January 2011 - Charlotte Blues Society

JANUARY 2011
Vol. 19.01
$1.00
Charlotte Blues Society
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC 28232-2752
www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org
Congratulations to
Gene Gene & The Blues Machine!
They’ll represent the Charlotte Blues Society
at the 27th International Blues Challenge
February. 1-5, 2011 in Memphis
BLUESunday is January 9 …
Come check out the concert by our
Talent Competition Winners and show your
support for their trip to Memphis!
Doors open at 7:00
Music starts 8:00
The Double
Door Inn
1218 Charlottetown Ave.
704-376-1446
CBS Members – FREE
Non-members - $5:00
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Bluesletter
Your Officers:
Jeri Thompson, President
Lindy Paddock, Secretary
Betsy Norton-Stowe, Vice-President
Jeff Thompson, Treasurer
The CBS Holiday Party with Bob Margolin and Ann Rabson was a
special treat indeed!
Ann‟s boogie-woogie style was a perfect
complement to Bob‟s quick-fire guitar licks. Holding it all together was
Chuck Cotton on drums and Matt Hill on bass. During a portion of
the show, Matt took center stage and surprised us all with his version
of Nappy Brown‟s “Lemon-Squeezin‟ Daddy”!
The evening‟s raffle items included CDs, gift cards, leather brief case,
and a Jay Turser Resonator guitar. Thanks to Tracy McCarter for
donating the guitar. Tickets were sold during the Talent Competition
and the Holiday Party, with proceeds going to Robin Rogers.
The lucky winner of the guitar was
Isaac Stroupe from Cherryville. His dad
was on hand to claim the prize! Here‟s Bill 
 and Bob showing off the guitar!
Isaac gives it a test run at home!

Our next BLUESunday falls on
January 9 –
(it will be the second Sunday due
to the New Year holiday)
It‟s time for the Memphis-Bound Showcase
featuring our Talent Competition winner,
Gene Gene & The Blues Machine.
The band will represent CBS at the
International Blues Challenge in Memphis held
February 1-5. If you missed them at our
competition, here‟s your chance to experience
their brand of high-energy Blues … and
having a whole lotta fun doing it!
The band says they want your opinion on the songs they‟ll be playing in Memphis. And that you should
“dress like a movie star” because they will be filming and recording their promo for Memphis! Afterwards,
there‟ll be some jammin‟ goin‟ on!
We‟ll see you at BLUESunday on January 9!
The Blues Diva
January 2011
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Come Support Our IBC Representatives on Jan. 9! Here’s What They Are Up Against!!
The 27th International Blues Challenge will consist of:
110 Bands, 83 Solo/Duo & 28 Youth acts, adding up to 709 Musicians and
representing 41 States & 13 Countries … that’s 221 acts in 4 days and 5 nights!
Over 500 performances within three city blocks!
It can only happen in Downtown Memphis, TN on World Famous Beale Street!
The Blues Foundation Is the only organization in the world that can make it a Blues Party!
The IBC has moved to a four-day format – two days of quarter finals (Feb. 2-3),
one day of semi-finals (Feb. 4), and concluding with finals in the Orpheum Theater on Feb. 5.
Tickets are on sale now. For more info, go to www.Blues.org. (If you’re going, take pictures for the Bluesletter!)
Since leaving the WAX GURUS, Gene Gene scoured
the smoke-filled clubs, back alley bars and yes,
even used the internet to seek out the perfect
complement of musicians to form this high-energy,
“take-no-prisoners”, electric blues band.
Knowing it would take a special kind of “cool cat” guitar to make it all work, they imported Mr. Marty
Cofield – he brought his axe, old school vocals, and decades of wood shedding with the pros to bring this
vital link to the project that set everything right on track.
Speaking of “right on track” there is Mr. Frank (“In The Pocket”) Lanning – after years of supporting
other local musicians the arrow flew to uncharted heights pointing the way for this prodigious bass player to
focus his tactile talents.
Bringing the freshest perspective to the band is Mr. Billy Burch – with his lead / rhythm guitar, superb
vocals and keyboard virtuosity, he is an integral piece of the puzzle.
Mr. Ted Matthews, percussion / vocalist extraordinaire, brings the fifth element to this venture … the final
piece to a puzzle that is both simple and complex at the same time. (How could “the blues” be anything
but?)
Mr. Ron Geible, vocals, bass and percussion – bringing Ron into the line-up has added a whole new
dimension to the band‟s show. We now have the added capability to play anything from acoustic, semiacoustic, electric blues to rock.
All of this combines to make Gene Gene and the Blues Machine a show you can‟t afford to miss. Come
experience the excitement. “It‟s ALWAYS a good day for the BLUES”!
January 9 – Memphis-Bound Concert!
BLUESunday at The Double Door Inn. (Show starts 8:00)
January 14 – See them again at Stooge’s Pub & Grubb (formerly Frodog‟s and Bogie‟s Bistro),
13230 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte/Mint Hill. (Show starts 9:00)
February 2-5 – Memphis … Competing at the International Blues Challenge!
Come join us!
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Bluesletter
Holiday Party Pics!
Who says you can’t dance to the Blues??
