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.

“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:

Something special happened several nights ago in Tacoma. Not that every week night on the local music scene isn’t special in some way, but that night was different. Monday nights’ at the Swiss Tavern have always been pretty much dedicated to local blues bands. And they generate a tidy little appreciative audience. This night brought out a larger than usual crowd for Rod Cook & Toast with special guest Sue Orfield. Sue was in town for, among other things, the 15th anniversary of Junkyard Jane.

I always try to catch Rod Cook & Toast (Chris Leighton on drums – Jon Bayless on bass and vocals) whenever I can. It certainly is not totally blues, but always top-notch music. Toast is one of the finest trios in the Pacific Northwest. Throw in Sue Orfield, and, well I had to be there.

Immediately that “special vibe” surfaced when the first five audience members I ran into were other local musicians – Les Merrihew (visiting from his “retirement” to Arizona), Doug Skoog, Dean Reichert, Leanne Trevalyan and Billy Stoops. When other musicians come out to listen to their peers you just know it’s going to be good. Joining the audience shortly thereafter were super fans Reverend Dave Brown and his lovely better half and the late arriving Mark Riley. Add another forty locals or so and there was a nice little “house” to play to.

Then special guest number two walked in with his gear. Jay Mabin. Now almost everyone knows that I pick on harmonica players, so listen up! Jay Mabin is a monster on the chromatic. Incredible tone. Wonderfully melodic. There, I did it. I gave props to a harmonica player. That actually felt pretty good!

The anticipation was palpable. But, when the music finally started (there was a “lateness issue” involving Jon Bayless, but that is another story) it did not disappoint. The opening set was awesome. It was five excellent musicians with their “ears on” coming together and filling the room with some fantastic music. As an avid fan it doesn’t get much better than that. Jay had to leave for an early wake up on Tuesday, so Mark Riley was invited up.

It was a late drive home for sure, but I’d make that drive anytime to hear music like that! Cream of the crop players playing “together”. That is SPECIAL.

Picture yourself on the edge of the ocean listening to the surf break against the shore under blue skies. Eagles and pelicans fly above you, and sweet breezes of the fresh ocean air fill your lungs. All of this while listening to top Northwest and national Blues acts in a magical 3 day festival.

Westport, Washington is the home port of the Dock of the Bay Blues Festival. Westport is a wonderful, picturesque fishing village with many nautical treasures to enjoy. The Dock of the Bay Blues Festival opens at the beautiful Westport Inn in the heart of the marina. It is a weekend of great music and memories with the beautiful Pacific Ocean, friendly restaurants, bustling working docks, and quaint shops only a short walk away. It all makes for an exciting weekend of live blues music.

Festival hosts Mark and Desiree Dodson wanted to share their passion for blues music and their love of the quaint coastal community, so they started the Westport Blues Nonprofit which supports the event. Each year the festival has grown, and this year it is expected to be the best celebration of the blues ever.

The festival is held in a huge tent to temper the rays of the sun, or keep you dry, so no matter what the weather you will be comfortable while getting your groove on. Vendors bring unique items to shop for, as well as food and espresso. The Blues Beer Garden will have micro brews to choose from and locally produced wines.

Blues Attitude

The festival brings a wide range of the Blues to Westport. Festivities kick off on Friday night, September 7th with the popular band Blues Attitude known for their jamming blues. The Tim Hall Band takes you into the rest of the evening playing blues that will get your out of our seat and dancing.

Mia Vermillion

Saturday, September 8th brings the Pleasure Hounds to get the party started. Then Mia Vermillion, who has opened for blues legend John Hammond and rocked the main stage at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival, will bring her fresh unique sound to the stage. Mia is “…One of the best vocalists I’ve heard in a while..." according to Graham Clarke with Blues Bytes Magazine. Following Mia, the Billy Shew Band keeps the afternoon rocking with their sound solidly rooted in modern indie groove and spiced with various influences.

Kim Archer

Next, the Kim Archer Band takes the stage to get you up dancing. Kim brings a raw power-house performance with her guitar in hand. She brings her original songs rooted in old school soul, funk, classic rock, sultry blues and ballads along with her interpretation of many classics.

The stage’s final evening performance on Saturday is the great blues man Mr. Spider Murphy. Spider hails from Colorado and is recognized as the best tenor guitar player in the world. You will be captivated by his down, dirty and gritty blues. Opening for Randy Travis and touring throughout the states, Spider is a well known legend in the music world. Spider Murphy is stopping in to the Dock of the Bay Blues Festival during his West Coast tour.
When the stage closes Saturday night, the Blues Jam and Dance starts at the Coho Hall at the Westport Inn. It will be a night of musicians jamming and the party will go until you can’t dance anymore.

Catch of the Day & Andy Koch

Sunday, September 9th, after you have rested up, the festival starts again. The stage brings Andy “Badd Dog” Koch & Catch of the Day. Andy Koch is the founder and leader of the Badd Dogg Blues Society and will get you rocking with his true blue blues and intense harp playing. Joining Andy, Westport’s own Catch of the Day adds their unique harmonic vocal stylings and will show you how the blues are alive and well in Westport!

