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Home - Hoodoo Blues
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St. Pat's to SXSW - |
ZITO AT THE LIFT: Nominated for two Blues Music Awards this spring, Mike Zito hits The Lift on Thursday, March 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. and gigs at Lincoln's Zoo Bar on Friday night
by B.J. Huchtemann
While visions of spring dance in our heads, the coming week marks many homegrown music options while national fans and bands gear up for Austin and the musical mayhem that South By Southwest has become.
Austin’s SXSW music portion is March 17-20. The four days of official events have developed so many unofficial offshoots it’s now referred to by many as a “festival.” But the event began 23 years ago as an informal way for music industry folks to celebrate spring, by escaping to the warmer climate of Austin for music and barbecue. First it evolved into panel discussions on the industry with music at night. Then showcases of unsigned bands were added, as musicians and industry folks tried to capitalize on the gathering. Now it’s a corporate machine of nearly monstrous proportions.
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Soulful Foster - |
SWEET & SOULFUL BLUES: Grammy-nominee Ruthie Foster rocks the spotlight at the Holland's 1200 Club this Saturday night.
by B.J. Huchtemann
This Saturday shapes up with way too many music choices for roots fans, starting with Grammy and Blues Music Award nominee Ruthie Foster at the Holland Performing Arts Center’s 1200 Club at 8 p.m. The soulful Austin-based singer is nominated in the 2010 Blues Music Awards for best Contemporary Blues Female Artist alongside Bettye LaVette, Candye Kane, Janiva Magness and Shemekia Copeland. Minneapolis keyboard man Scottie Miller, who’s been building a local following with his own gigs at Murphy’s, is featured as part of Foster’s band. Check ticketomaha.org for ticket availability. |
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From Violin to Guitar - |
SIZZLING GUITAR: Popular guitarist Tinsley Ellis is nominated for best Rock Blues Album of the Year in this year's Blues Music Awards. He plays The Lift on March 4.
by B.J. Huchtemann
The New Lift Lounge brings a new artist and an old favorite to town for its next two weekly 5:30 p.m. blues matinees. The New Lift Lounge at 96th and L, formerly Murphy’s, spotlights the blues violin of Lionel Young Thursday, Feb. 25. Thursday, March 4, popular blues-rock guitarist Tinsley Ellis returns.
Lionel Young is based in Denver and took home the 2008 Solo/Duo First Place honors in the International Blues Challenge. Young is classically trained but also loves the blues. The Lionel Young Band won Denver publication Westword’s “Best Blues Band” award in their annual Best of Denver awards in 1996 and 1997. Illinoisblues.com raved “Killer blues from a fiddle!” |
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Connecting Points - |
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE: The Americana/roots music of Backyard Tire Fire hits The New Lift Lounge on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. Steve Berlin of Los Lobos produced their new disc. Photo by Brad Hodge.
by B.J. Huchtemann
In addition to offering an almost dizzying stream of live music, the local music scene continues to do an excellent job of encouraging community.
Lincoln’s intensive showcase of hometown talent, Lincoln Exposed, drew over 800 people to the final Saturday night shows at the Zoo Bar, Duffy’s and Bourbon Street Theatre, according to Jeremy Buckley, an organizer and Reader contributor. Meanwhile Jes Winter reported that the “Babes for the Cure” all-female show at The Waiting Room, Saturday, Feb. 13, raised over $700 for the Susan G. Komen foundation, which is working towards a cure for breast cancer.
There’s a lot of activity in both cities to build community. Reader contributor Josh Hoyer is the driving force behind the “Lincoln is a Music City” campaign. Hoyer, frontman for Son of 76 & The Watchmen and also a bartender at the Zoo Bar, is as passionate about the notion of building community as he is about making great music. |
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Heart This - |
FOLEY'S FIRE: Top blues guitarist Sue Foley is at The New Lift Lounge, formerly known as Murphy's, next Thursday, Feb. 18, at 5:30 p.m. Photo by Michelle Valberg.
by B.J. Huchtemann
Let’s start with the ladies this week.
Sarah Benck teams with other local female artists for a special show at The Waiting Room Friday, Feb. 12. Proceeds from “Babes for the Cure” go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a nonprofit working to find a cure for breast cancer. Performing in separate sets along with Benck are Jes Winter Band, Ok Hemingway, Jessica Errett and Cass Fifty & The Family Gram.
