Main Blues

Blues To Do, out of Seattle, Washington, has put together a unique series of world-class traditional blues is presented on the 3rd Friday of the month in November. On Friday, Nov. 16, The series will present Bonnie McCoy (Memphis Minnie’s niece) with special guest Mary Flower.

The concert is open to the public, all ages. The event includes popular meals from area food establishments all under $10, plus beer & wine will be available at the shows. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $15 per show. Group discounts also available - please email sales@bluestodo.com. Tickets are available at the door, via PayPal at Blue To Do's website, or at Brown Paper Tickets. The historic Garden House is just north of the light rail station at 2336 15th Avenue South.

This final event features the niece of Memphis Minnie, Bonnie McCoy. Her heritage includes her father George McCoy and his sister Ethel McCoy (who sang with Chuck Berry in the 50's). George’s brother, Kansas Joe McCoy, recorded and performed with Minnie in her hottest years. Bonnie raised her family and now has time to peruse her dream to be a blues singer in the family tradition. Last year, Seattle based Arcola Records released her debut recording "Child of the Blues" with liner notes by Dr. David Evans (Professor of music Memphis University). The CD was produced and released by Bob West, the host of "King Biscuit Time" on the now defunct radio station KRAB-FM 107.7. “Child of the Blues” features Eric Freeman along with Northwest artists Ashley Durant, Anthony Estrada and Mike Daugherty.

Mary Flower is a world-class guitarist and lap slide player who swings the blues. Along the way, she’s mastered the intricate, harmonically subtle Piedmont style, with its good-timey, ragtime feel. The Piedmont style forms the foundation of much of her work, but she’s an unrivaled interpreter of Mississippi blues and an ingenious composer in her own right. She’s twice placed in the top three at the prestigious National Fingerpicking Championship in Winfield, Kansas–the only woman to do so. She’s a warm singer who sings down-home yet sophisticated material. Mary was nominated for both “Best Acoustic Artist” and “Best Acoustic Album” in the 2012 Blues Music Awards in Memphis. Her latest CD is “Misery Loves Company” on Yellow Dog Records.

Looking for that special gift to give that blues crazed friend or spouse of yours? Well... have we got the answer for you! 

Why not give the gift of a one-year membership to the Washington Blues Society? They are already a member? Not a problem! We’ll extend their membership for another year and send them a gift note along with their new Membership Cards.

Just download or print the form below,  fill out the information and mail it and your check to:

Washington Blues Society,
P.O. Box 70604
Seattle, WA 98127

It’s as simple as that! It's a gift that will give all year long... Give the Gift of Membership

“I’m a gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler…!”

Eddie Cochran’s ghost came to me one night. He told me I had a fever and taking my case to the United Nations won’t help. The only cure for the summertime blues he said was the 4th annual 3-day Westport “Dock of the Bay” Blues Festival September 7th through the 9th …and more cowbell!

Minutes south of Aberdeen on Highway 105, I rolled into this Pacific costal community in search of the cure. Noting that Westport has an annual Pirates Day Festival, I was immediately impressed and felt at home. This town welcomes pirates!

by Michael Bruce

Westport, the beautiful diamond in the rough on the Pacific coast of Grays Harbor County, is now home to a growing cadre of blues aficionados. At the very end of the summer festival season when it seems everyone heads east to Sunbanks Blues Festival in Grand Coulee, Westport Blues non-profit hosts its annual event to showcase Washington blues bands and the ocean beach area as a destination for fun. The tallest lighthouse in the state still beams its Fresnel lamp to passing ships, and t’s also at the same time as the Brady’s Oyster Feed just down the road.

Near the harbor of this quiet little fishing village on the grounds of the Westport Inn and RV Park, owned and operated by festival hosts Mark and Desiree Dodson, the event is tucked into a flat area just a skipping stone’s throw from the Pacific beach. Offering clean rooms and friendly staff, Mark and Desiree have worked hard to create a charming setting for this great blues music attraction. There is lots of spacious parking is just across the street. Centrally located at the very end of the main drag, these gracious hosts have shaped this blues music event with all the allure of a Siren’s song. Sport-fishing charter boats rock on the flowing tides as tourists flock to the restaurants and curio shops along the wharf. Rent a crab pot and try your luck, take a long walk on the beach or… go fly a kite!

by Michael Bruce

With pelicans and seagulls soaring on the gentle ocean summer breeze, the event began late on a warm, sunny Friday evening. In preparation for a “rain or shine” gig, the stage was protected by a large tent that could accommodate well over 200 blues fans.

