Doyle Bramhall Sr. Passes

by B.J. Huchtemann

As I sit down to write I have just read sad news. The Austin Blues Society reported that Doyle Bramhall Sr. has passed away. The houstonpress.com  confirmed the details, writing that Bramhall, 62, died Nov. 13 in his home in Alpine, TX, of complications from pneumonia. Bramhall was a drummer, vocalist and songwriter who was a friend and collaborator with the Vaughan brothers. He co-wrote songs Stevie Ray Vaughan recorded including “Dirty Pool,” “Change It” and “Life by The Drop.” Bramhall came out of the Dallas scene with the Vaughan brothers, working with Jimmie Vaughan in popular 1960s band The Chessmen. Bramhall was also a key player in the 1970s Austin blues resurgence. 

 Here's Doyle singing "Change It" in one of the better videos I was able to find on youtube.

Doyle Sr. appeared in Omaha at one of the Indigenous Jams held at the old McCormack’s.
Bramhall was the father of Doyle Bramhall II, who was part of the Arc Angels and has gone on to an acclaimed solo career with work as a sideman for artists like Eric Clapton. Doyle Sr. was also a sought-after producer. He had most recently recorded for Yep Roc Records. Find details on his work for Yep Roc here http://yeproc.com/Doyle Bramhall. 

Thanksgrooving
The holiday season provides opportunities to come together, enjoy music and benefit the community. Thanksgrooving takes center stage Saturday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. at Slowdown. It’s an all-ages show to benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland. Performers include Polydypsia, Satchel Grande, Funk Trek, Kris Lager Band, Groove Gov’nors, Lymphnode Maniacs and more. Admission is $10. Donations of non-perishable food items are also encouraged.

Canned in Benson
Matt Cox hosts the second annual Canned in Benson concert for the Omaha Food Bank Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Barley Street Tavern. It’s a night of warm music community camaraderie and heartfelt solo acoustic performances. Enjoy music from Cox, Cass Brostad, Brad Hoshaw, Kyle Harvey, Rebecca Lowry, Justin Lamoureux, Sarah Benck, Andrew Bailie, Matt Whipkey, Ashley Rayne Boe, Lash LaRue, Dylan Davis, Brett Vovk and Reagan Roeder. Admission is a non-perishable food donation.

Hot Notes
Remember you can visit omahablues.com for detailed roots show listings.
Chicago’s Americana roots-rockers Sarah & The Tall Boys play The 21st Saloon Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Elwin James & The Way Outs perform at Gator O’Malley’s Nov. 17 at 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 18, options included a solo acoustic 7 p.m. early show by Little Joe McCarthy at McKenna’s. Blue House plays The Loose Moose at 4915 N. 120th (120th and Fort) Friday, Nov. 18. Down in Lincoln, Magic Slim is on stage at the Zoo Bar Friday, Nov. 18, after 9 p.m.
Upcoming shows of note include a Darlings reunion at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Nov. 23, after 9 p.m. Toasted Ponies play 6-9 p.m. Thanksgiving night catch the Lil’ Slim Blues Band at the Zoo.

Live, Touring and Local

by B.J. Huchtemann

Damon Fowler makes his 21st Saloon debut on Thursday, Nov. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Living Blues magazine calls Fowler “a roots guitar guru in the making.” The Chicago Sun-Times writes “Make way for the next big-time guitar slinger.”
 
Critics compare his guitar riffs to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck with slide playing influenced by Duane Allman. Fowler also has lap-steel and dobro playing in his arsenal. The Tampa, Fla., native’s new disc is Devil Got His Way (Blind Pig).
 
Marbin
From Chicago by way of Israel, Marbin plays Gator O’Malley’s for the 9 p.m. show on Thursday, Nov. 10. Their music is centered around guitar and saxophone and has been called “a marvel of musicianship and imagination” merging “jazz, rock, ambient and world music.” See marbinmusic.com.
 
1200 Club
The Holland Performing Arts Center’s 1200 Club presents jazz-bluegrass ensemble Alison Brown Quartet on Friday, Nov. 11, and the harmonica-guitar-driven blues of Miller on Saturday, Nov. 12. See omahaperformingarts.org.
 
Zoo Bar Music
Lincoln’s Zoo Bar is rockin’ with The Bel Airs playing after 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12. Rockabilly from the Mezcal Brothers heats things up at 5 p.m. on Friday. Acclaimed West Coast singer and harmonica player John Nemeth plays a special 6-9 p.m. show on Saturday, Nov. 12.
 
Holiday Giving
The holiday season brings out lots of giving events. Mark your calendar now for the second annual Canned in Benson effort to benefit the Omaha Food Bank. The multi-artist show is at Barley Street Tavern on Thursday, Nov. 23. It’s organized by Matt Cox. See details at mattcoxmusic.net.
Lash LaRue’s toy drive shows for the children on the Pine Ridge reservation are also on the horizon, including a show on Friday, Dec. 2, at The Waiting Room and Sunday, Dec. 4, at the 21st Saloon.
 
Hot Notes
Travelling Mercies, Orion Walsh and Mint Wad Willy play Barley Street Tavern on Thursday, Nov. 10, after 9 p.m.
The OEAA Showcase takes place on Friday, Nov. 11, in Benson. Check out over 30 bands at The Waiting Room, Barley Street Tavern, PS Collective, Burke’s Pub and Benson Grind for one $10 cover charge. See the schedule at oea-awards.com.
Also on Friday night, Nov. 11, there’s rockabilly from Devil Makes ThreeRagged Company has their CD release party at the Side Door on Friday night too.
The North Mississippi Allstars plug in at Slowdown on Tuesday, Nov. 15. at Slowdown.

originally posted Nov. 9, 2011

Flying

by B.J. Huchtemann

If you missed the Sunday night, Oct. 30, screening of Blaze Foley: Duct Tape Messiah, you missed something extraordinary. Presented as part of Dean Dobmeier’s and Gary Grobeck’s ongoing, moveable Sunday Roadhouse concert series, this exclusive screening was at The Waiting Room. The duo has brought a number of amazing Americana artists to Omaha, including the debuts of artists like Hacienda Brothers, Jon Dee Graham and James McMurtry to name a few.

If you like Americana music you need to go to blazefoleymovie.com and read up on this documentary. You can also go to youtube and look up “If I Could Only Fly.” Foley's heart-stopping song of love and longing has been recorded by no less than Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard (as a duet) and again by Merle Haggard, who called it the best country song he’d heard in 25 years.