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Cordle Medical Benefit - |
GATHERING FOR CORDLE: Brad Cordle, longtime lead singer for The Mighty Jailbreakers, is in need of financial assistance to help pay for surgery to save his eyesight. The New Lift Lounge hosts a benefit Saturday, Feb. 6, 1-7 p.m.
by B.J. Huchtemann
As lead singer for The Mighty Jailbreakers, Brad Cordle personified the best of the Omaha blues scene through the ’80s and ’90s. Since moving to Las Vegas he’s worked with some of the best regional and national acts. Complications from diabetes left him in need of surgery to save his eyesight. Blues Society of Omaha President Terry O’Halloran organized a benefit this Saturday, Feb. 6, at the New Lift Lounge, formerly Murphy’s. In addition to the lineup posted in 8 Days, musicians performing include Semrad & Co. at 2:45 p.m. and the King Cool Orchestra at 3:45 p.m. There’ll also be an indoor garage sale, potluck meal and raffle all benefiting the fund for Cordle. See omahablues.com for more details and information. |
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Hot News, Great Guitar - |
STRAT CAT: Texas guitarist Jim Suhler and his band Monkey Beat plug in at BarFly on Friday, Jan 29, at 8 p.m.
by B.J. Huchtemann
Jeff Davis, Playing With Fire founder and promoter, has updated me on the status of the summer concert series. It will go forward this summer, but with three shows, rather than the five of previous years: June 19, July 17 and Aug. 14.
“Even with a tough economy, First National Bank and several other vendors have been exceedingly generous,” Davis said of his returning sponsors. “Unfortunately we have lost some sponsors and our costs have risen. We still need substantial money but are proceeding on blind faith. Even though we are strapped a bit I will personally guarantee that all three shows will be terrific, each with extraordinary, high-energy performers. The fans better get to the gym and get in shape!” |
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Memphis Matters - |
MEMPHIS BOUND: Omaha Blues Society BluesEd band The Side Effects just released a CD and participate in the International Blues Challenge this weekend.
by B.J. Huchtemann
This weekend marks one of the biggest weekends for the national blues scene. The International Blues Challenge takes place in Memphis, sponsored by the national Blues Foundation. The foundation also honors professionals who contribute to the success of the blues with the annual Keeping the Blues Alive awards. Omaha has a stake in both events.
Rick Galusha, host of the weekly “P.S. Blues” radio show heard on KIWR, 89.7 The River, will receive the award in the “Radio Public” category. Galusha is entering his 22nd year as the host of “P.S. Blues,” which is heard locally Sunday mornings 9 a.m. to noon. It can also be heard in podcast form at kiwrblues.podomatic.com. The show has had homes at several radio stations throughout the years before finding its current home on KIWR. |
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Sample New Music - |
BO KNOWS HAM: Mentored by Bo Diddley & Johnny “Clyde” Copeland,
Hamilton Loomis has a CD release party at The New Lift Lounge on Monday.
by B.J. Huchtemann
One of my young musician friends says his generation will embrace the blues if you don’t tell them that’s what the genre is. “The word ‘blues’ is a buzz-kill for them,” he said. Perhaps he’s right. So let’s just say that Texas musician Hamilton Loomis is delighting audiences with his soulful blend of roots and rock, electrifying guitar and high-voltage showmanship.
Anyone who thinks that “blues” is a “buzz kill,” or just depressing music, needs to get schooled by artists like Loomis. Based in Katy, Texas, Loomis is hitting The New Lift Lounge in support of his new release Live in England (Ham-Bone Records). Born in 1975, Loomis has been playing guitar and writing his own music since he was 14. |
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Ch-ch-ch-changes - |
SWEET HOME CHICAGO: Nick Moss & The Flip Tops featuring Lurrie Bell hit the New Lift Lounge (96th & L) on Thursday, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. Photo by Kate Moss.
by B.J. Huchtemann
At its heart, this time of year always seems to be about beginnings and endings. The Omaha blues-roots music scene is sure to undergo changes in 2010, but how these will play out is beyond my ability to predict. Scene mainstay, venue owner and Blues Society of Omaha President Terry O’Halloran is pursuing his long-range plan of relocating to the West Coast. Playing with Fire founder and organizer Jeff Davis continues working to secure funding for the 2010 Playing With Fire summer concert series. |
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Connections - |
SWEET & SEARING: The amazing music and luminous spirit of Austin's Jon Dee Graham place him at the top of Hoodoo Blues' essential artists. Photo by Aaron Reed.
by B.J. Huchtemann
This is the Year in Review issue and it’s full of lists, best ofs and critic’s choices. There was a point in my music journalism career when the Best Of list was something we started working on in October. It was hotly debated, written and re-written. I don’t do the list thing very well anymore. I don’t have time to listen to scads of new releases. Half the time I don’t even get around to listening to all the things I want to hear. That said, music is still about personal survival for me. It’s about heart and soul issues.
