has an old-timey swing beat that makes it impossible not to tap your foot. Albert Collins’ classic “A Good Fool Is Hard To Find” is where Coco Montoya helps out on both guitar & vocals. The pace changes when it comes to “Err On The Side Of Love” (which sounds like a soulful Bonnie Raitt song) and “Lonesome and Then Some.” Both are very soul-oriented love songs.

AL BASILEGroovin’ in the Mood RoomSweetspot Records SWP6602www.albasile.com

Al Basile is a multi-talented individual. He is a vocalist, cornet player, published poet, and songwriter. All of his skills come together on this one CD. He is joined by his old friend, guitarist Duke Robillard, whom he has written songs for and played trumpet for during his Roomful of Blues days. Also contributing on this

effort are: Marty Ballou on electric bass, Mark Teixiera on drums, Bruce Bears on organ, and Doug James on tenor sax.

You might think from the outset that any CD that features Duke Robillard as a guitarist, pianist, and producer can’t be bad. And you would be right in this case. It starts off with the “Mustang Sally”- like “I Got to Be the Boss.” Then it’s on to “How Much Better (Better Can Get)” which really sound like vintage Thunderbirds stuff. “She’s on the Mainline” features Basile on the cornet and James on the tenor sax. It’s the only cut with horns, which leaves you wanting more. “Your Rights” has a rare treat. It contains the only recorded piano solo in Robillard’s illustrious career. “Coffee and Cadillacs” gets its title from Chuck Berry’s “Nadine” and is about having the wool pulled over your eyes by a low-life record executive. Another rarity occurs on the last song, “You Satisfy”… Robillard supplies backup vocals.

Overall, this is a great CD. Al Basile has an easy voice to listen to, and Duke Robillard’s guitar work is always top notch.

CD Reviews

Reservation deadline: 6 weeks prior to publication date. Copy deadline: 5th of the month prior to publication date.

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Graphic Info Jackie Merritt (757) 722-5811

FAX 722-5811

Membership and Volunteer InformationNatchel’ Blues Network

P.O. Box 1773Norfolk, VA 23501-1773

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please contactBill Cann at tucannsbill@verizon.net

By Jack Campbell

Beginning Harmonica Lessonsplease contact Jackie Merritt

(757) 722-5811

NEW ORLEANS BUS TRIP WITH

THE MICHAEL CLARK BAND FEATURING TRACY CLARK

Leaving Tidewater the night of Dec. 26, returning the morning of Dec. 30. The band will be performing on Bourbon Street on Dec. 28. $375 per person

includes bus/hotel/escorted tour of the city/donation to Musicians Village in New Orleans.

Call 418-0337 for details!

BOBBY “BLACKHAT” WALTERSYou Changed Your Mind Again 2007 Independent

It isn’t often that a person gets a chance to write a review of a CD put out by a musician they have not just heard play live, but actually know personally. I have gotten to know Bobby “BlackHat” Walters through the Natchel’ Blues Network. I’ve heard

him play and sing at a number of fundraiser jams and in Williamsburg where he and Tommy Parker had a Wednesday night gig at The Backfin Restaurant this past summer.

It was there I first heard a number of the songs on this CD like the title song, “You Changed Your Mind Again,” “Put On Your Red Shoes,” “Please Give Me a Clue,” and “Nursery Rhyme Shuffle.” I especially like “I Hear Mama’s Voice” and “Grim Reaper,” with its ominous guitar riff.

I’m continually impressed and amazed by his tasteful playing, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, and smooth singing style. I could probably compare Bobby to few bluesmen past and present, like Sonny Boy Williamson, whose song “Help Me” Bobby covers on this CD, but that would be a disservice to him and his unique talent so I won’t even try. Buy this CD and decide for yourself. Bobby BlackHat is the man!!

LOCAL BLUES BANDS

NBN MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

BLUES BIRTHDAYS

18 3

6

5SEEN AROUND TOWN

BLUES CALENDAR

9INTERVIEW WITH

FIONA BOYES

12BLUES BITS

TATE’S VINTAGE VIGNETTES

14NBN NEW MEMBERS

& RENEWALS

15

BLUES HEAVEN

CD REVIEWS

20

8

ATTUCKS THEATRE BLUES

MUSIC SERIES

Words from the PRESIDENT

19WHERE U CAN HEAR

THE BLUES

7

Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

VOLUNTEER THANK YOU

SHOW REVIEWS

17-19

10-1114TH ANNUAL BLUES AT

THE BEACH FESTIVAL WRAP-UP

(757) 722-5811

NATCHEL’ BLUES NETWORK, INC.P.O. Box 1773

Norfolk, VA 23501-177324 Hour Blues Hotline:

(757) 456-1675

BLUES NEWSPublished bi-monthly by

the NBN, Inc. 2007

BLUES NEWSThe official publication of the

Natchel’ Blues Network, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, run by

volunteers dedicated to promoting the blues as America’s one true musical art form.

BLUES NEWS EDITORBeth Jarock

LAYOUT & DESIGN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cathy Dixson, Bruce Kincaid,Alan Kurzer & Shar Wolff

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jack Campbell, Bill van Elburg, Cynthia Horen, Beth Jarock, Mark Johnson, Alan Kurzer,

Jackie Merritt & Gary Tate

2007 NBN BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

Bill van Elburg, PresidentWilliam Bond, Vice President

Lorena Rice, TreasurerBeverly Levinson, Secretary

Georganne Fischer, Bruce Kincaid, Jackie Merritt, Rudy Norman,

Ernie Williams, Gregory Williams, & Shar Wolff

BOOKKEEPERMartha O’Berry

WEBMASTERJeff Miller

The views & opinions expressed in this publication by individual writers are not necessarily the opinions of NBN or Blues News. The staff

cannot guarantee the return of submitted material.

GRAPHICS & MUSIC

JACKIE MERRITT

MALKUM GIBSON & THE MIGHTY JUKEIt’s Gonna Be AlrightWhata’ Records/Bent-Note Music 2007 (010)www.handlebarproductions.com

What would you like? Reason I ask is, pick a blues style and it is represented on this disc with a rare combination of joyful musicianship and a sheer love of the blues that aurally is a thing of beauty.

Front man and blues harpist extraordinaire, Malkum Gibson, and band The Mighty Juke, serve up 12-courses of the juiciest, meatiest blues originals and covers this side of a Memphis rib joint. First course is Muddy Waters’ “Cross Eyed Cat,” followed by the Gibson original “Bow Legged Women” and “Victim of Fate,” written and sung by the band’s solid bassist John Hack, who along with Jake “The Snake” Shumaker on drums, anchors the rhythm department. Gibson and the boys trot out one song after another in quick succession to get you up for the party. So let’s party!

“Bonita,” a Bo Diddley-inspired original by Rob Cole, who masterfully handles guitar and slide duties for the band, segues into John Lee Hooker’s “Me and My Woman” to “Just One Roll,” another Gibson original. Sonny Terry’s “Tater Pie,” “Blue Light Boogie” by Taj Mahal, the traditional “St. James Infirmary,” and Tommy McClennan’s “Cross Cut Saw.” Hope you left room for dessert. The CD wraps with Malkum’s title song “It’s Gonna Be Alright.” And ya know somethin’? With bands like Malkum Gibson & The Mighty Juke out there, it is gonna be alright!

THE HOLMES BROTHERSState of GraceAlligator Records ALCD 4912www.alligator.com

Your first big mistake would be to try to pigeonhole these guys. Are they blues? Are they country? Are they gospel? Are they R&B? The answer is yes. Yes! The Holmes Brothers are all these… and more. They are, simply put, Music. They are Music in its purest, deepest sense; an expression of the human spirit. This

Middlesex County, Virginia group comprised of Wendell and Sherman Holmes on guitar and bass respectively and Popsy Dixon on drums (contributing beautiful falsetto vocals), ranges far and wide with their play list on this follow up to 2004’s Simple Truths.