Why the late Blaze Foley is the best songwriter you’ve probably never heard of is the subject of Blaze Foley: Duct Tape Messiah by Kevin Triplett. The filmmaker spent 13 years on this documentary and he was in Omaha to talk about the journey behind its creation. The film is funny, heartbreaking and told with lots of inventive techniques. The documentary can only be seen on the road in these special screenings. The tour also includes performances by Austin icon Gurf Morlix, Foley’s longtime friend. Morlix has released a CD tribute of Foley’s music named after one of the writer’s songs called Blaze Foley’s 113th Wet Dream (Rootball Records). His in-person tales of his time with Foley and his renditions of Foley’s tunes are remarkable. Both the film and Morlix’s performance are heart-felt tributes to an amazing artist whose work has largely fallen through the cracks. See GurfMorlix.com for more on Morlix and sundayroadhouse.com for the next event in the always-rewarding Sunday Roadhouse series. 
Check the blog post from Oct. 31 for a couple of video links related to Morlix and the movie trailer.

Hot Notes
Earl & Them featuring Earl Cate and “Baby” Jason Davis plays Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Nov. 4-5. Roots-rock cult favorite Webb Wilder plays the Zoo on Sunday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. The late show at the Zoo on Nov. 6 is a multi-artist show that includes Omaha’s Matt Cox. Acclaimed bluesman Sonny Rhodes plays the Zoo on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6-9 p.m.
The 21st Saloon has celebrated West Coast soul-blues vocalist Terry Evans on Thursday, Nov. 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m. See terryevansmusic.com. Lil’ Slim Blues Band plays Gator O’Malley’s Nov. 3 after 9 p.m.
And on Saturday night at McKenna's, catch three of the area's best local roots-blues songwriters. Matt Cox, Sarah Benck and Josh Hoyer will be performing a songwriter's in the round show at McKenna's after 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Should be cool.

Last night's Sunday Roadhouse show with a performance by Gurf Morlix and a screening of the documentary BLAZE FOLEY: DUCT TAPE MESSIAH turned out to be even more extraordinary than I had expected.
Catch a preview of the film at the link below and support it. Filmmaker Kevin Triplett, who is on the road with the film and Foley's old friend Morlix, is still trying to get distribution or other support to bring this story to a wider audience. Triplett spent 13 years on the film which is entertaining, funny, sweet, sad and inspiring in its story of Foley an eccentric artist who lived and died by his own code.
See BlazeFoleyMovie.com

Here's the trailer.
And here's a snippet from a similar show of Gurf Morlix performing his friend Blaze Foley's songs.
Check out GurfMorlix.com for more on Morlix's CD of Gurf's material. It takes its title from one of Foley's songs: Blaze Foley's 113th Wet Dream. The music is beautiful, heartfelt stuff. Funny and sad, moving and inspiring. Foley's songs have been covered by Waylon & Merle, Lyle Lovett and John Prine, to name a few.

And sign yourself up at SundayRoadhouse.com so that you know about the next Sunday Roadhouse event in town...they are always excellent and often amazing!

Gurf Morlix, 112 North Duck

by B.J. Huchtemann

Dean Dobmeier’s and Gary Grobeck’s Sunday Roadhouse presents a remarkable night for Americana music fans on Sunday, Oct. 30, at The Waiting Room, 5 p.m. They’ll showcase an acclaimed new Americana documentary and music from Austin singer-songwriter Gurf Morlix. Blaze Foley: Duct Tape Messiah tells the story of Foley, whose songs have been covered by Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, John Prine and Willie Nelson. Lucinda Williams wrote her song “Drunken Angel” for Foley and his friend Townes Van Zandt created “Blaze’s Blue” for him.

Foley was killed in 1989 in a tragic incident that was either self-defense or part of an ongoing dispute. Filmmaker Kevin Triplett will be present to talk about the creative process behind the documentary. See blazefoleymovie.com. Foley’s friend Gurf Morlix will play songs from his tribute to his Foley’s music, a collection called Blaze Foley's 113th Wet Dream. The CD received lots of recognition including 16 weeks in the Top 20 of the Americana Music Chart. Morlix was Lucinda Williams’ bandleader for many years and produced her acclaimed "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road." Visit sundayroadhouse.com for more.

Duck’s Gone Fishin’
112 North Duck celebrates the release of Gone Fishin' on Friday, Oct. 28, with a free show at McKenna’s after 9 p.m.
Lead singer Christy Rossiter’s big, soulful voice is featured on her second disc with the band performing their all-original material. Rossiter said via email, “Audiences seem to really be enjoying “Life with You” and ”Walking Hand in Hand,” our two ballads. We feel that the recording is very raw and captures our sound better than any other recording we've done. We were very fortunate to be able to perform them [the songs] quite a bit before recording them, music always seems to take on a life of its own once there is an audience to hear it.”

Hot Notes
The 21st Saloon presents two fine local bands this Thursday, Oct. 27. At 5 p.m. catch traditional Chicago blues from Lincoln’s Lil’ Slim Blues Band followed at 7 p.m. by the Brad Cordle Band.
Kris Lager Band celebrates Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 29, with a show at the Studio Gallery, 49th & Dodge, 9 p.m. This is a BYOB space. Costumes are encouraged.

Halloween night, Oct. 31, at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar after 9 p.m., Potboiler Burlesque heats up the stage with music from Snake Island!, Digital Leather and Josh Hoyer’s new combo The Shadows.

Salgado, Scott & Katz

by B.J. Huchtemann

Great news from soul-blues singer Curtis Salgado, he’s just been signed to Alligator Records. The Chicago blues label will release Salgado’s next CD, which will be his eighth solo recording. Salgado has a special fondness for Omaha and Lincoln, since local fans helped him develop a Midwest base as he started touring nationally. Salgado’s many credits include being the inspiration for John Belushi’sThe Blues Brothers. Read the behind-the-scenes story at curtissalgado.com. Salgado, based in Portland, Ore., had a life-saving liver transplant in Omaha at the UNMC’s Lied Transplant Center in 2006. Sept. 30 marked five years since the successful transplant. Watch alligatorrecords.com character in for details on Salgado’s forthcoming first release for Alligator.
Music Thursday, Oct. 20
In Omaha, California soul-blues vocalist E.C. Scott heats up The 21st Saloon, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Soul-blues-funk-jazz keyboard player Bruce Katz and his band hit Gator O’Malley’s after 9 p.m. Katz is a phenomenal Boston-based keyboard virtuoso who recently worked with Delbert McClinton and toured last year with Gregg Allman. Gator O’Malley’s is taking a try at booking more national acts, please come out and show your support.
Meanwhile, catch killer guitarist and vocalist Coco Montoya at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar, 6-9 p.m. Hector Anchondo plays late with My Brother.
Downtown, Slowdown hosts another installment of the Take Cover project after 8 p.m. with local artists covering other local artists’ songs. It’s a benefit for HearNebraska.org.
Get Out
Weekend music choices include Tijuana Gigolos at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Friday, Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m., followed by the danceable blues and roots sounds of K.C.’s Levee Town after 9 p.m.
Music at the Heartland Cafe in old downtown Elkhorn continues with shows including the Brad Cordle Band this Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. See heartlandcafe.net for details.
Hot Notes
National roots band Drive By Truckers plays Slowdown on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The punk-edged pop-rock of Those Darlins, fronted by three sassy female musicians, opens the show at 9 p.m.
At the Zoo Bar, Kris Lager has a solo acoustic gig after 9 p.m. on Oct. 26.
At The 21st Saloon next Thursday, Oct. 27, catch Lil’ Slim Blues Band (5 p.m.) followed by the Brad Cordle Band (7 p.m.).