If you read this column with any kind of regularity you already know my favorites. If you haven’t, give a listen to the number one artist on my list: Jon Dee Graham. His combination of luminous hope, fearless resolve, feral guitar and honest, literate lyrics are united by his big-hearted love of life |
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Wonderful Life - |
SLIM CHRISTMAS: Award-winning bluesman Magic Slim plays his traditional Christmas night show at Lincoln's Zoo Bar on Friday, Dec. 25, 9 p.m. Photo by Chris Jacobs.
by B.J. Huchtemann
My editor, Sarah Wengert, asked me to forward the question for this week’s cover story to a couple of my contacts, including Lash LaRue. I’ve been writing about LaRue and his annual Toy Drive for the children on the Pine Ridge reservation in the last few columns. When I ran the question — What’s your wish for the community this year? — by LaRue on the phone, his response was immediate:
“This time of year, that’s easy,” LaRue said. “I wish that everyone could have as much fun as we do with the Toy Drive while giving to their community.”
I have to agree. When you put your energy behind people and efforts you are passionate about, it energizes you. As I’ve written here in the last few weeks, the Toy Drive is especially meaningful to me because I’ve watched how the activities have grown, almost effortlessly, each year. And it all began with one person who wanted to help the community he cares about. He started out with simple steps and help from a few friends |
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Holiday Countdown - |
ROCKIN' AMERICANA: Matt Cox and his excellent band gig at McKenna's on Friday, Dec. 18, and play every Sunday night
at P.S. Collective after 9 p.m.
by B.J. Huchtemann
I’m listening to the benefit CD Christmas For Pine Ridge Volume II as I write this. The recording is available through the holidays at lashlaruetoydrive.com and also at Garage Guitar, 4967 Dodge St.
The disc has donated tracks tackling the joys and challenges of the often emotional holiday season. From Korey Anderson’s sweet and shimmering opener through lustrous punk-tinged rock by Noah’s Ark Was a Spaceship to holiday thinkin’ and drinkin’ songs, the recording showcases some of Omaha’s finest talents. |
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Facelift for Murphy's - |
AT THE TOP: Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials are the 2009 Blues Music Award Band of the Year. They play The New Lift Lounge (formerly known as Murphy's) on Thursday, Dec. 17. Photo by Paul Natkin.
by B.J. Huchtemann
Hopefully, neither touring blues bands nor local blues fans are confused by the name change at Murphy’s. Effective Dec. 5, owner and Blues Society of Omaha president Terry O’Halloran has changed the name from Murphy’s Lounge to The New Lift Lounge. O’Halloran recently sold The Lift property and is incorporating the ski lounge decor and theme to freshen up Murphy’s.
He’s changing the name to The New Lift Lounge in an effort to appeal to regulars of both bars.
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Toys & Cheer - |
GUITAR MASTER: David Rawlings (left) and Gillian Welch perform as The David Rawlings Machine at The Waiting Room on Thursday, Dec. 10. Photo courtesy of paxtonx.com
by B.J. Huchtemann
’Tis the season for Lash LaRue’s Toy Drive. This is the biggest weekend of Toy Drive activities. The events raise toy donations and money for gifts to bring Christmas cheer to the Lakota children and families on the Porcupine District of the Pine Ridge Reservation.
It’s been a tough year for many in Omaha, so you might ask what makes the situation on the reservation important, even in difficult times. According to the 2000 Census, the Pine Ridge is among the nation’s poorest communities. Families often live without simple conveniences such as running water, indoor plumbing or electricity. The Lakota families may walk miles in the December cold to the community gift-giving event organized by medicine man David Swallow Jr. LaRue became involved through his work with Swallow in spiritual ceremonies. Part of the spiritual tradition is giving thanks and giving back. The gifts of toys bring hope to children who otherwise have little. LaRue and his friends also bring blankets, outerwear and other gifts to help families through the winter.