Whether channeling Hank Williams (“I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”) or delivering an amazingly eclectic selection of songs from the likes of Lyle Lovett, John Fogerty, Allan O’Bryant and Bill Monroe, George Jones and Johnny Mathis, Rick Nielsen to the iconic “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” by Nick Lowe, The Holmes Brothers serve it all up with a great big slice of their own simple truth. The Holmes Brothers are at their bluest on their original tunes “Smiling Face Hiding a Weeping Heart,” “Gasoline Drawers,” “Close the Door” and “Standing In The Need Of Love,” co-written by Wendell and Angel Acevedo.

Interpreting the music of others or playing their own compositions, this trio will take you there. It may not be Heaven, but you’ll be able to see the other side. Buy this album and don’t ever miss them in concert.

CD Reviews 4-5BATTLE OF THE BANDS

COMPETITION WINNERS

THE BLUE HIGHWAY

16

By Bill “Big Dog” van Elburg

MARIE KNIGHTLet Us Get TogetherM.C. Records M.C. 0058www.mc-records.com

I can’t put down this CD. It’s in my car, on my stereo, and now on my computer. Especially since it has an enhanced black & white video of Marie Knight talking about her life on the road and her musical influences.

To be honest, I had never heard of Marie Knight although I’ve been listening to her on Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s albums. She was the singing partner, songwriter and performing partner with Rosetta Tharpe for over 22 years. She also has recorded with The Holmes Brothers, the Dixie Hummingbirds, and many other legendary blues/gospel artists.

This CD, with piedmont-style guitar player and producer Larry Campbell, takes the music beyond being a tribute to Rev. Gary Davis. Campbell truly holds Davis up as the genius. Having studied Davis, he is an expert on Rev. Gary Davis material and can play Davis’ songs note for note. Campbell’s playing is tasteful and clean, never stepping on the vocals or getting in the way. The songs are fresh and energizing. Campbell and Knight get inside the songs, and because of that the music fills your soul and spirit. Songs include “I Feel Like Going Home,” “12 Gates to the City,” “You Got to Move,” “I’ll Fly Away” and the title track, “Let Us Get Together.”

There are twelve tracks total and every one a gem. If you don’t have this CD, get it! In my opinion, it should receive a W.C. Handy a.k.a. Blues Music Award.

VARIOUS ARTISTSCrucial Acoustic BluesAlligator Records ALCD 124www.alligator.com

There have been many of these Crucial Blues CDs: Crucial Guitar, Crucial Harmonica, Crucial Slide Guitar and many more. Which, by the way, have all been good. At least the ones I’ve heard. So, I was glad to see Crucial Acoustic Blues

because some of my favorite acoustic artists are included: Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Saffire-the Uppity Blues Women, John Jackson, Cephas & Wiggins…and that’s only half the talent on this CD. All the selections on this 13-track CD are stellar. Alligator has a big house of acoustic blues performers, so to have most of them on one CD is exciting.

DAVE RILEY AND BOB CORRITORETravelin’ the Dirt Road Blue Witch Records BWR 104www.bluewitchrecords.com

This duo of seasoned musicians has been together only three years. But they’ve both been playing for years with legendary performers like Robert Lockwood Jr., Henry Gray, Jimmy Rogers and many, many more. Bob Corritore has 24 appearances on other folk’s

CDs, always being called on by the best to play harmonica on their projects. Dave Riley, the vocalist and guitar player, has that raw Mississippi voice and guitar style. With Bob you hear more of the Chicago influences of Little Walter in his playing. Together they make an interesting combination. The CD demonstrates the rich songwriting of Riley. He wrote seven of the nine songs, and a close friend wrote the other two. Riley and Corritore play powerful, down-home blues firmly rooted in the Chicago and Mississippi styles. I like what these guys are doing and I know this will not be their last project together.

13DVD REVIEW

Jackie “SugarLips” Merritt

So there I was, peeking behind a curtain at some weird little guy thinking I’d probably never see Kansas again, and bam! Mr. President? Mr. President?!

There’s no place like home! There’s no place like home! Darn, guess it doesn’t work when you’re wearing red Converse high tops. Don’t look at me like that. You can just forget about those ruby slippers… or red shoes. Whatever!

Anyway, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. In the same way I plan to stick to the job of working with the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and membership of the Natchel’ Blues Network to help continue growing NBN into the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier blues organization.

I have many pairs of very big shoes to fill in that regard and I feel very humble when I think of all that has been accomplished by this amazing group of people since 1984. We have so much going for us thanks to those who over the years have chosen to take on leadership roles or simply volunteered their time and energy to help staff the various events that NBN sponsors each year.

To them, and all of you, I want to say, “thank you”! Thank you for joining NBN. Thank you for supporting our activities with your participation. Thank you for giving of yourselves as volunteers. You, and your efforts on behalf of the Natchel’ Blues Network are appreciated and your reward, as always, is great music, a great time and a great group of friends.

Peace, BDBill “Big Dog” van Elburg

President

CD Reviews

NBN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

MEETING & HOLIDAY PARTY

TBA

Gary Primich 1958-2007Gary Primich, considered by many to be one of the greatest harmonica players in the world, passed away suddenly on September 23rd. Not only is this the loss of a world-class talent, but also of a true world-class person. Offstage, Gary

was a caring and gentle soul — a real Regular Joe of the best kind. Onstage he played with a ferocity and indescribable sound that was often mind-blowing. He’d say Thank You to his fans then quickly change the subject because he didn’t want it to be all about him. He loved animals, he loved people, he loved music and he loved life. Gary’s career sent him around the world, traveling thousands and thousands of miles for his love of music. He passed away unexpectedly, and the cause of death was unknown at this writing.

4 17Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

CD ReviewsGINA SICILIAAllow Me To ConfessSwing Nation Records SNCD388007www.ginasicilia.com

It’s hard to believe that singing powder keg, Gina Sicilia, has been out there working her vocal pipes for eighteen years. Considering that she’s only twenty-one, this Philly native has been wailing since age three. Her parents brought her around to ‘50s/’60s and doo-

wop musical styles. As a young teen, hearing musical icon Bobby “Blue” Bland focused her to the pure strength of soul and blues. With years of coffee house and club dates behind her, Sicilia has authored eight powerful songs on her new CD produced by 2007 BMA nominated artist, Dave Gross.

With Sicilia’s original vision, this musically diverse outing takes shape, blending layered horns to achieve an authentic R&B vibe throughout. Master harmonica ace Dennis Gruenling throws in his own jazz-induced chromatic harp lines on the minor blues “One of Many,” as it spotlights Sicilia’s gritty, ragtime-flavored vocals relating the sad tale of the “shy young girl from Chicago.” Oh, it’s quite a ‘50s rocking party when Sicilia boldly proclaims, “I Ain’t Crazy,” while Gross’ Delta-drenched electric guitar paints inspiring runs around the grooved-out sax and trumpet wizards. The gospel-tinged gem “When My Ship Comes In” features some of Sicilia’s most potent vocals to date.

Not to slight either Bonnie Raitt or Susan Tedeschi, who she’ll be often compared to, Sicilia’s initial pulse-pounding Allow Me To Confess finds an emotionally supercharged vocalist whose energy, style and experience belie her young age.

DEBBIE DAVIES Blues Blast Telarc Blues CD 83669www.telarc.com

Los Angeles-raised, Strat-wielding, singer/songwriter Debbie Davies actually had a musical pedigree growing up. An offspring of two busy musicians, her father was an arranger for Ray Charles and had worked sessions with Pearl Bailey and Frank Sinatra. In 1984 Davies snagged the guitar slot in an all-female outfit led by the wife

of British blues great John Mayall. Fast forward to 1988. Davies was enlisted for a three-year run as legendary blues picker Albert Collins’ lead guitarist, and he featured her on his 1991 Grammy-nominated recording Iceman.