Little Bill

The festival is honored to have Little Bill and the Blue Notes back again this year. The history of this band mirrors the history of American rock & roll and you’re assured to get shivers down your back. The festival wraps up Sunday afternoon with the Randy Oxford Band burning up the stage. Sexy, funky, cool blues… Randy plays the trombone as a lead instrument, inventing a path through the chord progressions sometimes mimicking the guitars around him taking them with him on one of his wild rides.

Billy Shew Band

A portion of the festival proceeds go to the Westport Blues Nonprofit to support music and arts in Westport, the south beach and Grays Harbor.

The three day festival for all performances and events, including the Blues Jam and Dance, is only $35. One day festival tickets are $18. For ticket and lodging information go to WestportBlues.com or call the Westport Inn at 360-268-0111. A complete schedule can be found HERE

The Washington Blues Society will hold its last semi-final statewide blues competition in Anacortes on Sunday, June 24th at H20. The Anacortes competition adds to the blues society’s statewide contests in Spokane, Snohomish, and Kennewick. The top-scoring acts from each semi-final round will advance to the Washington Blues Society International Blues Challenge finals at the Taste of Music in Snohomish on Sunday, August 19th.

This year, the blues society’s WIRED! Band from Snohomish County won first place International Blues Challenge honors as they returned to Memphis to compete for the most prestigious award for unsigned blues talent. The Randy Norris and Jeff Nicely duo, also hailing from Snohomish County, made it to the semi-finals on their Beale Street debut.

Each competition is judged and conducted according to the rules of the Blue Foundation, and the Washington Blues Society received the coveted Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation in 2009 in the blues society category.

H20 is Anacortes’ newest restaurant and club downtown on the waterfront. H2O is a strong supporter of local blues, and the Washington Blues Society considers H2O a strong and valued partner in promotion of live blues music in Skagit County and the Evergreen State.

Introduction and Welcome	2:00-2:05 PM
Hambone Wilson	2:05-2:30 PM
Wide Willie Washburn	2:45-3:10 PM
Palmer Junction	3:25-3:50 PM
Stevens Miller Project	4:05-4:30 PM
Mercury Radio	4:45-5:10 PM
Blues Playground	5:25-5:50 PM
Rafael Tranquilino Band	6:05-6:30 PM
Mary McPage & The Assassins	6:45-7:10 PM
Junction 61-49	7:25-7:50 PM
James & The Bad Intentions	8:05-8:30 PM
Announce Top Scorers	8:30-8:50 PM

Hey Washington Blues Fans... More IBC action coming in Washington State.

This coming weekend out in Snohomish, Washington at the Oxford Saloon on Sunday, June 10th is the third of the Washington blues Society statewide International Blues Challenge semi-finals. Starting at 2 PM and running to 9 PM, local musicians will wow you with a full day of the fast paced blues, entertaining International Blues Challenge format live blues music. CLICK HERE for more details. Don't miss this wonderful event. Brought to you by the Washington Blues Society, whose mission is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form.

A full schedule of the semi-finalists and show details are below:

The Spar is Tacoma Washington's oldest saloon located in the heart of Old Town. The venue has a widely popular tradition of Sunday blues music. The Spar's fan base knows it can always find quality live blues there on Sunday evenings. Steeped from a long colorful history of the Tacoma waterfront, The Spar has a classic Pacific NW atmosphere. The building itself is cool-- an old brick structure in Old Town perched just above Ruston Way and the Commencement Bay waterfront.

On their calendar you will find local, regional and national acts (both familiar and new); which is why blues fans from all over the Puget Sound find there way to The Spar each weekend. March's calendar is yet to be published. But, this month is a perfect example with shows by the NW's Junkyard Jane, Mojo Overload, Toast, and some new faces: Todd Wolfe out of the east coast played last Sunday, and Mia Vermillion (out of the NW) will perform this coming Sunday, February 19th.

Photo By Ilona Berzups

February 19th is show you will definitely want to catch. It is Mia Vermillion's debut at The Spar, but definitely not in the region. Last year, Mia played the main stage at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, and opened two nights for Grammy nominee and Blues Hall of Fame inductee John Hammond at Seattle’s Jazz Alley.

Mia released her debut CD titled Alone Together With the Blues in 2009. Despite the fact Mia couldn't promote it through touring because she incurred a serious back injury shortly after the release, the record received national attention and rave reviews boasting airplay on The Roots Music Report Blues Radio chart Top 50, as well as climbing to #2 on XM Radio’s B.B. King’s Bluesville’s ‘Picks to Click’ with her recording of I’m Going to Copyright Your Kisses. She has come back from the injury in full force playing in prestigious venues around the region.

Mia has her own unique style and voice compared to many of the female blues singers out there today. “…One of the best vocalists I’ve heard in a while…” according to Graham Clarke with Blues Bytes Magazine. Mia’s voice and stage presence has been described as sultry and intoxicating. “…she infuses her singing with more humidity than Ma Rainey and more sex than Lena Horn,” according to AllAboutJazz.com’s Michael Bailey.

The last Sunday in this leap year February at The Spar will be the home town, T-Town Aces. They are always a favorite at The Spar, and another reason making the trek to Tacoma on a Sunday evening should be in your plans!

The Spar is located at 2121 North 30th Street in Tacoma. To visit their Website CLICK HERE.