Volume 52 December January 2014/15

Volume 52
December January 2014/15
“To Support and Promote the American Art of
the Blues on the Treasure Coast”
Officers
Patti Gamble-President
Elaine Souza-VP/Treas
Sandra Griffith-Rec. Sec., PR, Phone
Board of Directors
Richard Griffith
Eileen Ludmerer
Jack Hudson
Richard Ludmerer
Tina Livio-Board Assist., PR, Media
Michael Schonbach
Advisory
Gerry Mullaney
Vern Melvin
Richard Ludmerer
Elaine Souza
James Karpus
Hawk Levy
Newsletter Editor
Patti Gamble
Anet Reed
Newsletter Printer
Ken Reed Printing
Photography
Danielle McCune
Tracey Williams
The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast, Inc. is a non-profit organization
comprised of musicians, vocalists, song writers, bands and folks who just love
music; especially the BLUES, here on the Treasure Coast of Florida. The Blues
Alliance of the Treasure Coast supports all types of music, however, the basis
of the organization is the BLUES. The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast has
many fine community programs.
Blues Newsletter - Interesting articles, mailed every other month to members
and distributed throughout the Treasure Coast.
Monthly Membership Meetings - Come and socialize with the other Blues Alliance members and discuss the local area blues scene.
Member - The National Blues Foundation.
Listed - The Blues Festival Guide, the “BIBLE OF THE BLUES”.
Participant - The International Blues Challenge (a.k.a. The IBC).
Benefit Program - For local musicians
Scholarship - Provides two worthy students with music scholarships to IRSC
each year.
Let Us Play Program - Recycle program providing instruments free of cost to
children unable to buy or rent their own.
New Annual Event - Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County’s “Party in the
Park,” celebrates the environment and the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Rides,
music, displays - a fun day for all!
“Hooked on Blues” - Supporting our bands each month.
Blues Website - Packed with blues information, scheduled events, happenings,
links and more.
www.bluesalliance.org
772-467-1851
Dec. 4, Thurs., Open jam with 24 Steven, 7-10 PM, Pineapple Joe’s, 6297 N. US I,
Fort Pierce, Fl. 34946. 772-465-6930.
Dec. 9, Tues., “Hooked on Blues” with The Sophisticats, 2-5 PM, Little Jim’s Bait and
Tackle, 601 N. Cswy., Fort Pierce, Fl. 34949. 772-468-2503.
BATC Holiday Party, watch e-mails for details.
Jan. 16, Fri., Nominations Meeting at 6:30 PM then “Hooked on Blues and Music” with
The Dixie Highway Band from 7-11 PM. Manatee Island Grill (old Mangrove Mattie’s)
1640 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce Inlet, Fort Pierce, Fl. 34949. 772-242-8460.
Dec. 20, Sat., “Hooked on Blues” with Albert Castiglia, 7-10:30 PM, Terra Fermata
Tiki Bar, 26 NE 6th St., Stuart, Fl. 34994. 772-465-3157.
Dec. 21, Sun., “Hooked on Blues” with Ben Prestage, 4:30-8 PM, Terra Fermata
Tiki Bar, 26 NE 6th St., Stuart, Fl. 34994. 772-465-3157. Short Board meeting at 4 pm
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from all of us!
Jan. 20-24, 2015, IBC (International Blues Challenge) Memphis, Tenn. www.blues.org
for details. This year’s playoff winner: The Mark Telesca Band! Best wishes to all of you!
Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2015, 3rd Annual Jensen Beach Blues and BBQ/Marathon by Flavors
Festivals. Watch listings and e-mails.
Upcoming Children’s “Let Us Play” Recital Jam, details soon!
To volunteer or participate, please call: 772-332-2120. Members children are welcome!
Watch e-mails for more events. Come out and support live music and the BLUES!
Volume 52
Page 2
Member Bands
Support our member bands by going out to see them.