January 2011
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Bluesletter
Sweetheart of Blues Heaven
Dear Robin,
You‟ve made so many friends over the years, and there have been tons of well wishes and
prayers for both you and Tony during these past four months, so it‟s hard for me to come up
with anything new to say. Instead, I‟ll just reminisce about years gone by.
We go back a long, long way. I first met you as Robin Hawthorne – you sat in with a band
at The Double Door and I was blown away by a “girl” playing harp the way you played harp!!
I told the band they needed to hire you, but you were already in a house band with your
husband in Gastonia. It was a year or two later when I saw you again – it was at a benefit
held at Merlin‟s – you sang and played guitar. (Shucks! No Harp.)
Finally you made it back to the Double Door with a band –
no more country music … you were trying to make a „go‟
of doing Blues. Tony was in the band and had extremely
long hair – an appropriate look since there were a few
Rock tunes mixed in with the Blues. In fact, I once heard
you do a great version of Led Zeppelin‟s “Been a Long
Time Since I Rock and Rolled.” I was floored!
The next time I saw you was at Smokey Joe‟s Café doing
a duo gig with Tony. You told me it would be more Rock
than Blues, but hey … I like Rock. But mostly I just liked
hearing you sing. (There have only been two female
singers in town who have “wow‟d” me, and you‟re one of
them!)
By now, you and Tony were booking as many
gigs as possible – as a duo or band. You started coming
to BLUESundays as much as you could. Somewhere along
the way, you and Tony married (1999), Tony shaved his
head, and the band was called Mama Ham & the Spam
Daddies.
(I still have one of those cards with the
voluptuous female pig holding a mic!)
We had fun
making up new versions of the name … but you told me a
music associate said if you wanted to be taken seriously,
you needed a serious name. So your newer fans came to
know you as Robin Rogers and Her Hot Band.
As your bookings increased, you and Tony still made time
to drop by for BLUESunday. And when it was time, the
band started entering the Blues Competition – making it
to runner-up year after year. You joked about being the
Susan Lucie of the Blues Contest … until 2004! Finally!
In Memphis, Robin Rogers and Her Hot Band represented
the Charlotte Blues Society well … and in the wee hours of
the night, you called to let me know you made it to the
Finals! It meant so much to me that I was on your list
of people to call.
The next couple of years I witnessed your limitless
energy! You finished Crazy Cryin’ Blues in time to be
submitted to The Blues Foundation as an entry for the
2005 IBC‟s Best Self-Produced CD … and won! You even
coordinated “BluesStock,” a festival to benefit the
Charlotte Blues Society, along with several other events to
benefit a variety of meaningful causes. The band was
increasing its “fan base” but along the way, you were
always making friends. You were serious about the music
and just as serious about friendships and caring for those
around you.
You and the band kept at it … trying out new songs and
new arrangements at out-of-town and local gigs, including
several years of “Early Bird Blues” on Tuesdays at the
DDI. Every time we ran into each other, you always
updated me with details of the band‟s latest
accomplishments … from signing with a record label to
playing a special gig. Even though you couldn‟t make it
to my “special” birthday party on Saturday a couple of
years ago, you let the Friday night DDI crowd know at
midnight that it was officially my birthday!
You always
made everyone feel special. You shared your warmth
with so many. Obviously for the past couple of years
touring here, there, and everywhere, you became
everyone‟s Sweetheart of the Blues.
I can say
“obviously” because of the people holding benefits in
Michigan, New York, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey,
and multiple locations in North Carolina over the past few
months.
It made me happy and proud to know you were “making
it” with touring and nominations and awards … you were
getting the recognition you deserved, because I knew how
long and hard you had worked for it. But being a bit
selfish, I missed seeing you as much as I used to and I
missed the intimate performances at the DDI. Oh, but
when you came to the benefit at Amos‟s and sat at our
table to sign CD‟s, it was so great to see your smiling face
again. And later, to hear you on stage playing harp and
singing along during “Mojo,” I can‟t begin to express the
heart-felt warmth inside of me seeing you back on stage.
I tried to keep up with FaceBook, but there were so many
people sending positive vibes your way, I‟m sure I missed
a lot. Thankfully, there were links to videos and media
interviews that I was able to catch up on. I didn‟t hear
the NPR interview until a couple of days later and I heard
the weakness in your voice, but I was still keeping my
hopes up. Then the news came that broke my heart. All I
could think of was “It‟s too soon.” Perhaps you were
ready, but I was not. Nor were all those other people who
continue to post on FaceBook. I can only hope their
words give Tony some comfort. When I last saw Tony, all
I could say to him was, “I cried all weekend.”
I think of you each day. And the best way I can close this
letter is to share an item I read on FaceBook (via Shelia &
Dee):
God saw you getting tired, a cure was not to be.
God put His arms around you & whispered come with me.
With tearful eyes we watched, we saw you pass away.
Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
I Miss You, Robin. Do your thing when the angels sing.
-- Rita Miller
January 2011
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 ROBIN ROGERS 
1955-2010
We have lost one of our own. Robin Rogers passed away 12/17/2010 at home. She was a
wonderful woman with a powerful voice. I have known Robin for many years from the
"MamaHam" days and watched her develop into one of the most dynamic
vocalists/musician of our time. I had the pleasure of appearing in one her
music videos some years back. It was an enlightening experience.