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Giving Thanks & Hope - |
THANKFUL: Local rockabilly musician Lash LaRue is busy with his 6th Annual Toy Drive to gather toys for children on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
by B.J. Huchtemann
That jangling sound you hear is probably not Santa’s elves, but it might be Lash LaRue’s spurs. LaRue is busy putting the finishing touches on this year’s Toy Drive for the children and families on the Pine Ridge reservation. This is the sixth year for the event, which began as a single acoustic show at Mick’s with LaRue and a few of his friends. LaRue is known around town for his work as the guitar slinger for The Mercurys and is also in demand for guitar repair.
Despite the cowboy hat and tattoos, LaRue is a part of the Lakota community. LaRue became involved through the years he’s spent working in Lakota spiritual ceremonies with medicine man David Swallow Jr. Giving thanks and giving back to the community is part of the Lakota spiritual tradition. |
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Full November - |
Award-winning Eden Brent plays Murphy's on Thursday. Photo by John Keen
by B.J. Huchtemann
Matt “Guitar” Murphy’s Zoo Bar show scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22, has been postponed. Zoo co-owner Pete Watters says Murphy is doing just fine, he had to reschedule due to recording commitments. Born in 1929, Murphy is best known for his role in the Blues Brothers band and as the husband of Aretha Franklin’s character in The Blues Brothers movie. Sidelined by a stroke in 2003, Murphy has returned to performing around his home in Miami, Florida. See mattguitarmurphy.net for more info.
There is a special 9 p.m. show Sunday, Nov. 22, with Devon Allman & Honeytribe. Allman is the extremely talented son of Gregg Allman and serves up rock with bluesy roots; The Allendales open.
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Blues Explorer - |
THE REAL DEAL: Charlie Musselwhite’s heart-and-soul drenched blues is as good as it gets.
by B.J. Huchtemann
This weekend sees two intimate club performances by veteran blues festival superstar Charlie Musselwhite. He and his powerhouse band hit the Zoo Bar Saturday, Nov. 14, at 9 p.m. and play Murphy’s Sunday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. Advance tickets are available and recommended for both shows.
Harmonica master Musselwhite has been a force on the blues scene for over 40 years and continues to be an innovator and explorer. He’s won 18 Blues Music Awards and six Grammy nominations, and is still one of the most dynamic and soulful performers on the scene. He and his accomplished band turn up the energy in every performance with the same grit and soul that made Musselwhite a breakout artist on the Chicago blues scene in the 1960s.
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Fearless, Luminous Hope - |
FIERCE JOY: Austin’s Jon Dee Graham holds a Sunday Roadhouse CD release party this Sunday at the Waiting Room.
by B.J. Huchtemann
Jon Dee Graham’s music often makes points with metaphors. The metaphors are generally drawn from life, like the story of his favorite guitar and how it survived the same car accident that nearly killed him in July 2008.
“This is the best guitar I’ve ever played; plus, like myself, it is indestructible. It went through the car wreck. I pulled it out of the case when I was finally able to sit up and play: it was still in tune. It had a big crack down the middle of it, much like myself,” he laughed, “but it was still in tune.”
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Lucky Days - |
ROCKIN' GUITAR BLUES: Atlanta's Tinsley Ellis plugs in at the Zoo Bar and Murphy's next week. Photo by Flournoy Holmes
by B.J. Huchtemann
Fall seems to bring lots of great touring shows along with the chill air and changing leaves. There are less than two weeks until the CD release show by Hoodoo hero Jon Dee Graham at the Waiting Room, Sunday, Nov. 8. Rick Galusha and I did a co-interview with Graham that will air as part of the PS Blues show Sunday, Nov. 1, between 9 a.m. and noon on KIWR, 89.7 The River. However, you can check Galusha’s podcast this week for an early posting of the interview at KIWRBlues.Podomatic.com. You’ll hear several tracks from Graham’s new disc, It’s Not As Bad As It Looks, which hits streets Oct. 27, and has an Austin CD release event Halloween night. The Nov. 8 show at the Waiting Room is the Sunday Roadhouse series CD release event. The 5 p.m. show will be the fourth time the Sunday Roadhouse has brought Graham to Omaha. See sundayroadhouse.com for more details. |
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