Memories & Music

by B.J. Huchtemann

Omaha's blues community lost one of its finest when Dave Barger passed away early Saturday, Oct. 8, after a debilitating illness. Barger was the Omaha scene's go-to blues guitarist for over 30 years, including popular '80s bands Oasis and Risky Shift. A memorial jam is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the G.I. Forum, 2002 N Street.
Tributes poured in on Facebook. Former Howard Street Tavern manager Rick Renn wrote, "One of the best people I have ever run across. I already miss ya, buddy." Lash LaRue, veteran of many Omaha roots bands including The Mercurys, recalled, "Dave was amazing. Throughout his illness, he still always had a positive attitude and never failed to have a kind word and encouragement for others. I learned something every time I interacted with him, about music and about heart."

Welch & Rawlings
The always magical Gillian Welch and David Rawlings played Lincoln's Rococo Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Welch's first studio release in eight years is the beautiful The Harrow & The Harvest (Acony). Check it out at gillianwelch.com.  If you missed that show, here's a lovely video of one of my all-time favorites from the duo, "Elvis Presley Blues." 

 

Robbie Fulks
The New York Times observes "He's one of our most consistent and clever songwriters." Dean Dobmeier, co-promoter for The Sunday Roadhouse series, writes that Fulks is "a little too country for the Alt crowd and a little too country for Nashville ... gleefully irreverent ... literate without being pretentious." 
Fulks played the Sunday Roadhouse series in a special Thursday show at the Side Door Lounge on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The Side Door makes a great listening room for these intimate, acoustic shows.  Fulks is a highly entertaining performer who punctuates his well-crafted songs with very entertaining banter. Check out his work at robbiefulks.com. 
For more on the Sunday Roadhouse series including the next show coming up with Austin icon Gurf Morlix and the Blaze Foley documentary, see sundayroadhouse.com.

21st Saloon Music
The 21st Saloon presented the twangin' roots music of Oregon's Too Slim & The Taildraggers on Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Next Thursday, Oct. 20, catch soul-blues entertainer E.C. Scott.
Zoo Bar Blues
E.C. Scott also plays Lincoln's Zoo Bar next Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 
Boston keyboard wizard Bruce Katz performs Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. He mixes soulful funk, New Orleans jazz and blues. He is on a solo tour after performing for the last year with Gregg Allman and playing with Delbert McClinton's band. Stick around for the late-night show with the Lil' Slim Blues Band. Here's a little youtube video of Bruce throwin' down some jazzy grooves with his trio.

Guitar star Coco Montoya takes the stage Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The late show includes Hector Anchondo with My Brother. See zoobar.com.

Hot Notes
Bruce Katz also plays Gator O'Malley's on Thursday, Oct. 20, after 9 p.m. I really love Bruce's soulful and versatile playing style and hope you'll come out and support this show. Check out samples of Bruce's music at  www.brucekatzband.com/music.html.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band plug in at Slowdown on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Surf, Roots & Rock

by B.J. Huchtemann

Dick Dale brings his virtuoso surf-rock guitar to The Waiting Room on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. Lincoln’s Mezcal Brothers open.
Zoo Bar Music
 
Lincoln’s Zoo Bar highlights include the return of Billy Bacon this week plus several cool early shows coming up. It’s a Billy Bacon & The Forbidden Pigs reunion weekend with Justin G. Jones and Jerry “Hot Rod” DeMink joining Billy again. The band plays 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, and plays after 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8.
 
On Monday, Oct. 10, catch acclaimed roots multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Zoo’s Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. show spotlights the twangy, swampy roots-rock of Oregon’s Too Slim and the Taildraggers. The Zoo is one of the hosts of the annual Lincoln Calling multi-band, multi-venue event that kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 12. See zoobar.com for the schedule that includes both happy hour and late shows.
 
Sunday Roadhouse News
Acclaimed roots musician Robbie Fulks plays the next Sunday Roadhouse concert, which is actually Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at The Side Door Lounge. Dean and Gary also have a very cool show coming Sunday, Oct. 30, when Austin’s Gurf Morlix brings The Blaze Foley documentary to town. See sundayroadhouse.com for details.
 
Bruce Katz Returning Soon
Boston-based keyboard virtuoso Bruce Katz plays the Zoo Bar on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Omaha folks make note that Katz gigs at Gator O’Malley’s coming Thursday, Oct. 20, after 9 p.m. Katz has been splitting his time between solo work and touring with Gregg Allman. He hits the road to Nebraska after completing a short tour run with Delbert McClinton. Katz’s soulful style cooks on everything from soul and funk to New Orleans-style jazz.

Hot Notes
The always magical Gillian Welch and David Rawlings play a special show at Lincoln’s Rococo Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 13, 8 p.m. A notable early warning includes Robert Randolph at Slowdown on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

The Nace Brothers bring their entertaining roots-rock and blues to The 21st Saloon on Thursday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Too Slim & The Taildraggers are on tap at The 21st on Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Soul-blues singer E.C. Scott is set for The 21st on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Lincoln photographer Keri Hess (sheswiththeband.com) took a great set of photos of the Jon Dee Graham show at the Zoo that included Graham playing some of his music with the Sons of 76. It was such a fun night. Here is the link to the Facebook photo album...hopefully you can connect with it. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.282044481824192.82154.100000559261249&type=3

Alberta’s Joyous Blues

by B.J. Huchtemann

In the early 1980s I had the pleasure of seeing Alberta Hunter perform her captivating mix of bawdy blues, ballads and gospel tunes. Hunter was bewitching, her love of the music was infectious. She was in her mid-80s. The last time I saw her perform she had to be helped onstage in a wheelchair, but when she sang the years melted away. The music was in her blood.

In her first career the teenage Hunter started singing in brothels and bawdy houses, like many blues and jazz artists of the day. She became the toast of Chicago while still a teen, performing with King Oliver & his Creole Jazz Band featuring Louis Armstrong. She lived in New York during the Roaring ‘20s and performed in France during the historic Jazz Age. She recorded for many jazz labels, had a radio show in the 1930s and performed on Broadway. She was also a songwriter. Her “Downhearted Blues” was a giant hit for acclaimed blues singer Bessie Smith.