“Next year,” predicted Mark, “our larger tent will hold 800!”

It was also a real community effort. I commented to Mark on the local major fisheries sponsorships for this event. “Mayor Michael Bruce has worked very hard getting sponsorships,” continued Mark. “He also is taking photos of the bands and staying in contact with the bands.”

Blues Attitude, hailing from Olympia and Tacoma, started out the Festival around 6:00 PM on Friday. They got the crowd up and jumping to solid blues ‘tude! Festival newcomer The Tim Hall Band played an incredible high-energy set to close Friday night to a very enthusiastic crowd.

Beer and wine was sold in the beer garden, two food booths, merchandise vendors and others gave it a carnival atmosphere. Oozing excitement, local Deborah Tiedemann sported a name tag with her title, Beer Wench. She was as bubbly as fresh sea foam on wet beach sand. As she handed out Washington Blues Society Bluesletters and beer on Saturday, I asked her if she was having the obvious fun she poured out.

“I’m having a fabulous time” she told me as the Pleasure Hounds finished their set. A bit later I wanted to know her thoughts about local homegrown singer Mia Vermillion.

by Michael Bruce

“I just finished listening to Mia, she’s fantastic!” she said as Mia left the stage. “If I were a guy, I’d be in love with her! She’s got the whole package. She has an awesome voice, an awesome stage presence and not too hard on the eyes!” Noting her stunning beauty and deep, sultry voice, I couldn’t agree with her more.

Mia, a Westport native, spent her summers commercially fishing these waters as a young girl. She now calls Anacortes home, and tours with a two piece band: drummer Jason Edwards and guitarist Rod Cook.

by Michael Bruce

“It’s fun playing with Mia” said Rod. “We have great material and it’s just a lot of fun!” Rod talked to me as they loaded their gear after their set to travel clear across the state to Sunbanks Blues Festival and play again the next day. “I like the venue here too! The tent makes it nice and cozy! ”

Many blues fans told me that they were impressed with the band’s full sound, even though there were just two instruments and Mia’s booming vocals.

by Michael Bruce

Kim Archer and her band was indeed fantastic including an almost note for note back up singer who absolutely belted out harmonies and impressive gyrations in time with the band. “The Westport Dock of the Bay Blues Festival is a great event and attracts some diehard blues lovers and people who appreciate music in general” Kim told me as she walked to the stage for her part of the show. “It’s just a good feeling here of community around music and it’s definitely something I like to be a part of.” She showed the crowd why she loves what she does by nailing a perfect set. Folks moved to the music at the sparse area at the front of the stage and boogied to the funky R&B sounds.

by Michael Bruce

Guitarist Spider Murphy closed Saturday’s lineup. “I was lucky enough to get up with Spider Murphy last night,” Blues Attitude bassist Peter Crossman told me on Sunday. Peter, who provided the sound backline added, “It was totally off the cuff without rehearsal, he’s an amazing musician, old Chicago blues style. I love his new CD, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato!”

That night, Blues Attitude hosted a jam session worthy of the name as folks crowded together en masse. The Coho Room, adjacent to the Westport Inn, was at capacity until well after midnight; the joint was rocking so much that even breathing room was at a premium.

by Michael Bruce

Sunday’s sea mist with heavy winds was cured by getting most people huddled casually underneath the tent. The chilly nip of the first taste of fall weather blew in quickly to bring the temperatures down. Ranging from 90 degrees on Friday to 55 on Sunday, the extremes failed to dampen these blues fans’ enthusiasm. It was great, typical western Washington weather!