We sometimes forget the little things in life. Little moments that actually mean more than you think.
Remember those moments, cherish those moments... Tony, you are in our prayers. We are all here for
you!
God Bless you Robin! You are singing with the Angels in Heaven... I think I hear that harmonica
playing now. -- Jeri Thompson
“She was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly before the release of Back In The Fire. She told me that although she
didn’t want to carry this burden, it was hers to carry and she would do the very best she could with every moment she had
left. She also told me on more than one occasion that she felt that she had been blessed and that her musical realizations
and the love that she shared with her husband Tony were more than most people could hope for.
“I read a Russian proverb sometime ago that goes something like this: When you are born you cry while everyone around
you laughs. If you lead a good life, when you die you laugh while everyone around you cries.
“I’m sure she’s having a well deserved laugh. As we cry, we have to remember what a wonderful laugh that was and how
sorely it will be missed.”
-- Don Wilcock, Blues Revue/BluesWax Editor (Excerpt from Dec. 18, 2010 article)
”She was truly an uncommon talent, able to wring every ounce of emotion out of every note she sang. Losing a person and
artist of her caliber is very, very sad. We will miss her tremendously.” -- Edward Chmelewski, Blind Pig Records
“Not only was Robin Rogers a wonderful artist, but, more important, a fabulous person. It’s really hard when bad things
happen to good people. … My heartfelt condolences go out to her band and her husband Tony.”
-- Bill Wax, Sirius/XM Radio/President, Board of Directors, The Blues Foundation
“I had the honor of knowing Robin Rogers as a friend long before she became a client of my booking agency. She was the
most genuine what-you-see-is-what-you-get person I ever met. There was never a hint of ulterior motive in anything she did.
The interest she took when meeting fans and strangers was genuine and inspiring. She really wanted to know people and
what their stories were. She was generous to people. When I first met her she was always busy performing at and creating
events as fundraisers for different people and organizations…. And of course for animals as well. The connections she
forged with people through her personality and music were amazing. Her stories drew people in to her but it didn’t end
there. She engaged those fans who usually became friends. There wasn’t any phoniness in the warmth of her smiles. She
meant it.” -- Steve Hecht
“… one of the most sincere, loving people I have ever met. Everyone has a mission in life, and I believe Robin accomplished
hers and was called home. Robin’s mission was to spread hope, beautiful music and inspiration. All of these she did with
equal passion. I will miss her laugh, love, and song as part of my day.” -- Scott Cable, Producer
“She’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had in my life. … She never asked why someone needed help; she’d just do it.”
-- Mike Dew, WNCW (talking about why he had spent so many hours as principle organizer and emcee of the benefit
at Amos‟s. Ironically, Robin was the one who taught Mike how to do benefits. Blues Revue, Dec. 18, 2010)
Join The Blues Foundation In Memory of Robin
You can join (or re-join) The Blues Foundation
(membership starts at $25) in memory of Robin Rogers. The Blues Foundation along with Hospice of Lincoln County NC
are the two non-profits chosen by Robin for donations in her memory.
When you join The Blues Foundation, you receive a membership card, event programs, entry into drawing for Blues
Cruise tickets, preferred seating and hotel rates for events, decals, and most important you can vote for Blues Music
Award Nominees every year in 26 categories starting with this year‟s nominees including ROBIN ROGERS, Janiva
Magness, Candye Kane, Shemekia Copeland, and Karen Lovely for Contemorary Female Artist Of The Year.
To join and vote, go to www.blues.org and click on the JOIN link. Please put Robin Rogers in the “Referred By” box.
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Bluesletter
Concord Blues Club
Electric Jam followed by Acoustic Open Mic
Now every Thursday 7:00 PM at Amici’s Pizza
929 Concord Pkwy South in Concord - 704-793-1463
To receive updates from the Concord Blues Club,
e-mail: [email protected]
Fort Mill Blues Club
To receive updates on Open Mic Jams and locations, e-mail: [email protected]
Howard Levy
Tuesday, January 18, 2010
How to Play the Blues Harmonica
11AM-11:50AM & 2PM-2:50PM
Free Workshops and Concert
Fireplace Room ~ SMC Student Center
Open to the Public
Concert Harmonica & Piano - Blues/Jazz
Spartanburg Methodist College
Tosco Music Party
January 29, 2011
CAMAK Auditorium - 7:30PM
… 20 Years and growing!
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dale F. Halton Theater – Central Piedmont Community College
1206 Elizabeth Ave • Charlotte, NC 28204
Order tickets through http://www.toscomusicparty.org/tickets.htm
Or by phone with credit card: 704-330-6534
Blues Revue and Rounder Records Have Joined Together To Give
You Gregg Allman’s New Release Low Country Blues
Subscribe or renew to BLUES REVUE and you will receive:
 a copy of Gregg Allman‟s new album Low Country Blues (before the mid-January
release date)!
 6 issues of Blues Revue, one issue every other month!
 3 CD samplers (included in every other issue of Blues Revue)!
All of this for $35.00 … to complete the process, go to
http://bluesrevue.com/gregg-allman-2/
Better hurry – this offer won’t last!