In the 1950s Hunter retired from music, trained to become a nurse and, at age 62, went to work at a New York hospital. She lived in relative obscurity until the late 1970s after she’d been forced to retire at the age of 81 from nursing. Then Hunter launched a second career, performing at famed New York jazz venue The Cookery.  

Downhearted Blues: Live at the Cookery is a reissue of a recording made of one of Hunter’s marvelous performances. Check it out at rockbeatrecords.com and discover or rediscover one of the great women of the blues. Hunter died in 1984. I still treasure memories of her live performances and the joy she brought to her audience.

Hot Notes
The Iguanas have several shows in the area including Thursday, Sept. 29, at The 21st Saloon at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1, at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar. (See 8 Days.) On Thursday, Sept. 29, Alligator Records’ Guitar Shorty plays the Zoo 6 p.m.-9 p.m., followed by the Blues Orchestra featuring Honeyboy Turner and the Lil’ Slim Blues Band after 9 p.m.

Matt Cox and Travelling Mercies gig at Harrah’s Stir bar on Friday, Sept. 30, at 9 p.m.

Robert Cray is scheduled for the Horseshoe Casino’s Whiskey Roadhouse on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Jon Dee Graham at the Zoo Bar and the Sunday Roadhouse
by B.J. Huchtemann




Well, as most of you know I'd been really looking forward to Jon Dee Graham's appearances in Lincoln and Omaha this past weekend.
The shows did not disappoint.


In Lincoln, Graham shared the bill with Zoo Bar favorites Sons of 76. Josh Hoyer and his band played an opening set, followed by a few tunes from Graham's manager and touring partner, Mike June (more on Mike in a bit) and then Graham played some solo songs...His music is breathtaking and inspiring to those who get it...and I guess you either get it or you don't. But for those of us who do....the music and the spirit behind it are life-changing, life-affirming and uplifting.

Graham invited first Josh, then Sons of 76 to join him onstage. Josh Hoyer on keys augmented Graham's rendition of "When a Woman Cries" from his debut disc, ESCAPE FROM MONSTER ISLAND.

Jon Dee Graham is joined on stage at the Zoo Bar on Saturday, Sept. 24, by Sons of 76 including Joshua Hoyer and Werner Althaus (pictured).

It was a delight to see a local favorite and a hero from the national scene sharing the historic Zoo Bar stage. I was too busy soaking up the music to keep  a solid set list, but the night ended with Graham's "Something Very Wonderful" and Graham's son Willie's tune "Rock 'n' Roll in the Streets" (written when Willie was 5 years old). Graham returned to the stage to play Dan Stuart's song "The Greatest" with the chorus "Dreamin' of Muhammad Ali." It's a song Graham says Stuart wrote to "give people hope and courage" and it's a song Graham often closes his show with.

The Sunday show at the Sunday Roadhouse was just a gem from start to finish. Graham opened the show with "Faithless" & "$100 Bill" back-to-back and played through a series of older, lesser-known songs along with newer ones, including "Yes, Yes," the new song he just released exclusively to his JonDeeCo Co-Op. (See "The Manifesto" at jondeegraham.com for details.)

Here is Jon Dee performing "Faithless" & "The Restraining Order Song." (Videos by Toni & Mark Gerking from Sioux City)

He also played a remarkably beautiful and haunting song by Roky Erickson called "Starry Eyes." The sweetness of the song is undermined by the story Graham shared about how Erickson wrote the tune after undergoing shock therapy so excessive that it tore the pupils of his eyes.

Graham played it in sound check and also during the show. (And now I can't find the video online, maybe I will locate it later, but look up Roky's version of the song.)

Here's another older song of his own that Graham's been including in his sets lately, "Kings."

Graham's agent and touring partner Mike June took the stage for a few songs including his engaging song about Austin blueswoman Miss Lavelle White, who was his neighbor for a while. Here's one of Mike's other originals, he's an excellent songwriter and it sounds like he'll be back through our area in March with his own band. Hear more of Mike's music  at reverbnation.com/mikejune

Mike June performing "Mama, You Been On My Mind."

The weekend of great music from Jon Dee was over all too soon, but I soaked up all the hope, courage, love and inspiration that I could. I hope some of the folks that came out who are new to Graham's music got caught up in the fierce joy and no-holds-barred fearlessness that are Graham's calling cards. Graham's music is full of Luminous Hope and the admonition to, in the words of his father, "Pay attention!" Something Wonderful is always happening, if we only allow ourselves to see it.

In keeping with the changing season, here's Graham's ode to "October"....

it's Jon Dee Graham Weekend....

 Jon Dee Graham performing "World So Full"....

Graham’s Wonderful World

by B.J. Huchtemann

If there is one artist I would get everyone to listen to if I could, it is Jon Dee Graham. The Austin-based musician is an extraordinary songwriter and guitarist whose music is as real as it gets.

His words come from the heart of a survivor and from an ability to stay optimistic even in the face of adversity. Reviewers praise Graham for his "raw intensity" and say "his songs always sound like truth." I've called his outlook "cynical optimism." He writes about life and loss with courage. His luminous performances brim with hope and love. In 2008, Graham's daily life as a working musician, husband and father were profiled in Mark Finkelpearl's insightful documentary, Swept Away. 
 
Graham is an award-winning 30-year-plus veteran of the Austin scene. His earlier work includes seminal Austin punk band The Skunks and co-founding The True Believers with Alejandro Escovedo. Graham can be found most Wednesdays laying down fiery guitar and soul-filled songs at Austin's Continental Club. 

Graham is a survivor whose take on the world is filled with wit, wisdom and sometimes flights of whimsy. In 2008 he suffered a near-fatal car crash driving home from Dallas to Austin. His first words to the State Trooper who found him were “It’s not as bad as it looks!” This became the title of his 2010 studio CD. He was back onstage, against doctor’s orders, almost a month to the day after the accident, performing his weekly, fiery Wednesday night show at Austin’s Continental Club. He treated the audience to his usual wickedly fierce guitar licks, cracked jokes about the emergency spleen surgery that followed his arrival at the ER (and a cigarette he tried to sneak in the bathroom) and showed off the giant zipper scar the accident and surgery left on his chest. He also suffered a broken back, racked up shoulder and other injuries.

Graham launched the JonDeeCo Co-Op this past summer, allowing fans the opportunity to support his creative work on a subscription basis, receiving exclusive deliveries of new songs, artwork and more. See jondeegraham.com. Graham has also been working with Freedy Johnston and Susan Cowsill on a side project called The Hobart Brothers & Lil' Sis Hobart. See thehobartbrothers.com.

Jon Dee Graham returns to Dean Dobmeier's and Gary Grobeck's Sunday Roadhouse at The Side Door Lounge, 35th Ave. & Leavenworth, on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. See sundayroadhouse.com. 