A friend and I had breakfast, and later Bloody Marys, at the VFW Hall on East pacific Avenue before the day’s music started. It’s the best deal in town! Open to the public for Friday Steak Night and Sunday breakfast, the short order cooks serve up quite an extensive board of fare.

by Michael Bruce

Westport’s local band, Catch of the Day, featured both Mark and Desiree (playing a custom fit washboard) with guest artist Andy “Badd Dog” Koch, got the party started. They introduced some original numbers including "Pack My Bags and Scoot" and "Papa's Song" that seamlessly weaved in a stirring country blues version of the 23rd Psalm in a salute to our nation's unsung heroes for 911. Andy also got the crowd going with his gritty Harp playing and great showmanship.

by Michael Bruce

Master of Ceremonies Merri Sutton, photographer, music promoter and self proclaimed “fetchin’-stepper” chatted with me while Little Bill was playing.

by Michael Bruce

“The Billy Shew Band and the Kim Archer Band played here last year and lit up Westport Saturday afternoon and evening,” she said. “Little Bill and the Blue Notes where here last year, too. They returned this year and are playing another amazing crowd-pleasing set.”

I agreed that Bill and the Blue Notes were in great form and having fun.

by Michael Bruce

To end the festival, Randy Oxford Band’s drummer Steve Sabol brought more cowbell and even more wood block to the stage! Randy Oxford, trombonist extraordinaire, set a frantically intense pace for his band, and they responded in kind! Song after song was full of blazing passion and outstanding technical mastery which had the small audience demanding not one, but two encores! Each band member made a potent, wonderful contribution to the band's sound and stage presence.

by Michael Bruce

“They played totally over the top, brought the house down and had a blast doing it!” Merri told me later in an email after the show. “All of these bands are made up of top-notch musicians who also just happen to be top-notch humans. I love and respect each and every one of them!”

The Coho Room was also the location of Sunday night's dinner to thank the hard-working volunteers. They were thrilled to be "breaking bread" and chatted with members of the Randy Oxford Band, who had just finished their set.

Mark and Desire are also planing music workshops at the Westport Inn this winter.“We are having a Steve Kaufman Flatpick Guitar workshop at the Westport Inn Nov 30, Dec 1st and 2nd” said Mark. “This  includes lodging, meals, parties, workshop and a full concert on Sunday.”

I asked if he had more workshops planned to attract music lovers to the ocean this winter. “We are also working with Lee Oskar and Mia Vermillion for additional winter workshops, but we don't have the dates solid yet. We’ll have to let Bluesletter readers know when we confirm these great opportunities with these great artists!”

You will not be disappointed by the lyrics of the classic hit by Eddie Cochran, “Summer Time Blues.” The cure is right on the beach at Westport Blues “Dock of the Bay” Festival, second weekend in September! CLICK HERE for more information on the Westport Inn.

Festival Videos:

By Malcolm Kennedy
Bump Kitchen are one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier funk/R&B outfits and one listen to 2009’s Who Ordered The Waffle? will quickly inform you why. Tony Harper’s soulful vocals, Mark Bittler’s keyboards, the deep rhythm groove of Everett James on drums and Joe Bevens on bass along with the funky guitars of Jho Blenis and David Broyles make a powerful unit that fills the dance floors from Vancouver, Canada to Eugene, Spokane to Seattle and beyond.

The infectious funk groove of “Don’t Doubt” had me dancing in my seat and the mellow “Back In The Day,” which brings to mind such indelible R&B classics as “That’s The Way Of The World” and “All Day Music,” had me singing along.  Yes, I am saying that Bump Kitchen has that killer funky sound of yesteryear, which is not to say they are mired in the past. It’s just that they have a real knack for putting the essence of a classic sound into the heart of their music. The jazzy keyboard driven instrumental “4th Monkey” has a percolating pulse which is offset by the stinging lead guitar solo. “Mona Lisa” has a rocking edginess highlighted by the blistering lead guitar licks throughout.

Bump Kitchen shows their collective humorous sides with the title track a true life story for which they thank Club Crow in the credits for asking the question, who ordered the waffle? That of course was Everett. This is just flat out a fun band and their music is fun to listen too. Go ahead and order up your own waffle today from Bump Kitchen.

I don't usually publish older videos on the bog, but this deserves its own post. It is a wonder our digital imformation age we live in today to be able watch blues history on-demand. Growing up, I never had access to footage like this. So, I say... may today's new generations be inspired and influenced by their easy access to the rich history of the blues available to them! And Lightning is on of my all time favorites. Who is yours?

The great Texas bluesman Lightnin' Hopkins, under the watchful eye of a very young Joan Baez, performs "Let's Pull a Party." From the DVD "Texas Blues Guitar."