You can purchase with a Visa or MasterCard credit card or
Debit Card by calling 1-866-702-7778 / American Express and Discover Cards, please call 1-866-702-7778
This is Gregg Allman’s first release in 14 years and features 11 classic blues songs
and one original written by Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes.
January 2011
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The songs that caring musicians have contributed to
bluesforthegulf.org are now available at
www.bluesforthegulf.org/musicforthegulf.htm
Blues For The Gulf was conceived last summer as a response of the Blues Community
to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. BFTG solicited songs and they are now available
for free download at their site. BFTG has raised over $3000 from benefits held last
September. The problems in the Gulf are ongoing and still in the news often.
BFTG has posted original songs about the oil spill, related the Gulf Coast, or just donated
for your musical enjoyment by some fine artists, such as Matt Hill, Laurie Morvan,
Nathan Denton, Candye Kane, Hamilton Loomis, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore,
Michael Packer, Sandy Atkinson, Mike Hammar, Peter Parcek, Ashley Raines,
The Potent Bathers, John Ohnmacht, John Lisi & Delta Funk, Lionel Young, Bill
Gildea, 2BLU & The Lucky Stiffs, Gary Allegretto, James Miller, Jeff Dale & The
South Woodlawners, Bottoms Up Blues Gang, Marvin & Young, and A.J. Croce.
The Blues For The Gulf songs were compiled and produced by Bob Margolin.
Margolin wrote some oil spill lyrics to Muddy Waters’ classic “Louisiana Blues” and recorded the song solo, with Muddystyle slide. Thanks to the Scott Cameron Organization (who administers Muddy‟s estate) and ARC Music for allowing
Margolin‟s version to be used for Blues For The Gulf. Regarding the project, Margolin said, “I think Muddy would have
wanted to help us, and now he is.
“Last Friday, I was surprised by a friend at my gig. He owns a seafood restaurant in Alabama that also presents blues
bands when they can. When the oil spilled last spring, people stayed away from his restaurant and didn‟t come back later.
Now he‟s on the road driving a truck and stopped in to my show. For him, and for the ecology and economy of the Gulf
Coast, this isn‟t over. Please enjoy our music, and donate if you can.”
Again, to check out this great compilation, to find out more about Blues For The Gulf, and to donate to this great cause,
go to www.bluesforthegulf.org/. There is an easy PayPal button on the page, so that you can donate if you wish.
Ana Popovic Band
An Evening At Trasimeno Lake:
Live From The Heart of Italy
(Electo Groove
DVD MVD)
The very youthful 34-year-old Ana Popovic from
Belgrade started playing guitar at 15 and
recorded her first disc, Hush, for Ruf Records in
Memphis. Popovic has released a total of five
CDs, three for Ruf, and more recently two on
Eclecto Groove. This is Popovic‟s second DVD that
follows a half decade after her 2005 video Ana!
This current DVD was recorded in Italy within the walls of a
13th century castle, which makes for an unusual but gorgeous
backdrop. There are several clips, including bonus tracks, that
display Popovic wandering and playing solo acoustic guitar in
this gorgeous setting. These un-amplified solo acoustic on the
bonus tracks which show Ana in a more gritty and bluesy
mode.
Mitch Woods
Gumbo Blues
A Tribute to Smiley Lewis
And New Orleans R&B
(VizzTone Label Group)
On this tribute album to the pioneers of New Orleans Rhythm
& Blues, piano player Mitch Woods employs the formidable
talents of a terrific band to highlight a wonderful niche of
American music. The line of great New Orleans R&B piano
players is long, including Professor Longhair, James Booker,
If blues rock is your thing, you will dig this video as
Popovic and her band rock quite hard on most of
the tunes. For several tracks, Popovic employs a
two-piece horn section and a female background
vocalist which add a lot of color and flavor to those
specific performances.
I particularly enjoyed
Popovic‟s softer side when she‟s playing an
amplified acoustic guitar on two of the tracks. They
have a much more intimate feel for Ana‟s music
where she shows that she‟s far more than a blues
rocker.
So, Ana Popovic fans will certainly enjoy this
updated take on her work. Those not that familiar might also
be swayed because this lady seemingly shows that there‟s
some future potential, especially on those softer and
expressive jazzy tunes. Enjoy!
-- Excerpt from BluesWax, Bob Putignano
from Sounds of Blues
(www.SoundsofBlue.com)
Art Neville, Dr. John, Fats Domino, and Allen Toussaint. It is
an area of music that seems to define pure delight by
immediately getting fingers and toes tapping.
When it comes down to technical definitions, this sound is
firmly rooted in the blues but defies the form by being
inherently danceable and overwhelmingly joyous. Woods and
the band wheel through some of the genre‟s finest covers – a
veritable songbook of the legendary Dave Bartholomew – a
terrific album albeit it all covers. Choose any track, and you‟ll
elevate energy levels with sounds and textures that harken to
the very dawn of rock „n‟ roll while remaining true to the
blues.
-- Excerpt from BluesWax, Rick Galusha
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Bluesletter
Congratulations for 37 Years!!
New Long-Sleeve T-shirts
Now Available!
Paintings of “The Night”
Are Still Available too!.