With one funky rhythm attack leveled by bassist Rod Carey and drummer Per Hanson, the shuffling instrumental “A.C. Strut” delivers left-handed tone-master Coco Montoya, who wangs, bangs and energizes the creative fire under Davies’ Fender guitar. She tears into a Texas via Mississippi vibrato-soaked solo, stoking the comparisons with her late guitar guru, bandleader Collins. The energetic, postwar-leaning blues “Sittin’ and Cryin’” spotlights harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite’s Chicago-style harp breakdown, as Montoya’s six-string volleys with Davies’ gutsy singing and solid guitar workouts. John Lee Hooker’s “Crawling King Snake” takes Louisiana vet Tab Benoit’s super grit vocals and laces his bending guitar lines alongside Davies’ guitar blasts.

With nine invigorating blues saturated solo releases over the last 15 years, including a W.C. Handy-nominated joint effort with Stevie Ray Vaughan alumni, Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton, Davies’ nine-song audio assault Blues Blast features three musical friends with their roots anchored deep in Louisiana, Delta and Chicago blues styles.

BILLY BOY MISKIMMINBilly Boy Comes CleanZed Records ZCD1007www.myspace.com/billyboymiskimmin Irish singer/songwriter and blues harp player Billy Boy Miskimmin got his main musical spark in 1987 after another Belfast native bluesman, Jim Daly, called him up to sit in with his band. Following that motivating moment, Miskimmin formed his

first outfit, Black and Blue Jam. He moved on in 1995 to fill Mark Feltham’s vacating harmonica slot in the South London-based Nine Below Zero. He was such a huge fan of NBZ and focused his harp mastery on their recordings Refrigerator and Give Me No Lip Child. In 2003 Miskimmin joined ‘60s rock luminaries, The Yardbirds, adding his background vocals and great harp riffing to their recently released Live at B.B. King’s Blues Club.

With former NBZ bandmates Brendan O’Neill and Dennis Greaves on drums and guitar/bass respectively, Miskimmin proves that it’s “Déjà Vu All Over Again.” Greaves’ slide rumblings, O’Neill’s percussive attack, and Miskimmin’s brash singing and Little Walter-phrased harmonica lines lean more into J.Geils Band, pop/blues territory. The blues/rocking “One More Time” takes off on one tribal tom-tom meltdown, incorporating jangling guitars and Miskimmin’s harp blasts and emotionally charged vocals. Weaving a web of six-string vibe in the background, the funk/blues of “I Don’t Yet Know” features Miskimmin and Greaves on call & response harp/guitar workouts. While he continues touring worldwide with The Yardbirds, adding his spirited showmanship to their already energetic live act, Miskimmin’s aggressive new release, Billy Boy Comes Clean, opens his considerable talents to a whole new audience.

By Alan Kurzer

Duo WINNERSBobby BlackHat

& Larry B

Band WINNERSThe Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark

NBN “Battle of the Bands” WINNERS Blues Heaven

Judges: Richie Babb, Jeff Maisey, Ann Rabson & Paul Shugrue

SponsorsJewish Mother -

Donated Location and T- Shirts

AL& M - Backline

Guitar Center - Squire Fender Guitar

Moe’s Music - $50. Gift Certificate

Alpha Music - T- Shirts

Alan Kurzer won the grand prise raffle Fender Guitar, presented by Jackie Merritt

Thank You to the Musicians, Judges, Scotty Miller and the staff at the

Jewish Mother, NBN Volunteers and all the Music Store Sponsors.

Photos by Bruce Kincaid

Oct. 6, 2007 Jewish Mother

Scotty Miller and NBN Volunteer Coordinator Rudy Norman

Shar Wolff with the parents of American Idol Chris Richardson

16 5Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

In August I flew to Portland, OR for a week to conduct some business. Those of you that understand my motivations know that I like to combine business with pleasure…or shall we say business with monkey business. And why not? Life is short.

My friend Kevin Selfe, who I know from blues jams here in Virginia, moved out to Portland last January. When I told him I’d be out there for a whole week, he quickly put together an itinerary for me for every night of the week. My plan was this: I’d work a full day, catch a cat nap back at the hotel, and then rally for the appointed rendezvous with Kevin. Before I go into my full report, let me set the tone. Portland is a very beautiful city. It has a very European flair to it. Part of the appeal is due in large part to the weather. It only gets hot for a few days in the summer. Humidity is almost non-existent. Yes, it does drizzle for nine months of the year, but snow and sub-freezing temperatures are rare. Summer starts typically in July and lasts through mid-October or so. Are you getting the picture? People like living there! Think of Portland as a bullpen of world-class musicians. Any bandleader that needs a blues musician to go on tour with them can find a passel of able-bodied participants right there.

Of the places I played and listened, let me narrow down the two best:Duff ’s Garage - Located in SE Portland’s industrial area, Duff’s Garage looks like it was an old auto repair facility. If you can only make it to one jam, let it be this one on Wednesday nights. Host Suburban Slim a.k.a. Phil Wagner is the man to talk to right after he sets the place ablaze with his fierce guitar work during the first set. Coincidentally, the Cascade Blues Association has a monthly meeting right down the street also on Wednesday nights. If you go on those nights you may not get up, but you’ll hear top-tier entertainment on a low budget. Other nights are not so crowded and Phil will do his best to get you up on stage. He has a reputation for putting the right people together on stage. Local guitar hero Marco Savo joins Phil on bass. Marco has such a refreshing attitude about music and gigging. He teaches guitar to help further young players. His first love is guitar, but he plays bass because Portland is long on guitarists but short on “beat keepers.” He says it’s easier to land a gig as a bass player and hire a guitarist than the other way around. Also at Duff’s Garage on Tuesday nights is the Dover Weinberg Quartet, whose name sounds like a stuffy jazz group, but play lots of different styles of music with a healthy dose of the blues. The night I was there they had Alan Hager on guitar and Dave “long distance” Kahl on bass, two of the best in the business. Dave used to play with Paul DeLay, and now tours with Fiona Boyes.

Stein Haus - Located in a part of town that you wouldn’t want to spend much time in, Stein Haus hosts the second best jam in town. Stein Haus is the quintessential “hole in the wall” kind of joint. A real blues bar; no more, no less. Sunday night’s jam is hosted by Ashbolt Stewart of the Bolt Upright Blues Band. Ash is a really nice guy if you don’t start hitting on his bass player. Yeah, that’s his girlfriend, dude. He’ll do everything in his power to get you some playing time. Also at Stein Haus on Friday nights are Jim Wallace & the Haus Cats. This is not a jam but Jim’s standing gig. Jim is one of the best harp players in town (along with Curtis Salgado, Lynnann Hyde and Bill Rhoades.) The Haus Cats feature Jimi Bott on drums (yeah, that Jimi Bott, of The Fabulous Thunderbirds fame), and A.C. Porter on guitar, with Kevin Selfe and Dave Kahl sitting in occasionally.

Other venues of interest (but not thoroughly checked out) are:Trail’s End Saloon in Oregon City, OR (Went one night to listen to an all-star line-up. Great tunes, neat old place.)Out of the Blues in Tualatin, OR (Got there too late on a slow night.)Candlelight Café in Portland (Got to play there one night a few years back. Very nice.)Cascade Bar & Grill in Vancouver, WA (Saw Curtis Salgado & Alan Hager play.)Tillicum Lounge in Beaverton, ORLefty’s Blues Club in Salem, OR

One essential piece of information before you go is the website for the Cascade Blues Society: http://www.cascadeblues.org/index.html

Keep the blues alive,

Jack Campbell

The Blue Highway

Travelin’ Blues: Portland, OR

FUNDRAISING BLUES JAM

Help send our Battle of the Bands winnersto the International Blues Challenge in

Memphis!

Natchel’ Blues Network will hold a Blues Jam at Goodfellas on Nov. 4th from 3-8 pm. This is a fundraising jam. The winners of our Battle of the Bands, Bobby BlackHat & Larry B and The Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark, will be the host bands. We are raising money to send them to Memphis to compete with other solo/duo acts & blues bands from national & international Affiliated Blues Societies of The Blues Foundation.