He performs at Lincoln's Zoo Bar on Saturday, Sept. 24, after 10 p.m. with Sons of 76. (See 8 Days below.) There's been talk between Josh Hoyer of Sons of 76 and Graham to have So76 back him up for some songs, so the Zoo show may be epic and truly one of a kind!

Jon Dee Graham performing "(I Am Not) Faithless"

The trailer for Mark Finkelpearl's 2008 documentary on Jon Dee Graham, Swept Away....
Jon Dee and I chatted for Rick Galusha's PS Blues radio show on 89.7 The River. The interview without music tracks is here
kiwrblues.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-10T07_25_04-07_00 
 
Benefit for Larry Boehmer
As mentioned previously in this column, Zoo Bar founder Larry Boehmer is fighting stage four lung cancer diagnosed this summer. So far treatments seem to be helping, according to Boehmer, who now lives in Eureka Springs, Ark. The Zoo Bar hosts a benefit for Boehmer's ongoing expenses this Sunday, Sept. 25, 3-9 p.m. Bands include The Fabtones (3 p.m.), Sons of 76 (4 p.m.), Lil' Slim Blues Band (5 p.m.), Mezcal Brothers (6 p.m.) and Kris Lager Band (7 p.m.). See zoobar.com.

Larry Boehmer with his good friend Charlie Musselwhite at the Birthday Bash Larry threw for himself in Eureka Springs, Ark., on Sunday, August. 14, 2011.

Hot Notes
Last week's column contained an error, International Blues Challenge winner the Lionel Young Band actually plays Gator O'Malley's this Thursday, Sept. 22, at 9 p.m. Jimmy Thackery plugs in at The 21st Saloon on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 p.m. (See 8 Days.)

This PICK also appears in this week's issue of The Reader....Suffice to say Jon Dee Graham is one of my heroes...I hope you'll make it a point to catch one of these shows!

thereader.com/index.php/site/comments/sept._24_jon_dee_graham_and_sons_of_76/

Sept. 24: Jon Dee Graham and Sons of 76

by B.J. Huchtemann

Zoo Bar, 136 N. 14th St., Lincoln
10 p.m., $8
zoobar.com, 402-435-8754
Jon Dee Graham makes his Zoo Bar debut Saturday, Sept. 24. The Austin artist is a legend of the Texas music scene. He is a three-time inductee into the Austin Music Awards Hall of Fame, recognized for his earlier work with Alejandro Escovedo in The True Believers, and for accomplishments as a solo artist. Graham's remarkable solo work is equal parts realism and lyricism. His songs take on the big topics: love and loss, hope and courage, family and the grace and grit of day-to-day life. His music glows with luminous hope in the face of obstacles and he's a masterful guitarist. In 2006 he was named Musician of the Year in the Austin Music Awards. At the Zoo, Sons of 76 will follow Graham's solo set, and there might be a few surprises. Graham also performs Sunday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m., at the Sunday Roadhouse at The Side Door Lounge, 35th Ave. & Leavenworth. (See Hoodoo)
-B.J. Huchtemann

Swing & Soul

by B.J. Huchtemann

The award-winning trio of siblings, Trampled Under Foot, takes the stage at The 21st Saloon on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Based in Kansas City, the band is built around the powerful, soulful vocals of Danielle Schnebelen. See tufkc.com.

CORRECTION TO WHAT APPEARS IN THE PRINT ISSUE OF THE READER: The Lionel Young Band plays on Thursday, Sept. 22, NOT on Sept. 15 as I originally wrote. My apologies for the error.  2011 International Blues Challenge winner the Lionel Young Band plays a show at Gator O'Malley's on Thursday, Sept. 22, after 9 p.m. The Denver-based band has won Best Blues Band in weekly paper Westword's Best of Denver Awards. Young is a classically-trained violinist who has also performed with the Denver Chamber Orchestra. Visit lionelyoung.net.

Cowtown Jamborama
Meanwhile, the ninth annual Cowtown Jamborama kicks off with up-and-coming Minneapolis band Davina & The Vagabonds. They have become favorites of the blues crowd with their infectious mix of jump-blues, New Orleans jazz and swing, featuring Davina's versatile vocals, keyboard riffs and a horn section. Their new CD, Black Cloud, has received great reviews around the country. Elmore magazine calls Davina "a modern-day female version of Louis Armstrong," adding, "This is killer stuff, played with aplomb, humor, grace and passion." Davina & The Vagabonds performs at the Eagles Club ballroom, 24th & Douglas, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.

The Jamborama weekend includes a Saturday show by Meschiya Lake & the Lil' Big Horns. Lake was honored in the Big Easy Awards as Female Performer of the Year. There is late-night music Friday and Saturday. Other bands include The Careless Lovers and The Grand Marquis. Swing dance sessions from beginning to advanced are offered during the day. See jamborama.com for all the details.

Jimmy Thackery
Guitar star Jimmy Thackery plugs in at Lincoln's Zoo Bar on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thackery gigs at The 21st Saloon on Thursday, Sept. 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Jon Dee Graham Interview
Thanks to Rick Galusha for letting me hijack a segment of Pacific Street Blues on 89.7 The River. I chatted with Austin legend Jon Dee Graham prior to his local shows. The interview will air on Galusha's Sept 18 radio show. Until then, you can hear our conversation at kiwrblues.podomatic.com/entry/2011-09-10T07_25_04-07_00.

Graham plays the Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 10 p.m. with Sons of 76. He returns to the Sunday Roadhouse on Sept. 25, 5 p.m., at The Side Door Lounge, 35th Ave. & Leavenworth. See sundayroadhouse.com.

Hot Notes
Omaha blues-rockers Matt Gagne & The Blues Experience are at McKenna's on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The Zoo Bar became a riverside attraction for a while on Wednesday evening, Sept. 14, when a water main brake turned 14th Street into a small stream. The Zoo had to close after the early show Wednesday and suffered some water in the basement. The next door neighbor, the Hitchin' Post & Wooden Nickel, apparently received more damage. At last report the Zoo had reopened at its usual time on Thursday and was using donated fans and dehumidifers to get things dried up. Check facebook.com/zoobarblues for a short video of the water filling up the street early Wednesday evening. I'm very glad the Zoo didn't suffer any more serious damage. Read more details at  blog.zoobar.com/.