(Read the background of
this special artwork on the
bulletin board at the DDI)
This ship needs its volunteers and members to keep it going!
As 2010 comes to a close, there are few Board Seats becoming
available. We will also have an Editor position available as well as
be in need a volunteer member to handle Membership information.
Many of you implied volunteer positions on your applications so
you may be contacted to see if you are still available for those
tasks.
Many societies don‟t make it long and we‟re approaching
18 years and we need to be stronger than ever.
Please contact Lindy Paddock or myself if you‟re interested in any of
the positions available.
-- Jeri Thompson, President
Show your support by joining the Board, and help make a
difference in our Blues community.
BMA NOMINEES – Awards will be held May 5 in Memphis
The 2011 Blues Music Award nominees were recently announced by The Blues Foundation. Among the list of
honorees for the 32nd BMA‟s is last year's Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Buddy Guy, with five
nominations. Many of the nominees are represented by our local booking agencies, Piedmont Talent,
Intrepid Artists, and Blue Mountain Artists.
The Blues Music Awards is very comprehensive with nominations in 26 “Best of” categories. To review the list
of nominees (including our own Robin Rogers), go to The Blues Foundation‟s web site (www.Blues.org).
Join The Blues Foundation and cast YOUR votes!
Acoustic Album
Acoustic Artist
Blues Album
Best Band
New Artist Debut
Contemporary Blues Album
Contemporary Blues Female Artist
Contemporary Blues Male Artist
Blues Song
Best DVD
Best Historical Album
Rock Blues Album
Soul Blues Album
Soul Blues Female Artist
Soul Blues Male Artist
Traditional Blues Album
Traditional Blues Male Artist
Traditional Blues Female Artist –
Koko Taylor Award
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award
Best Instrumentalists for Bass / Drums /
Guitar / Harmonica / Horn / Other
January 2011
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The Double Door Inn
Check out The Double Door’s Website for
updates and future bookings, show times,
admission, nightly drink specials, & more!
Sign up for weekly updates. Purchase Advance
Tickets for selected shows.
www.doubledoorinn.com
1218 Charlottetown Ave.
704-376-1446
Join the DDI Fan club at www.facebook.com
Early shows 9:00 most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Check website for mid-week discounts!
JANUARY
Mon.
3
Monday Night All Stars
Tues.
4
Bill Hanna Jazz Jam
Wed.
5
Beside the Fire
Thurs.
6
Chasing Edison (9:00)
Fri.
7
The Blackhounds
Sat.
8
Crisis
Sun.
9
BLUESunday ~ Memphis Send-Off Party for
GENE GENE & THE BLUES MACHINE
Mon.
10
Monday Night All Stars
Tues.
11
Bill Hanna Jazz Jam
Wed.
12
Amy Broome, Victor James Band, Jazz Salm
Thurs.
13
Chasing Edison (9:00)
Fri.
14
The Dirty Guv‟nahs w/ Chobey Badgio Band
Sat.
15
Contagious Blues Band
Sun.
16
(Available for Parties)
Mon.
17
Monday Night All Stars
Tues.
18
Bill Hanna Jazz Jam
Wed.
19
Wahnderlust w/ Devon Elizabeth
Thurs.
20
Chasing Edison (9:00)
Fri.
21
Big Sam‟s Funky Nation
Sat.
22
Terry Adams (of NRBQ) & His Rock & Roll Quartet
Sun.
23
(Available for Parties)
Mon.
24
Monday Night All Stars
Tues.
25
Bill Hanna Jazz Jam
Wed.
26
Soul / Funk
(9:00)
Jazz
Rock / Folk / Jam Band
Ladies Night ~ Ladies Free / $5 at the Door
Groove Rock
Rock / Folk / Americana
w/ Hoverboard
Pop / Rock
Blues
Soul / Funk
(9:00)
Jazz
(9:00)
Ladies Night ~ Ladies Free / $5 at the Door
(Adv Tix $8)
Rock / Americana / Soul
Groove Rock
Rock / Roots Music
Blues / Soulful Rock
Soul / Funk
(9:00)
Jazz
(9:00)
Ladies Night ~ Ladies Free / $5 at the Door
(Adv Tix $12)
Rock / Funk
Groove Rock
Funk / Rock / Soul
Blues / Rock
Soul / Funk
(9:00)
Jazz
(check website for updates)
Thurs.
27
Chasing Edison (9:00)
Fri.
28
Delta Moon
Sat.
29
Vertigo Jazz Project
Sun.
30
(Available for Parties)
Mon.