2008 INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE

For the 24th year, blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation presents the International Blues Challenge beginning January 31 and continuing February 1-2, 2008 in Memphis, TN. The world’s largest gathering of blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations for the Blues Band and Blues Solo/Duo most deserving of taking their act to the international stage. In 2007, over 90 bands and 60 solo/duo acts from 34 states and 8 countries competed. Even greater participation is expected in 2008, as musicians and fans fill the clubs up and down Beale Street beginning at 5:00pm for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday and at the Band finals (1:00pm) and the Solo/Duo finals (7:30pm) at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday.

Also, the FedEX Forum and Memphis Grizzlies are getting into the act. On Wednesday, January 30, there will be a Memphis Grizzlies v. Denver Nuggets NBA Basketball game at FedEx Forum behind Beale with special discounts and IBC acts performing throughout the venue.

The IBC has evolved into the world’s biggest and most respected showcase for blues musicians ready to move beyond their regional base. Acts play a short set for a panel of judges who score them on an established set of criteria. Blues acts may not enter the challenge directly but rather each of The Blues Foundation’s 165 affiliates has the right to sponsor one band and one solo/duo act. Accordingly, those who make it to Memphis are already the best of the best.

The IBC weekend gets an early kickoff Wednesday, January 30 with a Meet & Greet hosted by the Beale Street Merchants Association at the New Daisy Theater and the performance of multiple IBC participants at the FedEx Forum during the Memphis Grizzlies v. Denver Nuggets NBA game. In addition to the evening blues competition, the days are filled with seminars and workshops and topped off in a moving Saturday morning brunch in which the blues community will honor its own with the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards that honor the men and women who have made significant contributions to the blues music world in 20 categories such as journalism, literature and photography, and to the best clubs and festivals, as well as managers, promoters and producers.

Throughout the week, The Blues Foundation will be sponsoring Blues in the Schools programming featuring Gary Allegretto, Spencer Bohren and the duo of James Nixon and Shannon Williford in elementary and middle schools in the Greater Memphis area, as well as special presentations for children facing a wide range of physical or emotional disadvantages.

Media Sponsors include XM Satellite Radio, House of Blues Radio Hour, Big City Rhythm and Blues, Blues Festival Guide, Blues Revue, BluesWax, Downtowner magazine, Living Blues and WREG-TV.

The 24th International Blues Challenge is sponsored by ArtsMemphis, bandVillage, Beale Street Merchants Association, Budweiser and its local distributor, D.Canale Beverages, FedEx, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sonicbids, T. Clifton Art and XM Satellite Radio.

The list of blues artists who participated in the International Blues Challenge over the years includes: Susan Tedeschi, Michelle Wilson, Michael Burks, Tommy Castro, Albert Cummings, Larry Garner, Richard Johnston, Fiona Boyes, Slick Ballinger, Zac Harmon, Diunna Greenleaf and Matthew Skoller, among many others.

The International Blues Challenge and Keeping the Blues Alive Awards are produced by The Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization established to preserve blues history, celebrate blues excellence, support blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. The Foundation consists of a worldwide network of 150 affiliated blues societies and has individual memberships spanning the globe.

For more information (including hotel) and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.blues.org or call 901.527.2583. Contact Information: Jay Sieleman, Executive Director, The Blues Foundation 901-527-2583 x 12 Email: jay@blues.org

Photos by Alan Kurzer

SEEN AROUND TOWN

War @ Hampton Bay Days 9/8

Toshihivo Sumitomo with Bluestone @ Jewish Mother 9/2

Chris Duarte with Bluestone @ Jewish Mother 9/2

Rory Block @ Town Point Park 8/19

YOUR LAST CHANCE TO

HELP NBN SEND THESE TWO GROUPS TO

MEMPHIS

Sign up sheet open to all musicians

6 15Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

November 2007 BLUES CALENDARCities: (N) Norfolk…(VB) Virginia Beach…(P) Portsmouth...(C) Chesapeake…(S) Suffolk…(H) Hampton…(R) Richmond…(NN) Newport News…(W) Williamsburg…(Y) Yorktown

For Listings to the NBN Calendar please contact: Ron Parker rjparker1213@verizon.net [For Mid-Atlantic listings, visit www.natchelblues.org]

Thursday 1Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - Granby North (N) 8 pmDoad - Hodad’s @ Lock Pointe (C)H.M. Johnson Band – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)Friday 2Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - J.M. Randalls (W) Fully Loaded - Capital Ale House (R)Shakedown – SJ’s Lakeside Tavern (R)Saturday 3Doug MacLeod - Virginia Beach Public Library (Main Branch) (VB)Big Fun - Granby North (N) 8 pmMichael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark – 17th St. Farmers Mkt. (R) 1:30pm Black White Blues – Hodad’s @ Lock Pointe (C)Doad - HK By The Bay (VB)Fully Loaded - Bay Haven Grill (Y)John Baldwin & the Original Sinners - Chincoteague Inn (Chincoteague, VA)Tim Morgan & the Mojo Brothers - J.M. Randalls (W)Sunday 4Battle of the Bands WINNERS Fundraiser Bobby BlackHat & Larry B/Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - Goodfellas - 3-8pmMonday 5George Porter, Jr. - Russell Batiste - Brian Stoltz of the Legendary Funky Meters – Jewish Mother (VB)Wednesday 7John Baldwin (solo acoustic) - Abbey Road (VB)Thursday 8H.M. Johnson Band – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)Friday 9Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - South Beach Grill (VB)Black White Blues - Schooners (NN)John Baldwin & the Original Sinners - Waterside (N)RYLO - Capital Ale House (R)Tim Morgan (solo) - The Weekend Pub (NN)Saturday 10Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - Granby North (N) 8 pm Black White Blues - The Train Station (NN)Sunday 11Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite, North Mississippi Allstars and Joe Krown - Ferguson Center for the Arts (NN)Tim Morgan (solo) - The Weekend Pub (NN)Tuesday 13NBN Board Meeting - Tabb Public Library in York County 7 pm Wednesday 14John Baldwin (solo acoustic)- Abbey Road- (VB)Thursday 15Leon Russell - Jewish Mother (VB)H.M. Johnson Band – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)Friday 16Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin - Capitol Ale House (R)Bonnie Raitt - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts (VB Town Center)Fat Tony - The Knights of Columbus (Prosperity Rd.) (VB)Black White Blues – Hodad’s @ Lock Pointe (C)Doad – Baron’s Pub (P)Saturday 17H.M. Johnson Band - Cypress Pt. CC (VB)RYLO - Marker 20 (H)Shakedown - Bay Haven Grille (Y)Wednesday 21John Baldwin (solo acoustic) - Abbey Road (VB)Thursday 22H.M. Johnson Band – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)

Friday 23Big Fun – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - South Beach Grill (VB) Black White Blues - J.M. Randalls (W)H.M. Johnson Band – Hodad’s @ Lock Pointe (C)John Baldwin & the Original Sinners – Kelley’s Gingernut Pub (Cape Charles, VA)Shakedown - Goodfellas (H)Blues Empacts - Dochiki (NN)Saturday 24Blues Empacts - Schooners (NN) Big Fun – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - Waterside (N) 6:30 pmMichael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark - South Beach Grill (VB)H.M. Johnson Band - Granby North (N) 8 pmWednesday 28John Baldwin (solo acoustic) - Abbey Road (VB)Thursday 29RYLO with Nick Curren & Duguello - Taphouse Pub (N) Doad – Hodad’s @ Lock Pointe (C)H.M. Johnson Band – O’Sullivan’s Wharf (N)Friday 30The Nighthawks - Capitol Ale House (R)M.S.G.-the Acoustic Blues Trio - Songwriters Showcase @ Pickers Supply (Fredericksburg)

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT!Open Mic Night w/Don Butcher

@ Goodfellas (H)

Open Mic @ Boar’s Nest (N)

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT!Open Mic @ Hat Tricks (H)

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT!Open Mic @ Tribeca (NN)

EVERY 3rd FRIDAY! 6-8:30 pmOpen Mic @ Quality Music Ctr. (C)(No drum kits, mostly acoustic/some amplified.)