Girrrl Power

by B.J. Huchtemann

Over a half dozen world-class roots and blues women visit the metro this weekend.
The fireworks start when Ana Popovic’s sultry, guitar-driven blues takes the stage at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Eilen Jewell
On Friday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m. the Sunday Roadhouse presents the return of Eilen Jewell at Slowdown. Jewell has received praise from everyone from New Yorker magazine, USA Today to American Songwriter and NPR. American Songwriter wrote of Jewell’s last CD “an undiscovered gem ... a layered, shimmering pearl of an album that shines like cut crystal.” Listen in at eilenjewell.com.
Candye & Laura
The remarkable Candye Kane hits the Zoo Bar on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Her last disc, Superhero, is a barnburner of souful music and fun. She’s just released her latest disc, Sister Vagabond. Allmusic.com calls her the 21st Century version of Bessie Smith. Catch Kane’s show and discover one of the finest young guitarists working today, Laura Chavez. Chavez plays with a power, muscle and depth that already distinguishes her from the pack. See candykane.com.
TUF
Kansas City’s Trampled Under Foot is making a name on the national blues scene. The distinctive, soaring voice of Danielle Schnebelen is the powerful heart of the music made by this trio of talented siblings. Visit tufkc.com for band bios and videos.
Davina
Minneapolis band Davina & The Vagabonds is landing rave national reviews for their new disc Black Cloud. If you like Ms. Kane and Ms. Schnebelen, check out Davina. She’s got a rich, versatile voice that gets comparisons ranging from Etta James to Amy Winehouse. Davina writes most of the material, from jump-blues to jazz and to old-school New Orleans’ sounds. Davina kicks off the annual Omaha Jitterbugs’ Cowtown Jamborama weekend with a show on Thursday, Sept. 15. Their show hits the stage at the Eagles Club, 24th & Douglas. See jamborama.com for showtime.
The weekend also features Meschiya Lake & dem Little Big Horns, recognized in New Orleans Big Easy Awards as Female Performer of the Year.
The Boys are Back in Town
Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials bring their houserockin’, old-school Chicago blues to The 21st Saloon this Thursday, Sept. 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Kris Lager Band tears it up at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Saturday, Sept. 10, after 9 p.m.
Hoodoo hero Jon Dee Graham plays the Zoo in two weeks, on Saturday, Sept. 24, and hits Omaha's Sunday Roadhouse on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Side Door Lounge. See sundayroadhouse.com.

New column is online....

Check it here
http://www.thereader.com/music/C12/
Been a crazy, insane week so please check The Reader site!

Zoo Bar Family Celebration

by B.J. Huchtemann 
Earlier this summer former Zoo Bar owner Larry Boehmer found out he has stage four inoperable lung cancer. Boehmer has been enjoying retirement in Eureka Springs, Ark., for over 11 years. Lincoln's Zoo Bar is now co-owned by older son Jeff Boehmer and longtime bar manager Pete Watters.
Larry Boehmer is a hero and a friend. All the years he booked the Zoo Bar, even before I really knew him, the music he brought to Lincoln changed my life.

When Larry received the cancer diagnosis, he led by example again. He threw himself an early birthday party and invited everyone to come. Daughter-in-law Eileen Boehmer arranged a bus trip from the Zoo to Eureka and 33 of us were on board. About 70 more folks came from Lincoln and beyond, according to the Lincoln Journal Star’s Catharine Huddle. She took down everyone’s name on an order pad at the Chelsea’s Pub & Cafe party where love for Boehmer overflowed. Read Huddle’s Aug. 17 article at journalstar.com.

Guests included Boehmer’s dear friend and blues legend Charlie Musselwhite and original Zoo co-owner Jim Ludwig. I could not agree more with Huddle’s assessment that Larry Boehmer’s Zoo Bar built not just a home for the blues, or a local hang out, but a family.

Just a few of the folks who gathered for Larry Boehmer's early birthday party in Eureka Springs, Ark., on Aug. 14.  Seated in center left to right, "Baby" Jason Davis, Boehmer and special guest Charlie Musselwhite. Photo by Kenny Benton.

Via email after the emotional weekend, Boehmer wrote me, “It was really a high ... just an unbelievable amount of positive energy. I'm battling the cancer as best I can. Would love to have another party next year but that decision is not in my hands. However with all the love and positive energy I'm feeling, I think there's a chance I might be around a year from now. The party was simply amazing ... It's all life with high points and low points. But I'm typing this by an open upstairs window with a wonderful breeze coming in and a yard full of beautiful trees to look at. Life is good and I feel blessed.”

Celebrating Larry Boehmer's Birthday in Eureka Springs, Ark.: B.J. Huchtemann, Larry Boehmer, Terry O'Halloran. Photo by Conrad Good.

Sunday Roadhouses Not on Sunday
If you’re reading this on Wednesday, Aug. 24, check out Americana songwriter David Olney with Sergio Webb in a Wednesday Roadhouse. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the Side Door Lounge.
The next Roadhouse presents Eilen Jewell on Friday, Sept. 9, at Slowdown. Tommy Womack is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept.. 13, at The Waiting Room. Hoodoo hero Jon Dee Graham is solo acoustic on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Side Door Lounge. See sundayroadhouse.com.

 David Olney & Sergio Webb perform "Headed for Jerusalem."

They play the Sunday Roadhouse 

at the Side Door Lounge, 35th Ave. & Leavenworth, 

on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Guitar Heroes Turn It Up

by B.J. Huchtemann

Guitar fans have three big blues-rock guitar shows to look forward to in The 21st Saloon's Thursday 5:30 p.m. blues series. Popular Chicago axe-slinger Ronnie Baker Brooks hits the stage on Thursday, Aug. 21. He’s the son of the great Lonnie Brooks and himself a guitar star.

The following Thursday, Aug. 25, new fan favorite Mike Zito plugs in.
Zito’s high-energy, positive vibe and guitar power should appeal to fans of Tommy Castro or Hadden Sayers. Zito is a survivor who credits Walter Trout with helping him give up a drug-and-alcohol-fueled lifestyle. Zito has been gaining momentum on the touring circuit with a series of acclaimed discs for Eclecto Groove Records. Zito took home the 2010 Blues Music Award for Song of the Year for his tune "Pearl River."
His brand new recording is Greyhound. Blues Revue magazine calls Zito “one of the finest, most creative musicians on the competitive blues-roots scene.”  See eclectogroove.com and mikezito.com.

On Thursday, Sept. 1, The 21st presents Oli Brown. The name may not be familiar but this young English player is being praised as “the hottest young pistol in British blues” by Mojo magazine.

Goodbye Nick
One of the baddest keyboard cats in the metro, Nick Semrad, is moving to New York City. His last show is Friday, Aug. 19, after 9 p.m. at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar where he’ll reunite with Sons of 76 & The Watchmen. Special guests will include Matt Cox and Darryl White.

Come down to the Zoo early and catch the Lil’ Slim Blues Band for the 5-7 p.m. show. See zoobar.com.