Category 5:
www.category5blues.com
www.facebook.com/Cat5blues
www.reverbnation.com/category5blues
The Mojo Band:
www.myspace.com/greggjacksonthemojoband
www.facebook.com/gjmojoband
Soul Rebel:
www.soulrebelband.com
Facebook: SoulRebelBand
www.youtube.com/desikane.music
www.desikane.bandcamp.com
desikane@gmail.com
Ben Prestage
www.benprestagemusic.com
Hurricane Hawk and the Invaders
www.hurricanehawk.com
Mary Ann Stefanik
www.maryannsmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/maryann
The Rockin’ Jake Band
www.rockinjake.com
Captain Reese and Son of Man
www.captainslogbook.com
Big Jim Adam
321-610-4602
bigjimadam@yahoo.com
www.bigjimadam.com
www.facebook.com/pages/big-jimadam/73604198141
Katie Popeye Schanze
www.facebook.com/katie.schanze
crazy24735@yahoo.com
JP Soars and the Red Hots
www.facebook.com/jpsoars
www.jpsoars.com
561-667-5481
Emergency Poncho
Brian Siegle-captainvere@hotmail.com
Booking: 516-524-1620
jennifertrefelner76@gmail.com
Joel Zoss (Solo, Trio, Band)
www.joelzoss.com
www.bluzpik.com/joelzoss/joelzossepk.htm
Lili Lavon Band
Sophisticats
www.s-cats.com
www.nortonmusic.com
Mark Barnes
www.markbarnesmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/markbarnesmusic
The Lucky Dogs Band
theluckydogsband.com
www.facebook.com/theluckydogsband
info@theluckydogsband.com
The Dali Lamas Jeff 772-370-5091
Mike 772-473-3298
www.facebook.com/pages/thejaywalkers/419611994790474
The Sunrise Party Band
thesunrisepartyband.com
The Silver Rock Band
thesilverrockband.com
donplayspiano.com
donbestor.com
Mark Telesca Band
marktelesca.com
marktelesca16@gmailcom
Twenty Four Steven (24 Steven)
772-519-0569
twenty4steven@aol.com
www.facebook.comstevenwphillippejr
Lowdown 13
www.lowdown13blues.com
www.facebook.com/lowdown13fans
orajstrickland@excite.com
Dixie Highway Band
James Karpus
Best wishes to the Mark Telesca Band, IBC 2015 participant
www.facebook.com/Dixiehighwayband
dixiehighway1@aol.com
Will Vaughn and Soul Tyme
w.vaughnbless@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/willvaughn
772-828-8928
Kenny Clarke B3 Trio
b3clarke@gmail.com
www.b3clarke.com
www.facebook.com/kennyclarkeb3
www.facebook.com/b3clarke
www.youtube.comb3clarke
twitter.com/b3clarke
Robert Allen Gibbs, the
Mark Telesca Band!
www.lililavonband.com
www.facebook.com/lililavonband
lililavon@gmail.com
*Please send gigs for e-mail blast at
least a day ahead. Please do not
send attachments.
Attachments can be placed on your
link or fb page.
BATC Recital/
Jam 2014
Antony Livoti,
the Mark Telesca Band!
Volume 52
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Volume 52
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Volume 52 Page 5
Read Any Good Blues Books Lately?
Part 3
By Vern Melvin
After the last couple of articles sharing some of my favorite blues books I had planned to take a
break and pick another topic for this article. That pretty much changed when I came upon a recently
released semi-autobiography by an almost blues/jazz legend. The book is titled, “Tales of a Road
Dog: The Lowdown along the Blues Highway,” by Ron Levy. At almost 500 pages it took a few days
to get through but was well worth the effort. I refer to Levy as an “almost legend” because if he were
better known by more of us blues & jazz fans then he would, in fact, be thought of as a legend. Consider the following (much of which I did not know before reading his book): Ron is from New England,
around the Boston area…not exactly known as a blues hotbed; early on he was a prodigy on the
piano & has become a master of not only the keyboards, but the B3 Hammond Organ in particular; at
15 years old he got permission from his parents to join, & tour with, Albert King’s blues band where he
was the only white member of the group; at 18 years old he joined BB King’s band, again as the only
white member, and toured with BB for seven years, leaving to go solo at 25; has been a member of
Roomful of Blues; and over the years, besides touring and recording with various bands he put together, Levy became a “first call” session man due to his extraordinary keyboard/organ skills.