EVERY SATURDAY 2-4 pmOpen Session @ Quality Music Ctr. (C)

Lynn Allred

Chip Artz

Calista Bennett

William Bond

Doretha Brownlee

Jack Campbell

Bill Cann

Suanne Cann

Jim Carrico

Dave Coghill

Henry Connolly

Alan Daly

Valerie Daly

Dave Dembicki

Elaine Dembicki

Nicholas Dembicki

John Demetros

Linda Dillman

Jimmy Edigo

Janee Edwards

Bill van Elburg

Lawrence Ervin

Georganne Fischer

Tommy Fisher

Benjamin Foresman

Nick Galotti

Dan Gauldin

Lisa Gauldin

Barbara Gibbs

Alan Gray

R&B Gray

2007 Blues at the Beach Volunteer Thank You

My sincere thanks to all the hardworking, dedicated NBN volunteers that did a fantastic job of helping keep this year’s 14th Blues At The Beach all together. We could not be successful without the participation from our great volunteers!

Rudy NormanVolunteer Chairperson

Shelly Hanna

Anthony Harrell

Deb Malenda Hill

Rob Hogan

David Hollander

Michelle Hollander

Cynthia Horen

David Horen

Beth Jarock

Mark Johnson

Kathy Jones

Jeff Karr

Bruce Kincaid

Maurice Kleinman

Rebecca Kleinman

Beverly Levinson

Bernard Mayer

Debbie Mayer

Jim McCormack

Kim McDonald

Jo Ann Mertens

Lisa Moss

Beverly Nettleton

Edwin Nettleton

Nick Galotti

Lolita Norman

Rudy Norman

Rich Noyes

Debra O’Conner

Mike O’Conner

Emmett Pate

Amy Payne

Jim Payne

James Pedigo

Terry Perkins

Pete Perritt

Billy Potter

Shelly Potter

Paul Puckett

Mike Rau

Frank Reed

Lorena Rice

Toby Rice

Larry Roberts

Shelly Roberts

Dan Rogers

Paula Rosati

Mark Sauer

John Scott

Caroline Schloss &

Sons

Noel Serronia

Tom Shaw

Dave Simoson

Bobby “BlackHat”

Walters

Ed Ward

Lynn Ward

Pete Webb

Greg Williams

Ken Willoughby

Shar Wolff

NBN 2007 Board Meetings

November 13 - Tabb Public Library in York County – 7 pm

(YORK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY—TABB, 100 Long Green Blvd., Yorktown)

All regularly scheduled Board meetings are from 7-9pm. Libraries close at 8:45pm.Meetings are open to the membership with RSVP due to seating capacities.

NBN BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

December is NBN election month. The election will be held during our Annual Membership Meeting & Holiday Party.

Beginning in Jan. ‘08, the NBN will have three seats vacant on the Board Of Directors. If you are interested in running for the NBN Board, please know that you are agreeing to serve for a two-year term. The Board meets once a month. If interested, please contact the Nominating Committee Chair, Shar Wolff, no later than Nov. 30, at 722-2608 or ibshar@earthlink.net. Please put NBN in the subject line of your email.

The officers of the NBN are elected annually by the Board Of Directors. They do not make policy, they do

not book gigs, and they do not act autonomously. If you really want to help shape the NBN, run for the Board!

NBN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING &

HOLIDAY PARTYTBA

Natchel’ Blues Network Bands!!

Advertise in Blues News with a 1/4 page ad (usually $45) for only

$30 per issue.

Provide us with the info and we will DESIGN the ad for you.

One picture only.

Ad must be pre-paid. Call Beth Jarock at 623-8559

Thomas & Lisa FryTimothy Gantley

John B. HoltCynthia & David Horen

Carson Hudson, Jr.Christopher D. JonesJay & Sharon Jones

Steve KirbyMaurice & Rebecca Kleinman

Alan KurzerJoyce & Johnny Ray Light

John LivingstonJohn R. Martin

John D. McDonaldKimberly McDonald

JoAnn Mertens

14 7Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

ATTUCKS THEATRE BLUES MUSIC SERIESMark Anthony Anderson

Edward AyresRobert Bailey

Gary H. BarnesJeff & Liz Bowles

Theresa & Stuart BrooksSallie Cauthers

Diane & Steven CoferMichael Conover

Vanetta CovelAlan & Val Daly

Katherine & Jim DiCrocco Sue DotyLiz Dyer

Janee & Will Edwards

NEW NBN MEMBERS & RENEWALSThanks to the following new members or renewals over the last couple of months. Your support is helping to keep the Natchel’ Blues Network and blues music in Hampton Roads alive!

Carlton Newsome, Black White Blues (NBN Band)

Mike O’ConnorRobert (Bob) G. O’Neal

Patricia PahlavaniEmmett PateAnn RabsonMike Reid

Toby & Lorena RiceMr. Robin R. Shavers

Gary Silvia & Gail LarmoreJosie Sprague

Bill WaxLaurie White & Jim Herley

Gregory & Carithia WilliamsPat Woolard

Honorary SponsorsDiane Carl & Kenny Lupton, Goodfellas

Scotty Miller, Jewish Mother

Stuart Burnley, Hermitage Farms Nursery

Walter T. Camp, State Certified Mediator

Betz Girouard, WhirledVisions Production Studios

Bruce Harlow, BHP Inc. LLC

Deborah Mann, City of Norfolk Cultural Affairs

Jeff Miller, Swing Virginia Productions

Danny Morgan, The Janitors (NBN Band)

Daryl Roadcap, Seven Cities Electric, Inc

NBN CORPORATE MEMBERSRuth & Tim Enterprises, LLC

Caroline Schloss, Schloss Realty LLC

Eric Stevens, Locks Pointe / Hodad’s

William G. Sykes, Patent Attorney

Steve Wilkins, Wilkins & Associates, Inc.

WHRO

James “Blood” Ulmer 10/6

NBN Members Discounts:

Birdland Music

10% Off

Records, Tapes, & Compact Discs Providence Square, Virginia Beach, VA

Captain Zig-Zag

Newsletter Advertisement Coupons

4704 Hampton Blvd.Norfolk, VA

(Unisex haircutting, across from ODU)

Goodfellas 10% Off Food only

50% Off Cover Charge for National Acts

13 E. Queens Way, Hampton, VA

Quality Music Center 10% Off In-store Merchandise

300-A N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320

The Jewish Mother 20% Off Food only

20% Off Cover Charge for National Acts

3108 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA

J.M. Randalls20% off Food only

2 for the Price of 1 Cover Charge for National Acts

4854-16 Longhill Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188

Tidewater Friends of Folk$4 Off tickets for all blues acts

Brenda Barkley, Booking & Media Contact P.O. Box 1266, Suffolk, VA 23439-1266

757.538.3210 / 757.338.1358 cell

[Discounts applicable only when presenting valid NBN Membership Card]

NBN membership form is on the back page

Receive the bimonthly Blues News and the NBN Calendar.

Plus, enjoy discounts with your Membership Card at these participating area businesses:

Photos by Cathy Dixson

James “Blood” Ulmer 10/6

James “Blood” Ulmer 10/6

Popsy Dixson 9/14

Wendell Holmes 9/14

Sherman Holmes 9/14

John Lee Hooker, Jr. 9/29

John Lee Hooker, Jr. 9/29

John Lee Hooker, Jr. 9/29

Ruthie Foster 10/18

Ruthie Foster 10/18Ruthie Foster 10/18

8 13Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

Show R e v i e ws Watermelon Slim &

The Workers @ Capital Ale House

[Richmond, VA - September 9, 2007]

Opening up the Sunday evening concert for the River City Blues Society, the acoustic duo of Tom & Justin ran through a formidable set of originals and blues covers, including “High Heeled Sneakers,” “How Long Blues,” “Slow Down,” Trouble In Mind,” “San Francisco Bay” and “32/20.”