Sayers’ Hard Dollar
Hadden Sayers ’ Zoo Bar show on Wednesday, Aug. 10, was his first in the area in support of his acclaimed new disc Hard Dollar. The gig showcased Sayers’ new quartet with a fine keyboard player added to his solid rhythm section. Sayers balances guitar power with finesse, restraint and an equal emphasis on soulful vocals and fine songwriting. His new disc is his best yet. Sayers returns for a 21st Saloon show on Thursday, Jan. 5. Sample Hard Dollar at haddensayers.com.

Hot Notes
The Zoo Bar hosts an early show with the honky-tonk soul sounds of Dave Gonzalez's Stone River Boys on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. The bulk of their critically acclaimed disc Love o the Dial was recorded in Lincoln by Charlie Johnson (Mezcal Brothers) at Fuse Recording.  Check stoneriverboys.com to sample the disc and go like Fuse on facebook.com/FuseRecording.
 
 After 9 p.m. catch the gritty, Chicago-style blues of the Kilborn Alley Blues Band. See kilbornalley.com. 

Soul man Terry Evans hits the Zoo Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.
 

Bottomline: Josh Garrett

by B.J. Huchtemann

Louisiana music from Josh Garrett & the Bottomline is one of the highlights of this week’s shows. Garrett’s high-energy music is complete with horns and fueled by the Cajun and zydeco sounds of his Louisiana bayou home. Garrett’s music should appeal to fans of Tab Benoit’s swampy blues. Garrett’s fiery guitar attacks, great vocals and excellent original songs stand up to the caliber of more well-known acts like Tommy Castro. Garrett is a roots star on the rise. Check joshgarrettmusic.com for more. He and his great band plug in at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Saturday, Aug. 13, after 9 p.m. Just found out that Kris Lager Band will share the bill. Gonna be a big party!
 
Also at the Zoo
 
An Omaha musician who has transplanted to Austin, Cass Brostad, brings her Guided by Vices tour featuring new Austin friends Mandy Rowden and Charlie Mason to the Zoo on Thursday, Aug. 11, after 9 p.m.  On Friday, Aug. 12, it’s jazz with The Darryl White Quartet after 9 p.m. Keyboardist Nick Semrad performs with acclaimed trumpeter Darryl White, bassist Seth Ondracek and guest percussionist Dana Murray. Murray has played with Wynton Marsalis and Norah Jones. Visit zoobar.com for details.
 
Next Wednesday, Aug. 17, it’s California's David Vidal plus Lincoln's The Hundred Miles. Heads up now for a cool double show on Saturday, Aug. 20 when Dave Gonzalez’s Stone River Boys plays at 6 p.m. Then it’s old-school blues steeped in the sounds of Chicago’s South side from The Kilborn Alley Blues Band at 9 p.m.
 
English Guitarist Russ Tippins
 
Pacific Street Blues radio show host Rick Galusha presents England’s Russ Tippins Band at Gator O’Malley’s on Thursday, Aug. 11, after 9 p.m. Galusha is enthused about “Tippins’ mix of Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) vocals over
Humble Pie arena blues-rock [guitar] styling.” See russtippins.com and KIWRBlues.PodOMatic.com.
 
21st Saloon Blues
 
Thursday, Aug. 11, Texas guitarist Andrew “Jr. Boy” Jones rocks the 21st.
On Thursday, Aug. 18, it’s Chicago blues-rocker Ronnie Baker Brooks. Shows start at 5:30 p.m. See OmahaBlues.com.
 
Hadden Sayers Band Shines
The Hadden Sayers show at the Zoo Wednesday, Aug. 10, was beautiful. Sayers has a knack for mixing up just the right set list, his new band is killer and he's touring behind the best CD of his career. It was a great night of music. In case you missed it, Sayers is set for an Omaha gig at the 21st Saloon on Thursday, Jan. 5. Mark your calendar and be there. If you are a fan of Tommy Castro, Mike Zito or other blues-rock guitar stars, you will appreciate Sayers. 
Here's what I wrote about his new CD a few weeks ago...worth repeating.
Do yourself a favor and check out Hadden Sayers' great new disc HARD DOLLAR. Sample about half the CD's tracks and see a couple of cool videos produced for the launch at haddensayers.com. I've been a fan for a long time, but I think this is Sayers' best release to date. 
His guitar playing is stellar but he can keep it in the pocket too, so that when he lets loose with a guitar solo you are reminded again that he's a fine player. There's beauty, muscle and heart in this recording: lots of excellent guitar solos here along with Sayers' emotive vocals fleshing out a collection of fine songs that he's spent the last few years crafting. The duet with Ruthie Foster on Sayers' own "Back To The Blues" is a love letter to the music that is pure perfection. Follow Hadden Sayers Band on Facebook for notes from the road as Sayers puts some hard-touring behind the new disc. Here's Ruthie joining Hadden and his band to perform the tune at Sayers' SXSW showcase at Austin's Saxon Pub. This song deserves to be up for Blues Music Award for Song of the Year 2012. Check it out. 

   
Also dig Sayers' tribute to those "Sweet Texas Girls"...a catchy song with a cool, classy video that is a tribute to all kinds of great women from Sayers' home state and beyond.

Go to haddensayers.com and buy the disc. It's really good.

In case you missed these items from last week:
Lager Van Repair Fund
I wrote last week about the Kris Lager Band’s van fire enroute back to Omaha from a South Dakota show. Friends of KLB have set up a fund to help with vehicle repairs. Look up the Kris Lager Band Transportation Fund page on Facebook for details.


Also mark your calendars now for Hoodoo hero Jon Dee Graham on Sunday, Sept. 25, in a special Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge. Seating is limited. See sundayroadhouse.com/shows.htm.
Graham will also perform at the Zoo Bar on Saturday, Sept. 24, in a 9 p.m. set that will be followed by the Sons of 76. Watch zoobar.com for details. It will be a special treat to have Graham in the metro for two shows, slated to be solo acoustic at this point. Check JonDeeGraham.com for the latest info on Graham's fan-fueled JonDeeCo Co-Op that offers a bunch of member-only exclusives for those who join up for a modest $10 a month. The Co-Op members have already received member-only links to a special acoustic performance of "Look Up" and a humorous short film.


Hot Notes
 
Kim Bowen hosts Slowpoker’s, a Neil Young tribute band, visiting from Italy. They have a welcome acoustic jam at the Benson Grind on Friday, Aug. 12, 8 p.m. The full Slowpoker’s band plays The Waiting Room on Sunday, Aug. 21 at
8 p.m. See reverbnation.com/slowpokers.
 
Lincoln’s Ribfest Aug. 11 through 14 features great music including The Derailers and The Bel Airs. See pershingcenter.com/ribfest.
 
The Ruthie Foster show scheduled for Glenwood, Iowa, on Aug. 13 is cancelled.
 