31
Monday Night All Stars
Ladies Night ~ Ladies Free / $5 at the Door
(Adv Tix $10)
w/ Kofi Burbridge & The Incredible Sandwich
Groove Rock
Blues / Roots / Rock
Jazz / Funk / Fusion
Soul / Funk
Every Thursday in February – Ladies Night featuring Matter of Fact w/ Taylor Moore
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Bluesletter
2011
Keeping the
Blues
Alive
Awards
Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the KBA Awards
to individuals and organizations that have made
significant contributions to the Blues world. Here are
the recipients who will receive their awards Feb. 5 in Memphis
Agent: Intrepid Artists, Charlotte, North Carolina

Blues Club: Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Blues Organization: Billtown Blues Society, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Education: Gary Allegretto, Los Angeles, California
Festival (International): Notodden Blues Festival, Notodden, Norway
Festival (U.S.): Tampa Bay Blues Festival, St. Petersburg, Florida
Film, Television, and Video: Mako Funasaka, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Historical Preservation: Canada South Museum, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
International: Paul Jones, London, England
Internet: Mary4Music.com, Baltimore, Maryland

Journalism: Tim Parsons, Lake Tahoe Action, California/Nevada
Literature: Mary Lou Sullivan, Coventry, Connecticut
Manager: Paul Nelson, Bullseye Management, Stamford, Connecticut
Photography: Bill Steber, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Print Media: Twoj Blues, Chorzow, Poland
Producer: Michael Freeman, Barrington, Illinois
Promoter: Didier Tricard, Montferrier sur Lez,France
Publicist: Debra Regur, Blind Pig Records, San Francisco, California
Radio (Commercial): Mark Pasman, WCSX-FM, Detroit, Michigan
Radio (Public): Tom Wendt, KBOO-FM, Portland, Oregon
Record Label: Electro-Fi Records, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Grammys … The Blues
53rd Annual Grammy Awards
February 13, 2011
The Grammys have been announced and here are the nominees
in the two Blues categories:
Best Traditional Blues Album - Vocal or Instrumental.
Giant - James Cotton [Alligator]
Memphis Blues - Cyndi Lauper [Mercer Street Records]
The Well - Charlie Musselwhite [Alligator]
Joined At The Hip - Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith [Telarc]
Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites - Jimmie Vaughan [Shout! Factory]
Best Contemporary Blues Album - Vocal or Instrumental.
Nothing's Impossible - Solomon Burke [E1 Music]
Tribal - Dr. John And The Lower 911 [429 Records]
Living Proof - Buddy Guy [Silvertone/Jive]
Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook - Bettye LaVette [ANTI-]
Live! In Chicago - Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band featuring Hubert Sumlin,
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bryan Lee, & Buddy Flett
[Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records]
Blues/Folk singer Maria Muldaur also earned a nomination in the
“Best Traditional Folk Album” category for Maria Muldaur & Her Garden of Joy.
CMA Red Carpet Winners Include:
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Bob Margolin
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Archie Bell
Rock Band of the Year:
Lucky Five
Agent of the Year:
Hugh Southard, Blue Mountain Artists
Gospel Choir of the Year:
West Mecklenburg HS
CMAs are an official sister award program of
the Hollywood Music in Media Awards
Read more about CMA and
other winners at
www.charlottemusicawards.org/
Check out 2011 KBA Winner
Mary4Music.com
The Internet‟s most comprehensive
Blues Network where you‟ll find a
wealth of interesting topics, including
music gift items such as keychains,
scarves, picture frames, earrings,
puzzle boxes, pins, necklaces,
magnets, etc.!
You can also email Blewzzman for
information on getting your CD
reviewed: [email protected]
Congratulations to Dr. John
who will be inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. He
was inducted into
The Blues Foundation's
Blues Hall of Fame in 2007.
January 2011
(13)
THE BLUES FOUNDATION HAS FOUND A NEW HOME …
With a Multimedia Showroom, Visitor’s Center, and Shop in the South Main Arts District in Memphis
The Blues Foundation has announced that it has selected
the location of its first permanent home. After more than
30 years of temporary spaces, the organization is set to
move into its new home in Downtown Memphis in March
2011. The establishment of a permanent home will
centralize the Foundation‟s educational, audio-visual, and
retail opportunities, in addition to housing its staff and
operations.
For several years, the Foundation has been seeking a
suitable new home that will serve the mission of Blues
music preservation, celebration and education, and meet
the demand for a space for Blues music fans to visit,
interact, learn and listen. “In order to expose blues music
to even more people, we need a place that‟s open to the
public and encourages visitors,” stated Executive Director
Jay Sieleman. “…a brick-and-mortar home that respects
the past but has a contemporary feel that leaves people
knowing the music is alive today.”
The new location will feature 4000 square feet of public
showroom, which in addition to housing staff, will present
its Hall of Fame inductees through exhibits of memorabilia,
artwork, and audio-visual presentations that will be both
educational and entertaining. Items for sale in its retail
store will similarly focus on Hall of Fame recordings and
literature
as
well
as
Blues
Foundation-branded
merchandise. They will be located in a historic area on the
south edge of downtown, neighboring a variety of
destinations for art, history, and culture, and signifies the
organization becoming a more vital part of the growth
industry that is Blues music.
For updates, and progress of the move, log on to
www.Blues.org
B L U ES R E V U E
Blues Revue Magazine is proud to announce the
"Support The Bands" contest for issue # 127.
THE WORLD’S BLUES MAGAZINE
Thanks to the support of our loyal subscribers and friends we are having another band contest. The bands that had their
CDs reviewed in the current issue for Jan/Feb 2011 are available now, so vote for your favorite at:
http://bluesrevue.com/2011/01/the-band-contest-janfeb-2011/
(You do not need to be a subscriber to vote.)
