Main Blues

The Washington Blues Society (WBS) and the Slaughter House Lounge proudly present: “Somethin’ New; Somethin’ Old; Somethin’ Borrowed; Somethin’ Definitely The Blues” A celebration of some of our Best New Band nominees, a showcase of the extremely talented members of the Washington Blues Society’s Hall of Fame, and a few of our Best Blues Band nominees.

When: August 27, 2011 Noon to 10pm
Where: Monroe River Valley Farm (19829 168th St SE, Monroe, WA 98272)


Opening the show will be Hot Rod’s Blues Revue, a band that has garnered several nominations in the WBS’s most recent Best of Blues Awards for both the band and many of the individual musicians in the band. They will bring a mixture of rockin’ rhythm & blues, gritty Chicago blues and uptown swing tunes that are sure to get this party started off and fill the dance floor right from the start. With a solid backline lead by Steve Sarkowsky on drums and Tommy Wall on bass, tasty guitar licks from Greg Timmons, Hot Rod Holman trickling the keys of the B3, classic harp from Joe “Blue” Giorella and a horn section featuring Ron Hendee and Joey “The Saint” St. John-Ryan this band will not disappoint.

Next up is a new band called the T-Town Aces and recently nominated in the Best New Band category of the BB Awards. If you look closely you will see that this band is fronted by Steve Bailey and Dennis Ellis from the old Crossroads Band, who have both received many nominations in BB Awards over their long careers here in the Northwest. Joining them on guitar is Curtis Smith a new addition to the Northwest music scene, but who has a resume that includes playing with Mark Hummel, Johnny Dyer, Junior Watson and Janiva Magness to name a few. Joining them are David Hudson on drums and Al Cantey on bass, both Northwest veterans who know the Blues and who have been laying down top notch rhythm for more than twenty years each. With outstanding cover choices and clever originals this band will amp the party up just a little higher.

The featured attraction of the day will be a Showcase of all of the Hall of Fame members. With a line-up that includes Dick Powell, Little Bill Engelhart, Buck England, Leslie Milton, Patti Allen, Kathi McDonald, Nick Vigarino, Mark Dufresne, Randy Oxford, Mark Whitman, Alice Stuart, Jack Cook, David Brewer, Paul Green, and Chris Leighton you know you are in for some great music. But throw in their special guests Raven Humphres, John Lee, Howard Hopper, Ron Hendee, Rod Cook, and Tommy Morgan and you’re headed for something spectacular. This kind of talent all together on the same stage only happens once in a lifetime. Every Hall of Famer will be featured in a tightly packed, high energy, blues driven show that will leave you all “Ate up with the Blues”. Like I said the don’t miss event of the summer!

You would think that after all that we would be done, but we have Brian Lee and The Orbiters. This band has received several nominations over the years for both its individual members and the band. Featuring Brian Lee on vocals, guitar, and harp , the distinctive style of Steve Yonck on guitar and a backline consisting of long time pros Russ Kammerer on drums and Hank Yanda on bass, this band has crafted a long list of original tunes that keep dance floors full and clubs at capacity. They will take you on “A Broad Orbit Through The Blues Universe”.

Closing out the day will be the Stacy Jones Band. With multiple nominations over the last three years of BB Awards for both its members and the band they have become one of the favorites of the WBS membership. Fronted by the talented Stacy Jones on keys, guitar, harp and vocals with Jeff Menteer as a sideman on guitar and vocals this band plays a set list of originals that always get the audience’s attention and with “Blind” Tommy Jones on bass and Rick Bowen on drums the backline keeps them dancing.

Not a bad day of music, but there’s more! At the low cost of $25.00 advance purchase/$30.00 day of show this will be a great value. Multiple food venders will supply tasty cuisine, Paula’s “Wine Knot” Tasting Room and Paula’s Pepper Jelly will host a beer garden with select choices of beer and wine, and plenty of parking is available on site for only $5.00. Who could ask for more! But wait there is more and if you’ve read this far you deserve the reward. All Washington Blues Society members with their membership dues current can buy tickets to this event for themselves at the incredibly low price of only $15.00! Another great reason to join the Washington Blues Society!