From Boston via Asheville, blues singing/award-winning songwriter, Watermelon Slim, a.k.a. Bill Homans, greeted Richmond’s Capital Ale House energetic crowd with a hearty, “It’s Showtime, Virginia!” His extended bio reads like a workingman’s slice of life. He left college, joined the Army and eventually ended up being injured during the Vietnam War. While recuperating there in a hospital, he fashioned a balsa wood guitar, playing slide on it with an old Zippo lighter. Over the years, this certified Mensa has worked as a sawmiller, collection agent, industrial waste truck driver and also a watermelon farmer in Oklahoma (hence his moniker). Touring in support of his latest effort, The Wheel Man, Slim’s musical band of heavy lifting “Workers” includes drummer/songwriter Michael Newberry, bassist Cliff Belcher, and lead guitarist Ronnie “Mack” McMullen.

Homans blew some fiery Chicago style harmonica on two of Slim Harpo’s classics: the gritty blues, “I’m a King Bee” and the dance grooving, “Baby Scratch My Back.” During the latter number, Slim left the stage and enlisted one of the female fans at our table to vigorously work his back over with her fingernails. The minor slow blues “Devil’s Cadillac” shook the crowd to its very core, egged on by Homans’ acoustic slide guitar vibrato. “Check Writing Woman” turned out to be one humorous rocker fueled by McMullen’s Les Paul guitar work and Slim’s gravelly, southern shouting. Homans went out a capella like a tried and true old bluesman, peppering “Sawmill Holler” with a gritty, authentic edge. All through the two sets, the drum/bass combination of Newberry and Belcher respectively beat that ole’ rhythm stick with a gut busting, snappy beat, so that even the most reluctant fans had to jump out onto the dance floor. The “youngster” of Slim’s Workers, McMullen knew his sonic spot in the evening’s proceedings. He ran through dirty guitar jabs when need be, but kept a crunchy, rock solid rhythm when Slim was wailing on blues harp or acoustic slide.

In addition to the previous musical nuggets, additional show stopping WS tunes included “The Wheel Man,” “I Got A Problem,” “Blue Freight Liner,” “Juke Joint Woman,” “Hard Times,” “Archetypal Blues,” “Drinking and Driving,” “Peaches,” “Fast Eddie,” “Black Water” and “I Know One.” Major kudos to Richmond’s River City Blues Society for nailing an appearance by this multi-Blues Music Awards nominated, Oklahoma based, great roots/blues outfit. It was sooooo well worth the cruise up 64 West.

Alan Kurzer

On the Road: The Fabulous Thunderbirds and

The NighthawksLive @ The Birchmere

[Alexandria, VA - August 12, 2007]

While making plans for my yearly excursion to the Riverfront Blues Festival in Wilmington, DE I discovered this show scheduled for Sunday night at the The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. Sunday’s Riverfront lineup, headed up by Kenny Wayne Shepherd, didn’t especially move me, so down I-95 south we went towards Alexandria for this special double bill.

To a packed house in the listening room, The Nighthawks opened the festivities showcasing both newer tunes like The Sopranos theme “Work Up This Morning” and many Hawk classic covers such as “Bring It On Home” and “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Paul Bell’s slide and ringing guitar, Pete Ragusa’s rock steady beat, Johnny Castle’s bass and vocals, and the leadership of harpist Mark Wenner verifies why for years these gentlemen have been knighted as America’s greatest bar band. With the addition of Bell and Castle a few years ago, The Nighthawks now have those wonderful four-part harmonies they haven’t had in many a (Blue) moon.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds may just be the champions of the ever changing band lineup. Kim Wilson is the last one standing of the original band, and was recently joined by Austin’s Johnny Moeller post Europe, replacing the recently departed Nick Curran. After almost two years, I still miss Gene Taylor’s rockin’ keyboards, but the double guitar lineup of Moeller and Kirk Fletcher are a complete knockout. Ronnie James Weber (bass) and Johnny’s brother Jay Moeller on drums round out the latest incarnation. The T-Birds also featured newer songs (“Painted On”), along with classics (“Early In The Morning,” complete with Kim’s contentious 15-minute harp solo). Wilson also displayed his rich vocal chops, venturing into the audience sans microphone, belting out the blues in the classic shouting style.

Although a grand finale together would have been sweet, this show was an excellent ending to a wonderful blues road trip served up by two veteran blues bands.

Mark Johnson

RORY GALLAGHER Live At Rockpalast 5 Concerts 1976-1990Eagle Vision EV 30223-9www.rorygallagher.com

It’s hard to believe that twelve years have come and gone since guitar legend Rory Gallagher passed away. Born in Ballyshannon, Ireland, he grew up listening to skiffle artist Lonnie Donegan and musical greats like Leadbelly, Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. After stints in professional show bands, in 1967 he formed the powerful trio, Taste. Gallagher maintained a 34-year solo career through constant worldwide touring and million-selling record releases. He had recorded with the best of blues and rock, including Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jerry Lee Lewis and Albert King.

From the German TV music program “Rockpalast,” Disc 1 finds Gallagher diving into both metal-bodied resonator and wooden acoustic guitars for a series of high-spirited solo numbers. The 1976 Live in Cologne Studio gives Gallagher’s National a slip-sliding workout, emulating his gritty vocal line on guitar through a rollicking version of “Too Much Alcohol.” Onward and upward to Disc 2, where one terrifying blues rocking nugget, “Bullfrog Blues,” brings Gallagher and a Gibson electric into upper fret wonderment.

Besides the hard-driving 1979 Wiesbaden concert that graces Disc 3, the 1990 Cologne show captures a special moment, as one time Cream vocalist and bassist Jack Bruce surprised the German crowd with three rip roaring favorites, including “Born Under a Bad Sign,” “I’m Ready,” and “Politician.” Throughout these exceptionally filmed Rockpalast experiences, newcomers and old fans alike will gain a better feeling of Rory Gallagher, the blues rocking guitar hero who put Ireland on the map.

By Alan Kurzer

DVD Review

Describe the details of the Australian musical competition that led up to your Acoustic Division triumph, becoming the first woman and Australian to win the International Blues Challenge (2003) in Memphis, Tennessee. Every blues fan wants to come to America but because I was a musician I was too broke. I was just lucky that my Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society had a local playoff that happens every year. So the way we work it, if you win one year you go to the IBC. Then you have a go and you perform. If you win or whatever happens, when you come back home you never go in the local playoffs again. So you’re satisfied that you had that chance, you had that experience. I noticed that a lot of people here in America keep going in because they are the best band in their area. It might take them three or four years before they win, but with us all we get is one shot. You know that I had never been to America before.

But you took that one big opportunity that you had and made it count.Yeah, yeah. I got my ticket to America.

You were nominated for a 2007 BMA Contemporary Blues recording award. Were you surprised and who did you perform with? I was so thrilled. I was honestly impressed that I got the nomination. I went down to Memphis and played at the awards ceremony with Tommy Castro’s band actually, and it was a really good gig. I chose to do “Stranger in Your Eyes” because Keith, their saxophone player, had a nice solo in it.

You are extremely adept on both electric and acoustic guitar. Clearly, the acoustic medium, as often spotlighted in our NBN Hampton Acoustic Blues Revival, is also a powerful approach. Which do you prefer? I love both. There’s something really lovely about playing solo, because it’s such a demanding scene. You really are a one-person band and I love that. Every now and then when I’m writing a song, because I do so much original material, I think that this song really feels like it wants to be suited to the acoustic rather than the electric. I feel really lucky that I can do both. When I play acoustic I play only with my fingers--same as electric. I never got the hang of them pick things. And I stomp on an old plastic crate to get some foot percussion. As for your acoustic festival, I could come back to play it. You know that I have my acoustics.