The four winning bands will receive a full color ad in the
next issue of Blues Revue. These ads have a value of one
thousand dollars each and will really show your support to
the bands. Twenty voters will also receive a CD from
Blues Revue so spread the word and vote today.
This promotion has been made possible because of our
loyal subscribers. Our goal is to reach out and connect
with you, our readers, and grow one of the coolest
communities on the planet. We all enjoy this music and
especially the artists who create it, play it and live it every
day. Leaving their families behind they travel to visit our
local joints and satiate our blues bones. We at Blues
Revue will always do our best to promote, support and
encourage these musicians and the continued growth of
this community.
As promised, we have made many changes these past two
months. BluesWax is now featured at Blues Revue and
will continue to keep our readers up to date on all the
current CD releases, incredible interviews, show, festival
reviews and all the great photo's every week! BluesWax
has started a weekly CD giveaway for five lucky
winners, so be sure to click the box to enter and win when
you cast your vote. (See Blues Revue link above)
Our website continues to grow every day and the site is
changing almost daily. One feature is The Juke Joint
where we feature new videos weekly. Might take a
moment to load but good music is worth waiting for…
If you haven't subscribed to Blues Revue, go to
www.BluesRevue.com and click on “Subscribe” and look
for our “special introductory offer.”
So tell your friends to visit, vote, spread the word, grow
the tribe and the bands will benefit! As always we'll
continue to send… "Good Blues To Ya!"
Blues Friendly Radio – North Carolina
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WCOM
WFAE
WFSS
WGWG
WHQR
WNAA
WNCU
WNCW
103.5fm,
90.7fm,
91.9fm,
88.3fm,
91.3fm,
90.1fm,
90.7fm,
88.7fm,
Carrboro
Charlotte
Fayetteville
Boiling Springs
Wilmington, "Front Street Blues"
Greensboro
Durham
Spindale

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



WRFX
WSGE
WSHA
WUNC
WWCU
WXDU
WXYC
99.7fm,
91.7fm,
88.9fm,
91.5fm,
90.5fm,
88.7fm,
89.3fm,
Charlotte, “Smokin Bluz”
Dallas
Shaw University, Raleigh
Chapel Hill
Cullowhee
Durham
Orange County
(14)
Bluesletter
The Bluesletter is published monthly by the
Charlotte Blues Society
www.charlottebluessociety.org
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC 28232-2752
The Charlotte Blues Society (CBS) is dedicated to the promotion
and preservation of the American Blues tradition through the presentation
of concerts, forums, workshops, and educational programs in Charlotte
and surrounding areas. Founded in the Spring of 1993, CBS has steadily
grown in membership and popularity in support of this musical art form.
CBS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of
Directors and is an affiliated member of The Blues Foundation the
umbrella organization for a worldwide network of 165 affiliated Blues
societies and has individual memberships around the globe. The Blues
Foundation produces the Blues Music Awards, Keeping the Blues Alive
Awards, Blues Hall of Fame Induction, and the International Blues
Challenge.
CBS members gather on “BLUESunday,” the 1st Sunday of each
month, 8:00 PM, at The Double Door Inn.
Meetings include
announcements and updates, special guests, and an Open Mic Blues
Jam. BLUESunday is free to CBS members and only $5.00 for nonmembers. The Board of Directors also meets every 1st Sunday. Meetings
are open to the membership.
Members receive a monthly newsletter and free admission to
monthly meeting entertainment (unless otherwise posted). In addition,
members receive discounts and co-sponsored or CBS-advertised events.
Annual dues (12-month period) are $20~ Individual, $35 ~ Family, and
$75 ~ Sponsor Membership. Corporate sponsorships and individual
contributions are welcome and are tax deductible (excluding dues).
The CBS Bluesletter is published monthly and distributed to
approximately 600 readers. It includes information on Society activities, a
local blues calendar, and a variety of blues-related items of interest.
CBS is proud to call The Double Door Inn home. The Double Door
Inn, winner of the 1994 Keeping the Blues Alive award from The Blues
Foundation, is located at 1218 Charlottetowne Ave., Charlotte, NC (704376-1446) Over the past 35 years, the DDI’s stage lights have shined on
Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Marcia Ball,
Saffire ~ The Uppity Blues Women, Lonnie Brooks, Eddy “the Chief”
Clearwater, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Luther Allison, just to name a few.
(And that doesn’t even include the countless local and regional performers
who otherwise would not have had a stage to stand on.) Thank you,
Double Door, for all your support for live blues, zydeco, reggae,
Americana, and most of all, your support of the Charlotte Blues Society!
SMF PBN: 1938390
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeri Thompson, President........................................................... 704-488-9608
Betsy Norton-Stowe, Vice-President ......................................... 704-351-3848
Lindy Paddock, Secretary........................................................... 803-641-4812
Jeff Thompson, Treasurer ......................................................... 704-829-5336
Editor (Vacant Seat – Please Apply!)
Dick Gilland
Nick Polyzos
Michael Swisher
(Vacant Seats Available)
Advisors: Beth Pollhammer, Bill Buck,
Rita Miller, Michael Simonetti
BLUESLETTER CONTRIBUTORS
Contributing Articles/Photos – .Jeri Thompson, Rita Miller,
Artists, Media, & Organization Websites
Memberships / Address Changes - [email protected] 704-532-6602
Printing Services - International Minute Press, South Blvd, Charlotte
Submissions Welcome!