 

Hadden Sayers CD Release, Brothers Comatose, Guided By Vices

by B.J. Huchtemann

Hadden Sayers’ CD release party at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar is Wednesday, Aug. 10, 6-9 p.m.. His latest disc, Hard Dollar, is his best yet. Sayers’ Texas-rooted blues-rock puts his soulful vocals and serious guitar skills front and center in the service of mighty fine original songs. Be there.

Roadhouse Gets Comatose
Sunday Roadhouse presents The Brothers Comatose on Sunday, Aug. 7, 5 p.m. at The Waiting Room. The San Francisco group describes themselves as “a 5 piece old-timey, rowdy string band.” They have been gaining attention and momentum at notable events like The Strawberry Music Festival and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Check thebrotherscomatose.com for info and free music downloads.

Coming up on Aug. 24 are David Olney & Sergio Webb. Chanteuse Eilen Jewel has been added on Sept. 9. Tommy Womack plays on Sept. 13.

And mark your calendars now for Hoodoo hero Jon Dee Graham on Sunday, Sept. 25, in a special Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge. Seating is limited. See sundayroadhouse.com/shows.htm.
Graham will also perform at the Zoo Bar on Saturday, Sept. 24, in a 9 p.m. set that will be followed by the Sons of 76. Watch zoobar.com for details. It will be a special treat to have Graham in the metro for two shows, slated to be solo acoustic at this point. Check JonDeeGraham.com for the latest info on Graham's fan-fueled JonDeeCo Co-Op that offers a bunch of member-only exclusives for those who join up for a modest $10 a month. The Co-Op members have already received member-only links to a special acoustic performance of "Look Up" and a humorous short film.

Weekend Hullabaloo
The Hullabaloo Music & Camping Festival is August 5, 6 and 7 at River West Park, 233 & Maple on the Elkhorn River. Over 25 great bands perform including Kris Lager Band, Funk Trek, Matt Cox and Sons of 76. For lineup, tickets and info visit hullabaloomusicfestival.com.

Brostad & Guided By Vices
Former Omaha musician Cass Brostad is bringing two fellow Austin songwriter friends, Mandy Rowden and Charlie Mason, to visit. They’re calling it the Guided by Vices Tour. They hit the Barley Street Tavern on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m. with Bad Country, The Fergesons and a Family Gram reunion. Brostad and friends play Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Thursday, Aug. 11, 9 p.m., with special guests All Young Girls Are Machine Guns. For more info check facebook.com/guidedbyvicestour

Lager Van Repair Fund
I wrote last week about the Kris Lager Band’s van fire enroute back to Omaha from a South Dakota show. Friends of KLB have set up a fund to help with vehicle repairs. Look up the Kris Lager Band Transportation Fund page on Facebook for details.

Hot Notes
The boogie-blues of The Bel Airs takes over The 21st Saloon on Thursday, Aug. 4. Next week the Texas blues of Andrew “Jr. Boy” Jones
is featured. Both shows start at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 6 at Barley Street Tavern catch Travelling Mercies with The Betties, Platte River Rain and John Klemmensen & The Party.

The female-fronted punky-pop of Nashville’s Those Darlins is paired with The Killigans at the Zoo Bar on Aug. 9, 9:30 p.m.

Benoit, Magness, Lager, Bel Airs & PWF

by B.J. Huchtemann

Multiple-award winner Janiva Magness is a don’t-miss artist. She's one of the top female blues-roots-soul artists. She brings her powerhouse blues and soul to The 21st Saloon this Thursday, July 28, at 5:30 p.m. She's also performing at Lincoln's Zoo Bar on Wednesday, July 27, 6-9 p.m.

Fiery Louisiana bluesman Tab Benoit plays Knickerbockers in Lincoln on Friday, July 29. Award-winning Louisiana bluesman Benoit is on the road with New Orleans singer-songwriter Anders Osborne in support of their acclaimed CD Medicine (Telarc). Charismatic Cajun guitarist Benoit is a Grammy nominee, multiple Blues Music Award winner and activist for Louisiana wetlands. Osborne’s style encompasses blues, rock, soul and classic R&B. Medicine was produced by David Z who worked with Benoit on three previous discs. Z has also worked with artists like Prince, Buddy Guy and Gov’t Mule. Benoit and Osborne cooked up the songs 
that form the heart of the disc on the Louisiana bayou. Soak up their guitar-driven swamp-funk when the duo bring their band to Knickerbockers on Friday. See knickerbockers.net. This is an 18+ 9 p.m. show.

“What Should We Do? Run?”
Kris Lager Band’s van caught fire while driving home from South Dakota to make their Red Sky gig on Saturday, July 23.

Lager says his first thoughts were “What should we do? Run?”

While Lager and John Fairchild moved equipment and their trailer, bandmates Jeremiah Weir and Brandon Miller got the fire out with water bottles and a blanket . No one was injured. Miller’s family helped the band get to their Red Sky gig. They enthusiastically rocked the small crowd for a good 90 minutes despite the heat and the day’s bad luck, with the usually mellow Lager joking onstage about his reaction. Next time you see the group, buy a CD or a T-Shirt. Every little bit will help get their touring vehicle fixed.

In happier news, Lager may start writing lullabies. Congratulations to Lager and girlfriend Gina Blobaum who became proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Journey on July 18.

The Lager band and bassist Brandon Miller are behind the Hullabaloo Music & Camping Festival on Aug. 5, 6 and 7 at River West Park, 233 & Maple. Check hullabaloomusicfestival.com.

Playing With Fire Needs You
This year’s sole Playing With Fire concert with Sharon Jones got the attention of fans outside the blues. Even rock colleague Tim McMahan jumped on the PWF bandwagon, writing several times about the event including a post-show commentary in last week’s Lazy-i column.
Though the heat cut down attendance it was an amazing night of soulful music. Founder Jeff Davis and the PWF team hope the event continues in 2012, but that is contingent on finding significant financial sponsorship. Visit PlayingWithFireOmaha.net to see how to help.

Hot Notes
Also check last week’s Lazy-i.com for a wrap up of the first ever Omaha Girls Rock camp for budding teen musicians, also find the link at thereader.com/lazy-i
The Bel Airs are on tap for the 21st Saloon next Thursday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m. The Bel Airs also play Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 6-9 p.m.
Austin honky-tonk & country band Horse Opera plays Louis in Benson onThursday, July 28, (9 p.m. free show) and the Zoo Bar on Friday, July 29, 5-7 p.m.

The Sugar Thieves are back in the area with their retro-fueled blues sound. They play Jazz on the Green on Thursday, the Zoo Bar on Friday after 9 p.m. and The Hearland Cafe in Elkhorn on Saturday night. They were called "Arizona's most ass-whoopin-est band, Blues or otherwise" by the Washington Blues Society's Highway 99 Blues Club.