How about a who’s who of both your band lineups?The rhythm section that played at Virginia Beach was Mookie Brill (2007 BMA

Bass Player of the Year) and drummer Chuck Cotton, who I met via playing with guitarist Bob Margolin. My regular PDX Fortune Tellers, bless ‘em, are Dave “Long Distance” Kahl (bass) and Don Shultz (drums). He also manufactures his own drums and snares via his business, The Portland Drum Company. They’re both great guys.

Your recent Lucky 13 release is quite a diverse and inspiring recording. Are you currently working on any new material, and in what direction are you going musically?I’m starting now to write for the next album. I’m looking to probably record early next year. I’m thinking more British harmonica trio stuff, but I haven’t quite decided yet. In the meantime, we’re going to release an album…me and Mookie (Brill) and Rich del Grosso on blues mandolin. We

were kind of bonding and we went into XM Radio and did an acoustic special there. I’m playing acoustic guitar, mandolin, double bass; and Rich is playing harmonica and we all sing. So I’m done recording some originals and covers. It’s kind of deep blues. We’ll probably be releasing that soon on the VizzTone label.

Fiona, it looks like your musical plate is quite full at the moment. Good luck to you in all your worldwide travels and I hope that you return to our area soon.

Alan Kurzer

12 9

Compiled by Beth Jarock

Blues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues News

I I honestly don’t know what the deal is with the ever-increasing number of blues and roots artists springing up from “down under.” Maybe it’s just something in the water there. Aussie players like Geoff Achison, Dave Hole, Jeff Lang, and Tommy Emmanuel would be at the top of anyone’s favorite list. Let’s add another top-notch musician, Fiona Boyes, who has exhibited a great knack for intriguing and humorous slice of life songwriting and authentic, red-hot acoustic and electric blues guitar picking. After five well received CD releases with her bluesy, New Orleans styled outfit, The Mojos, she began her award-wining solo career in 2000. Our interview followed Boyes’ scorching electric set with her outfit The Fortune Tellers at Natchel’ Blues Network’s Blues at The

Beach on September 16th.

Where exactly do you hail from? What other talented players were fostered there?I grew up in Melbourne. Well, you see Geoff Achison and Jeff Lang; we’re all from Melbourne, but Dave Hole’s from Western Australia. A lot of the players who’ve been performing over here are from Melbourne like I am.

Describe the process from family life through college that motivated your turn to the blues.For me, I only just discovered the blues when I was eighteen when I was in college. I never really got into popular mainstream rock too much. A lot of my parents’ album collection were bands like Cream and stuff like that. We had a kind of busy household with lots of stuff happening. Music was a big part of it and we were all encouraged to play. When I was a kid I had played the clarinet. When I got to college I heard blues for the first time--the early blues, prewar blues and a lot of Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and classic era Chicago. I loved this music so much that I wanted to have a go at it. I really had been only playing for a year before I went out performing. By the time I started, I did a year of solo acoustic playing in coffee shops. I didn’t own a guitar but I borrowed one to go down and play at a coffee shop. I couldn’t work out what was compelling me to do this crazy thing, but when I went down and played they said that you won tonight’s heat. It turned out they were having a competition. It was a talent encouragement prize and by my second public performance, I ended up winning a guitar from an Australian guitar builder (Maton) in Melbourne; and now I’m endorsed by them. That was the turning point for me from just mucking about on the guitar and just owning one of my own.

How did you get initiated into the early prewar blues music and who is your main inspiration?I started collecting all of the classic blues players. I think a lot of people fell in love with the blues because maybe they liked Hendrix and Cream or whoever, and then they went backwards to find out the roots. I went straight to the source. This local acoustic musician who introduced me to the blues…He had all the classic old stuff, all the main people. Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Elmore James…and I listened to all that. It was only when I saw a vinyl recording of Memphis Minnie that I thought, where were the women? I don’t know that I play like her at all, but I’ve written a tribute song to her. I really fell in love with the idea of her, because she was the only girl guitar player of her era.

Are there any more guitar players, either legendary or contemporaries, that you were influenced by?A guitar player that really made me go, “Oh, that’s beautiful” was T-Bone Walker. And in recent years I’ve had a chance to record with Bob Margolin, who has been a huge influence.

Some of the musicians that you admired weren’t just blues guitarists.Most of the people that got me into the blues were harmonica players. I listened to a lot of stuff in general. I got a steady diet of Sonny Boy Williamson I and II, Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, all sorts of players like that. After a while I thought, I’m always listening to harmonica. I should pay more attention to guitar, if that’s what I’m playing.

an interview withFiona Boyes

By Alan Kurzer

Jeff Maisey announced that at www.lifestylesmag.net they’re featuring local music that appeals to their targeted demographic: (folk, acoustic, blues, rock, R&B, classical, jazz, reggae, World Beat, New Age). Each week will feature a different local recording artist’s entire album. Check them out!

The Blues Foundation Wins Stanford Financial Group Award! The Blues Foundation was selected to receive a Stanford Financial Excellence in the Arts Award, which honors local arts organizations that manage their money efficiently and effectively. It has been called a left-brain award for right-brain organizations. The Award comes with a $15,000 financial prize. As a wealth management firm, Stanford understands the importance of fiscal management and being good stewards of one’s resources. That’s a skill arts groups increasingly must demonstrate to win funding from foundations, corporations and individuals. The initiative provides grants to recognize and reward arts organizations that demonstrate exemplary management of their finances. Congratulations to The Blues Foundation for their great work!

Blues guitar great Hubert Sumlin has been named the recipient of the 2007 Sonny Payne Award for Blues Excellence presented by the Delta Cultural Center (DCC), a museum of the Arkansas Department of Heritage. The Sonny Payne Award for Blues Excellence, called the “Sonny,” is presented annually during the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in historic downtown Helena-West Helena each October. The award recognizes an individual or individuals who have strongly influenced the blues music of the Arkansas Delta. The honor is named for Sunshine Sonny Payne, the longtime host of the Peabody Award-winning King Biscuit Time radio program broadcast each weekday from the DCC Visitors Center at 141 Cherry Street on radio station KFFA-AM in Helena-West Helena. Previous recipients of the “Sonny” are Robert Lockwood Jr., Houston Stackhouse (posthumously in the award’s inaugural year of 2002), Sam Carr, Pinetop Perkins, Cedell Davis, John Weston, James Cotton, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Michael Burks, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.

Blind Pig Records announced the signing of Webb Wilder, the Nashville-based roots rocker, film producer, actor, and radio DJ. In January 2008 Blind Pig will release Born To Be Wilder, a live CD that was recorded at WorkPlay in Birmingham, Alabama. Wilder has been called “a kind of Tom Petty for the trailer set” (San Francisco Chronicle). Although Webb describes his style thus: “We play both kinds of music, Rock and Roll,” his unique brand of foot-stomping music also skillfully incorporates other roots music elements. Wilder’s raucous, electrifying live shows have created a devoted worldwide following of enthusiastic fans. Creative Loafing magazine said his “live shows vibrate with sizzling surf, crackling country, gutsy garage, and classic Chuck Berry-styled guitar-rocking.”

COREY HARRIS AWARDED MACARTHUR “GENIUS” GRANT. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has named the 24 recipients of its 2007 MacArthur Fellowships. The fellowships, commonly referred to as the “genius awards,” recognize individuals from wide-ranging disciplines who show creativity, originality, and a commitment to continued innovative work. The grant of $500,000 will be paid out over five years. Corey Harris, 38, recently made his Telarc debut with Zion Crossroads. Inspired and informed by his travels to various parts of Africa over the past decade, Zion Crossroads, captures some of the most enduring elements of African-American music – blues, reggae, soul and more – and infuses them with a sense of history, social consciousness and spirituality.

