When the oldest continuously running Blues society in the world says you’re the “real deal”, it has to mean something. When Blues forums toss your name round with the likes of harmonica masters like Little Walter and Sonny Boy…that has to mean something. Of course, there will always be skeptics; but to the Blues fans of the northeast United States, there is no doubt that at just 26 years old, Mikey Jr. is chasing the masters at a pace that’s frightening. Growing up on the tough streets of Trenton, New Jersey, Mikey Jr. is a self-taught prodigy.

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Posted by bluesy on 08/15 at 12:34 AM
Blues Fest 2007 • Permalink

Shar-baby was introduced to music as a child by her father who was a Gospel singer and Aunt Rosie who dated Little Walter. When she was eleven, Sharon acquired her first guitar. When she was 15 her music teacher heard her voice and asked her to join their band Check-Mates part II.

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Posted by bluesy on 08/15 at 12:30 AM
Blues Fest 2007 • Permalink

“Harpdog” Marson

Harmonica workshop for kids
Dan “HARPDOG” Marson will be doing a harmonica workshop with kids in the auditorium at Sloss from about 2:30 -4pm. Each child will receive a free harmonica to take home with them. At 4:30pm, all the participants in the workshop will hit the big stage for a short performance. So bring your child out and have Harpdog teach him/her the original alternative music…BLUES!

By day Daniel Marson , J.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Neurology, Director of the division of Neuropsychology, and Interim Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. With his jam-packed schedule by daylight, Marson isn’t a prime candidate to pop up in a smoky bar at 2 a.m. This Neuropsychologist (likely the only one ever nicknamed “Harpdog”) traces his fondness for the harmonica to his teenage years, when he was influenced by harmonica greats such as Little Walter and Magic Dick of the J. Geils Band.

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Posted by bluesy on 08/15 at 12:28 AM
Blues Fest 2007 • Permalink

2BLU winners of the recent Magic City Blues Society’s Battle of the Bands competition has been added to the Blues Fest line up on September 2nd, 2007 at the Sloss Furnaces.

Harp player and vocalist Bruce Andrews describes their music as a blend of blues, rock, funk, folk and gospel. Bruce says they have been influenced by many artists, especially Little Feat, Reverend Gary Davis, Elmore James, Blind Willie Johnson, Lowell Fulson and Eric Clapton. “We play many original tunes with adaptations and covers of our liking thrown in.”

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Posted by bluesy on 08/14 at 10:16 PM
Blues Fest 2007 • Permalink

This old time Blues band from Bessemer is headed by septuagenarian guitarist singer Curtis Files and features another septuagenarian, Willie “Bluesboy” Chavers on Harp. They are usually only heard at private events and in a few local remaining Juke Joints. We are honored that they have agreed to kick off our Blues Fest this year with their unique style of southern Blues.

Posted by bluesy on 08/13 at 11:20 PM
Blues Fest 2007 • Permalink