Levy’s best known touring & recording unit is “Ron Levy’s Wild Kingdom.” The experiences, stories
and anecdotes he shares are insightful, humorous, and very interesting. It is his experiences as an
on-the-road touring musician that are particularly entertaining…some of it falls into the category of
“you can’t make this stuff up!” If you need proof of Levy’s street cred as a blues musician, consider
the following quote by BB King included in the liner notes of Levy’s book, “I want everyone to know,
Ron Levy is one of the very best musicians I’ve ever played with and worked with. Now, he’s even
written a book! I’m so proud of my ‘son’.”
Another book I found very interesting and informative is, “Living the Blues: Canned Heat’s Story of
Music, Drugs, Death, Sex and Survival.” It is interesting because it gave me an opportunity to learn
more about a band that, to my mind, was on a par with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band as one the
two best “white boy” blues bands to come out of the mid to late Sixties blues revival scene. “Living the
Blues” is written by the lone surviving member and drummer, Fito de la Parra. The band was originally
formed by blues music diehards Bob “Bear” Hite, Al “Blind Owl” Wilson, Henry “Sunflower” Vestine
and Larry Taylor. Bottom line is that they were serious as a heart attack about the blues…maybe a
little too serious. The romantic notion of living the life of a blues man can sometimes turn into a harsh,
self-destructive reality. But during their most creative and productive period they had a couple of Top
40 hits, “Going Up the Country” and “Let’s Work Together.” Hite, Wilson, and Vestine have long since
passed but de la Parra continues to carry the Canned Heat torch with various top musicians who
share the Heat’s love of the blues.
Switching gears, so to speak, the Holiday season is almost upon us and if you’re looking for some
good bluesy Christmas music I have a couple of suggestions. First, a couple of CD’s from Alligator
Records: Christmas Collection & Genuine Houserockin’ Christmas. Some excellent songs include:
Back Door Santa (Holmes Brothers); Stay a Little Longer Santa (Shemekia Copeland); A Bluesman’s
Christmas (Coco Montoya); Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’ (Tinsley Ellis); One Parent Christmas
(Safire-the Uppity Blues Women). The other CD I would recommend is Blue Yule: Christmas Blues &
R&B Classics. This record has 18 songs from blues artists such as Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Canned Heat, Detroit Junior, and many others.
I hope y’all have a safe & happy holiday season…..See you in 2015!
Volume 52 Page 6
The Lili Lavon Band (a.k.a. “LLB”) is a collaboration of musicians who have been rockin’ Treasure Coast for quite a while
now. Audiences seem to love LLB’s musical vibe.........mixture
of soulful rock and gritty country, with a hint of sultry blues!
LLB is made up of some serious local talent: Lili Lavon (lead
vocals), Dave Scott (guitar/vocals), Peter George (bass/vocals) and Brian Cunningham (drums/vocals). Together these
musicians make not only incredible original music, but also
re-create the classics in a way that’ll make you fall in love
with your favorites all over again. This is THE band to watch
if you’re looking for a high energy night to remember!
Beverly Blair, President The Virtual E.A., Inc.
772-333-2900 bblair@virteainc.com www.thevirtualea.com
The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast welcomes The Lili Lavon Band (LLB)!!
lililavon@gmail.com, www.lililavonband.com.
Featured Sponsors
Band of Brothers
772.879.4785 (Doc)
St. Lucie County
www.bandofbrothers-fl.com
This is not a motorcycle club
Advertising Prices for Newsletter
Business Card $25 2 x 3.5 1/4 Page $50 4/12 x 5 1/2
Half Page $75 5 x 8 Full Page $150 8 x 11
Sponsor Flyers 1st time Free - You print - we insert
10% off multiple ads
Blues Alliance of the Treasusre Coast
Membership Application
Name___________________________________________
Address__________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________
E-Mail__________________________________________
Instrument(s) Played_______________________________
_______________________________________________
Blues Alliance facebook
Membership Type and Dues
Lup-Under 21, Novice, 1st year $10
Student: $10 (full time student)
Individual: $20
Household: $30 (2 members same address / 2 votes
Mojo Member: $40 ( 1 vote - free T-shirt or hat)
Band Member $50 (1 vote)
Corporate Member $100 - 1 vote, website and news recognition
Payable to
Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast
P O Box 7192
Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-7192
HotLine 772-467-1851
Private/Confidential
Welcome !!