Blues Articles, CD Reviews, Concert Reviews, Interviews,
Calendar Events, Advertising, News Releases
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Items due no later than the 15th of the month for the following
month’s issue.
Items received beyond deadline will be used the following month,
if still timely.
Scanned or digital photos should be e-mailed to the editor; other
photos are also accepted and will be returned.
(Note: Photos with matte finish or screen print may not reproduce as
sharp as glossy prints.)
Articles may be edited for brevity or clarity, unless otherwise requested
by the writer. (Please do not exceed 500 words for articles or
300 words for reviews.)
Views expressed by the writers do not necessarily
reflect those of CBS or its members
You can help increase revenue by selling (or buying) advertising in the
Bluesletter.
Our rates are very inexpensive compared to other local
newsletters … and now that previous issues are posted on our website,
your ad can be viewed by more readers for a longer period of time.



Bill Toomey
Michael Wolf
Ads are due by the 10th of the month for the following
month‟s issue.
Ads must be pre-paid unless billing arrangements have been
approved. (Federal Tax ID available upon request)
Contacts for questions are:
- Betsy at [email protected] (704-351-3848)
- Mark at [email protected] (704-756-2859
- Rita at [email protected] (704-532-6602)
(Print this page as a handout for your ad sales!)
MONTHLY RATES
$ 15 ............... Business Card
$ 40 ............... Quarter Page
$ 75 ............... Half Page
$125 .............. Full Page
Package Rates Available
10% discount to CBS members
(excluding business card)
Due to e-mail distribution, we can
now accept ads related to finance,
insurance, or credit cards.
January 2011
(15)
The Bluesletter is published monthly by the
Charlotte Blues Society
www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC 28232-2752
Membership Application
PLEASE PRINT
Name:
_________________________________________________
Address:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Phone (Day):__________________
(Night): __________________
E-mail: _________________________________________________
Today’s Date: _________________
[
________________________
_________________________
________________________
_________________________
[
] Renewal
MEMBER CATEGORY:
e-mail / postal
[ ]
Individual ........... $20 / $25
[ ]
Family (2-4)........ $35 / $40
[ ]
Sponsor .............. $75 / $80
(includes Qtr page ad
or T-shirt)
Size: __________
 (Not shared – Used only for Blues updates and late-breaking news!)
Please list members‟ names for Membership Cards:
] New Member
VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED:
[
] Merchandise Sales
[
] Membership Development
[
] Fundraising / Sponsorships
[
] Educational Programs
________________________________
[
] Promotion / Publicity
__________________________________________
[
] Festivals / Event Booths
[
] Bluesletter / Writing / Photos
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CBS?
[
] Web Search
[
[
]
Concert / Festival
[
]
Other
[
]
Referred by:
] The Double Door Inn
[
] News Media
_____________________________________
ARE YOU A MUSICIAN?
[
] Yes
[
] No
[
] Instrument(s)
[
] vocalist
____________________________
If you are a CBS member who still gets your Bluesletter by “Snail Mail,” please send us your e-mail address
for faster delivery … and it’s in COLOR!
(On-line delivery saves postage and helps the environment.)
Turn Your Radio On!
Sundays, 8:00-12:00 PM ................... WRFX 99.7 FM ...................................“Smokin‟ Bluz”
Mondays, 6:30-10:00 PM .................. WSGE 91.7 FM ................................ “Hwy 321 Blues”
Mondays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM ............ WGWG 88.3 FM ................................. “Blues & Roots”
Tuesdays, 6:30-10:00 PM ................. WSGE 91.7 FM ................................. “Hwy 321 Blues”
Wednesdays, 6:30-10:00 PM ............. WSGE 91.7 FM ................................. “Hwy 321 Blues”
Fridays, 11:00 PM-12:00 AM............... WGWG 88.3 FM ................................. “Blues & Roots”
Saturdays, 7:00-11:00 PM ................ WNCW 88.7 FM .............. “Saturday Night House Party”
Saturdays, 9:00-12:00 PM ................ WFAE 90.7 FM ................................... “Blues Central”
Please help us stay current – send radio updates to [email protected]
(16)
Charlotte Blues Society
Bluesletter
PO Box 32752
Charlotte, NC 28232 -2752
www.CharlotteBluesSociety.org
The Charlotte Blues Society is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization
governed by a Board of Directors,
and is an affiliated member of
The Blues Foundation
Gene Gene & The Blues Machine ~ Jan. 9
“Memphis Bound Showcase”
at
BLUESunday
Come check out the concert by our
Talent Competition Winners and show your
support for their trip to Memphis
in February where they will represent the
Charlotte Blues Society at the
27th International Blues Challenge!
Doors open – 7:00
Concert – 8:00
Admission: Only $5.00
FREE for CBS Members
The Double Door Inn
1218 Charlottetown Ave. Charlotte, NC
www.doubledoorinn.com
704-376-1446
NOTE THE DATE!
Jan. 9
for the Memphis Send-off
(DDI closed Jan. 2
for New Year Holiday)