By Malcolm Kennedy
When Alice Stuart & the Formerlys were putting things together to go down to the famed Ardent Studio in Memphis to record their new album with multi Grammy winning producer Jim Gaines; they knew from the start that it was an ambitious project. Music's who’s who have utilized Ardent Studios from Led Zeppelin to the Staple Singers, ZZ Top to Bob Dylan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Albert Collins, Coco Montoya, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughan and hundreds more from all genres of music. Just traveling the 2,000 plus miles down to Memphis for the Freedom Sessions with all their gear would take some financing and any artists can tell you that it is easy to pour thousands of dollars into putting out a well produced CD.

Alice came out with an inspired way to put some of the finances together by reaching out to her fan base for support. She came up with a plan of tiered support levels, not unlike those fundraising drives on public radio and TV where there were different perks offered for the various levels of support. Starting with pre-release signed CD’s, to inclusion on the CD liner credits and ultimately a house party. House Party, a two CD plus DVD comb package, is that very same house party record and filmed live in the front room of Glen and Susan Beebe’s home on a warm and sunny August 25th, 2007.

In my review of the previously released two audio CD package featured in the October, 2011 Washington Blues Society Bluesletter I stated, “If you ever get the opportunity to attend a “house party” do not let it slip by.” Well with the release of Alice’s House Party combo pack you can sit in your own living and experience a virtual house party of your own whenever you get the urge.

The video of House Party was recorded by Richard DePartee and the audio by Glen Beebe. The digital transfer and CD mastering was by Mark Miller of Karla Studios in Fremont and the video editing and DVD mastering was performed by Nathan Bosseler of Impact Studio Pro in Issaquah. House Party is not a big budget production with a multiple camera crew where one camera is doing close ups of the players hands, another on their faces, another wide, one low, one looking down and several more panning in and out all edited together, this is a smaller affair with one camera; but that just ads to the intimate feeling of the show and makes viewing it feel more like you were sitting in the audience. Glen informs his guests at the beginning of the show that it is a party not a concert and if they want to get up and get a glass of wine or some food to go ahead and do so. The filming and audio are not 100% glitch free; but the few instances are very minor and not a distraction. The filming has that feel of watching something that that high tech buddy you have, who has all the gear and knows just how to use it made. It does not have that; “oh my, you really posted this to You Tube” feel to it at all and is very enjoyable to watch.

Alice plays both acoustic and electric guitars and is accompanied by Formerlys Steve Flynn on keyboards and vocals and Mark Willett on bass and vocals. They decided to not have a drummer on the show partly due to the intimate room size and the setting.

The set features 19 songs from across Alice’s career with five selections included from her then brand new Freedom release. Four of the selections included on the video are not on the two audio CDs (all of them cover songs) including a pair from Freedom Johnny Cash’s “Train of Love” and Bob Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue” which is the opening cut on the DVD with Alice on her acoustic guitar. The other two not on the CD’s are, “Shout For Joy,” an uplifting boogie woogie instrumental showcasing Steve Flynn’s considerable chops on the electric piano originated by one of the three giants of boogie piano, Albert Ammons, and Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor” which Alice performs acoustic, a song the first time I heard Alice perform live prompted me to purchase three or four of her CD’s on the spot. The DVD also includes several in between song breaks where Alice, Steve and Mark interact with the audience which as adds to the feeling of being in the room for the show.
Three of the tunes performed off Freedom were played in a row near the end of the show, including a fabulous version of the title track Alice’s emotive vocals as she sings ‘Son said, Mama, I can’t keep from cryin’. Hold on a little longer, got to know I’m tryin’ so hard just to make it on my own. Your Mama’s tryin’ so hard, you know your Daddy’s gone,’ over Steve’s keyboards and the strings on her Telecaster bending and vibrating under her fingers. “Highway Blues,” which was another of the show standouts and the afore mentioned “Train of Love”. Switching back and forth from acoustic to electric throughout the sets adds another dimension to the variety of sounds. The show ended with the bluesy “Drop Down Daddy,” from Can’t Find No Heaven, with Alice playing some slide guitar. The House Party DVD/CD combo package gives you two ways to enjoy this thoroughly pleasurable experience. For fans of Alice Stuart the combo pack is an essential addition to your collection. If you are not yet a fan this package makes a wonderful starting place.