Blues Alliance website
The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast wishes to welcome new members: Kimberlee Ann Brooks
Trakis and The Lili Lavon Band (LLB). Welcome Back!! Larry Mayo, Reuben “LL” Morgan, Leo Gale and
Sharon Brickman. Thank you for supporting live music and the blues!
Volume 52 Support Our Sponsors, They Support The Blues
Page 7
Take a moment to discover our corporate members and think of them when you are doing business. They contribute
much needed funds to the organization and some even offer member discounts. They share your love of music and
have shared their support for it where it counts; so let’s do the same for them. Corporate Sponsors will be featured in
the Newsletter and we will feature some each month. Another perk coming back atcha!
ARLO KOLETZKY
Visitor Services Manager
Seven Gables House
482 N. Indian River Dr.
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772.468.9152
Toll Free 888.StLucie
www.StLucieChamber.org
'RQ%HVWRU-U
Email: Arlo@StLucieChamber.org
-$==
PRELOH
ID[
EHVWRUG#EHOOVRXWKQHW
THE FRIENDLY POST OF THE
TREASURE COAST
AMERICAN LEGION POST #40
35(6,'(17
32%R[‡)RUW3LHUFH)/
772.461.1480
810 So. U S 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
23 SW Osceola St.
Stuart, FL 34994
772-324-8289
Bmerrygastropub.com
Facebook
Band of Brothers
JAMES L. AUTIN, M.D.
772.879.4785 (Doc)
St. Lucie County
www.bandofbrothers-fl.com
This is not a motorcycle club
Sinus - Ears - Nose - Throat - Facial Plastic Surgery
Care of the Professional Voice
MUSICIAN’S SPECIAL
Includes Consult with Dr. Autin - Video Exam of Vocal
Chords & Complete Hearing Evaluation $99
www.jautin.com
10377 S. US 1, PSL
For Appointment Call 772.337.3700
Facebook.com/BMerrygastropub
PHONE
772.337.6559
561.252.6330
www.adamsairconditioning.net
Saint Lucie Jewelry
9168 South US 1
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
772.201.2001 Hawk’s Blues
Port St. Lucie
Downtown Lion’s Club
jack@theamericandreamfactory.com
Jill Borowicz, M.S.W. 632 SW Monterey Rd.
jborowicz@safespacefl.org
Stuart, FL
www.safespacefl.org
772-223-2399
Meeting 2nd Tuesday of the Month
11:45 AM at Bistro on the Green
P.O.Box 9301
Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-9301
psldowntownus.lionswap.org
Ronnie DeChambeau
General Manager
Ph: 772.286.7474 Cell772.485.9562
Email: ronnie@schumachermusic.com
888 SW Federal Hwy. Stuart, FL 34994
www.schumachermusic.com
PIRATES COVE
RESORT & MARINA
772.287.2500 Fax 772.220.2704
4307 S.E. Bayview St., Stuart, FL 34997
www.piratescoveresort.com
info@pcrm.net
Florida Offices
2018 NE Ridge Ave.
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
E info@flavorsfestivals.com
Festivals
Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast
P. O. Box 7192
Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-7192
www.bluesalliance.org
Advertising Prices for Newsletter
Business Card $25 2 x 3.5 1/4 Page $50 4/12 x 5 1/2
Half Page $75 5 x 8 Full Page $150 8 x 11
Sponsor Flyers 1st time Free - You print - we insert
10% off multiple ads
Blues Alliance of the Treasusre Coast
Membership Application
Name___________________________________________
Address__________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________
E-Mail__________________________________________
Instrument(s) Played_______________________________
_______________________________________________
Membership Type and Dues
Lup-Under 21, Novice, 1st year $10
Student: $10 (full time student)
Individual: $20
Household: $30 (2 members same address / 2 votes
Mojo Member: $40 ( 1 vote - free T-shirt or hat)
Band Member $50 (1 vote)
Corporate Member $100 - 1 vote, website and news recognition
Payable to
Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast
P O Box 7192
Port St. Lucie, FL 34985-7192
HotLine 772-467-1851
Private/Confidential