2008 Blues Music Awards will be held in Tunica, Mississippi (not Memphis) on Thursday May 8. The Charter Members’ Dinner and Blues Hall of Fame induction will take place at the Tunica Riverpark on Wednesday, May 7. More information will be posted at www.blues.org as it becomes available.

Lillian Leach & the Mellows: Lillian Leach & the Mellows featured a female lead, a rare occurrence for ‘50s R&B groups. Leach recorded with the original Mellows on the small Jay Dee label from 1954-1955. Alluring sides like “How Sentimental Can I Be,” “Smoke From Your Cigarette,” and “I Still Care” are stellar examples of romantic ballads that hold

their own with the era’s best. “Yesterday’s Memories” from 1955 is the evocative theme song and title of the long-running Internet-based classic R&B show of music maven/writer/broadcaster Marv Goldberg (www.uncamarvy.com).

The Mellows’ second incarnation was an outgrowth of the Chimes, a group from the famed Morrisana section of the Bronx. Morris High School proved a valuable training ground for groups like the Chords, Cadillacs, Wrens, and Robert & Johnny. The new Mellows recorded for Celeste Records. Although no hits accrued to them, lovers of high-quality group harmony hold their repertoire in the highest regard. Superior melodies burnished by polished and mature harmonies abound. Mellows’ releases on Celeste include “I’m Yours,” “Moon Of Silver,” and “My Darling.”

After one 1957 release on the Candlelight label, Lillian Leach quit performing to concentrate on raising a family. In the last 25 years, however, Lillian Leach has managed to combine semi-retirement with occasional performances with surviving members of the Mellows. One high point was captured on The Mellows: Live In Concert, available at www.cdbaby.com. Close your eyes and you’ll swear the clock on the wall has been turned back five decades.

Amos Milburn: House rent parties were once the rage whenever cash was needed to cover the monthly tab. Those revelries provided the raw material for reams of boogie-drenched numbers. Enter Amos Milburn, who provided musical reasons to “let it all hang out.” Seminal Rock n’ Roll artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Dr. John have fashioned their acts with Milburn in mind. “Bad, Bad, Whiskey,” “Thinkin’ and Drinkin’,” “Let’s Have A Party,” and “Chicken Shack Boogie” help burst the lid open on good times.

Born in Houston in 1923, Amos was influenced by Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, Ivory Joe Hunter, and especially Charles Brown. The salacious “Blues After Midnite” started things in 1946 but the excitement meter accelerated when Milburn’s rollicking piano got augmented by Maxwell Davis’ tenor sax. Beginning with 1948’s “Chicken Shack Boogie” and continuing with 1950’s “Birmingham Bounce,” this thrilling sound captivated the R&B flock. “Bad, Bad, Whiskey” started a tipsy trend in 1950, provoking a wave of “Blues-in-a-bottle” releases, like “Thinkin’ and Drinkin’,” “Let Me Go Home, Whiskey,” and “Vicious Vodka.”

By 1955, the fizzle no longer sizzled. The advancing teen market had turned “booze ‘n boogie” into an overnight artifact. Aladdin Records would stick with Milburn until 1958, when even a hot re-working of “Chicken Shack Boogie” failed to deliver; ditto for a well-reviewed 1962 album on Motown. Amos Milburn passed away in 1980. He never held back on a single note, and his passionate, full-fisted love affair with music reflected his freewheeling lifestyle.

Photos by Shar Wolff

An ongoing series of revealing portraits of relatively obscure

artists who dared to be different, by Canadian resident and blues

aficionado Gary Tate. Gary welcomes your comments at

gmtgt@yahoo.com

10 11 www.natchelblues.org November/December 2007 Blues NewsBlues News November/December 2007 www.natchelblues.org

14th Annual Blues At The Beach Wrap-UpSeptember 14-16, 2007

Beachstreet Pavilion @ 17th St., Virginia Beach, VA

The Natchel’ Blues Network and Beach Events Presents...

NBN Tent Volunteer Georganne Photo by Shar Wolff

Janiva MagnessPhoto by Bruce Kincaid

The 14th Annual Blues at the Beach Festival was, by all accounts, the best one yet! Recipe for success: have Mark Johnson, Deb Malenda, and the Entertainment Committee select a superb group of musicians to perform. Then get the Blues Foundation to hold its annual board meeting in Virginia Beach the same weekend. Add to that the order by Beach Events for perfect weather and the excitement of Swing Virginia’s dancers kicking up their heels on the dance floor. With all of these ingredients, it’s no wonder that the 17th Street park drew huge crowds all three days.

The three excellent educational workshops during the festival help to keep the blues alive! This year, they featured Swing Virginia’s blues dancing demo, the Blues Committee (Shelly Craig Potter and Bruce Kincaid) showing us some blues styles, and Guitar Tommy Parker teaching us what the blues IS.

First up on Friday night (new winners of Richmond’s River City Blues Society’s Battle of the Bands for the International Blues Challenge in January) Rylo put on a hot show featuring songs from their new CD, Automatic Oil. Next, Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout showed us what it’s all about in harmonica world (did we mention that Hohner is a featured sponsor?). With a world-class group of players, Greg “Fingers” Taylor, James Harman (nominee for Harmonica Player of the Year at this year’s Blues Music Awards) and Lil’ Ronnie Owens, the band created a blues rave up that pumped everyone up for Saturday.

The next day brought out Bryan Dunn with a fine set, Mighty Lester in a muscular blues mode, and Maurice John Vaughn—who next brought out Delmark’s Chicago Blues Revue with Shirley Johnson and Jimmy Burns. After we learned how they get blue in Chicago, we were introduced to the Blues Foundation’s board; Executive Director Jay Sieleman complimented the NBN on our hard work and congratulated us on another successful festival. Michael Burks closed out the evening’s performances with an unforgettably fiery demonstration of guitar magic.

Sunday—Diva Day!—opened with the Michael Clark Band featuring Tracy Clark (warm congrats to our new NBN winners of the Battle of the Bands for the IBC). Then Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers—nominees for Contemporary Album of the Year for Lucky 13 at the 2007 Blues Music Awards, --heated everyone up for the afternoon with a scorching set which, comparing the set list to Ms. Boyes’ actual performance, included FIVE additional songs! (Mookie Brill, nominated as Bass Player of the Year at the 2007 Blues Music Awards, was a Fortune Teller.) The festival concluded with a double-header: the guitar magic of Debbie Davies and the smoky vocals of Janiva Magness (Contemporary Female Blues Artist of the Year, nominated for Contemporary Album of the Year for Do I Move You? AND nominated Album of the Year at the 2007 Blues Music Awards). To the standing-room-only crowd’s delight, Magness donned an “anatomically correct” frottoir (rubboard) halfway through her set and rocked out! The consummate performer, she invited longtime pal Davies back onstage for the grand finale of “You Let Me Down.”

We’ve got the bar set pretty high for next year’s festival—this one will be hard to top!

Cynthia Horen

Shirley Johnson with flowers from NBNPhoto by Shar Wolff

Bryan DunnPhoto by Shar Wolff

Jay Sieleman, Blues Foundation Executive DirectorPhoto by Shar Wolff

Shelly and Bruce WorkshopPhoto by Shar Wolff

“Guitar “Tommy Parker WorkshopPhoto by Shar Wolff

RYLO Photo by Shar Wolff

Blues Foundation Board Photo by Shar Wolff

Blues Foundation Board Photo by Shar WolffDebbie Davies Photo by Shar Wolff Blues Harmonica Blow Out Photo by Shar Wolff

Fiona Boyes Photo by Shar Wolff

Security Volunteer Photo by Shar Wolff

Mookie Brill with Fiona Boyes Photo by Alan Kurzer

NBN Volunteer David Horen Photo by Alan Kurzer

Mighty Lester Photo by Alan Kurzer

Shirley Johnson Photo by Alan Kurzer

NBN Volunteers Greg Williams and Lorena Rice Photo by Alan Kurzer

Jimmy Burns Photo by Alan Kurzer

Photo by Shar Wolff

Photo by Shar Wolff