A New Blog Site, Rockabilly, Blues & More

A New Blog Site, Rockabilly, Blues & More

by B.J. Huchtemann

I've been asked to take a hiatus from the print issue of The Reader in April, so welcome to the new world of Hoodoo, where I’ll be giving you updates online when you can't find me in print....and hopefully even when you do find the column in the paper I'll still get some new content in here. Maybe even some live show photos like the one I just added from the James McMurtry show!
Please come visit me here at HoodooRootsBlues.blogspot.com. Reader column content will also be reposted. Look for the next print version of the column in the April 21 issue and please bookmark this blog site.

Pinetop Perkins Remembered
The great blues piano man Pinetop Perkins passed peacefully in his sleep on March 21, 2011, at the age of 97. Pinetop was an active presence in his adopted hometown of Austin, Texas, where he was checking out shows at SXSW the week before he died. Pinetop was always dressed to the nines, still smoked and had an eye for the ladies, according to friends. Perkins was buried in Clarksdale, Miss., on April 2. Find more on Perkins’ career and the foundation established in his name to help fledgling and senior musicians at PinetopPerkins.com.

21st Saloon Blues
So far attendance at the early Thursday 5:30 p.m. blues shows under the new ownership has had great fan support. Remember that consistent audience attendance is the key to the series remaining at the 21st Saloon, formerly The New Lift and Murphy’s.
Thursday, April 7, don’t miss Chicago’s guitar-driven Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, multiple winners of the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year.
Thursday, April 14, Chicago’s jump-blues band Nick Moss & The Flip Tops take the stage.
Wednesday, April 20 , there’s a special show with rockin’ guitarist Mike Zito at 5:30 p.m. And Thursday, April 21, blues-rock guitar star Chris Duarte plugs in. Thursday, April 28, veteran showman Guitar Shorty is scheduled. Thursday shows begin at 5:30 p.m. Watch OmahaBlues.com for updates and for other blues shows in the metro.

Zoo Bar Blues
The Zoo Bar is gearing up for its summer anniversary celebration in July. Headlining the outdoor stage Friday, July 8, is the great Dave Alvin and Saturday, July 9, it’s keyboard queen Kelley Hunt.
Tuesday, April 26, the Zoo has a special early 6-9 p.m. show with the soulful and sultry Janiva Magness. Highlights from the next couple of weeks include a double-bill with Son of 76 & The Watchmen (now going by the new name Sons of 76) and Stonebelly on Friday, April 8. Chicago’s Nick Moss & the Flip Tops play Wednesday, April 13, 6-9 p.m. See ZooBar.com for the full schedule.

Rockabilly Revival
Omaha Rockabilly Night No. 4 revs up Thursday, April 14, after 8 p.m. This is a free 21 and over show at Gator O’Malley’s featuring Cat Club from Spain and The Afterdarks from Iowa. Join the Omaha Rockabilly group on Facebook to stay up to date on these events. It’s really fun to see a new generation of music fans embracing old-school rockabilly, including retro clothes and vintage rides.
Also check out The Sandbox at 2406 Leavenworth Saturday, April 16, at 9 p.m. for three hot rockabilly bands including Reckless Ones from Minneapolis, Th’ Empires from Indiana and The Blacktop Ramblers from Omaha. This is an all-ages show.

Nebraska Blues Challenge
The winning band in the Nebraska Blues Challenge will represent the Blues Society of Omaha in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in February 2012. The IBC is run and judged by the national Blues Foundation. See Blues.org for details.
Area bands had about six weeks to enter the Nebraska Blues Challenge. A judging panel will select what bands advance to play again in the finals, but the whole series of shows is open to the public. We all know bands are more excited to play in front of an audience, so consider coming out to support our local talent.
Sunday, April 10 , at The 21st Saloon hear Swampboy Blues Band (2 p.m.), Matt Gagne & The Blues Experience (3 p.m.), Chuck Brown & The Basement Devils (4 p.m.) and The Brad Cordle Band (5 p.m.).
Sunday, April 17 , playing at the Zoo Bar are The Blues Orchestra (2 p.m.), Son of 76 & The Watchmen now known as Sons of 76 (3 p.m.), Lil’ Slim Blues Band (4 p.m.) and Levi William (5 p.m.). There will be one more preliminary round on May 1 at The Waiting Room and winners from the preliminary rounds will perform again for the judges in the finals on May 15 at The 21st Saloon. Check OmahaBlues.com for details. NOTE: After this issue went to press it was determined that the Zoo Bar showcase will likely take place in the evening rather than the afternoon as scheduled, please stay tuned to OmahaBlues.com for updates.

Hot Notes
Tickets are on sale now at ETix.com for soul great Curtis Salgado at Lincoln’s Bourbon Theatre Saturday, May 14. Brad Cordle Band opens.
Travelling Mercies has just released a new disc called Ghosts in the Bloodline. Catch the band at Barley Street Tavern Saturday, April 16, and get a copy of this vibey mix of electric troubadour gypsy folk that rocks.
Tuesday, April 19, Kris Lager Band is featured all evening at Slowdown.

Hoodoo is a column focusing on blues, roots, Americana and, occasionally, other music styles with an emphasis on live performances. Hoodoo columnist B.J. Huchtemann is a Reader senior contributing writer and veteran music journalist who has covered the local music scene for nearly 20 years. For more, visit HoodooRootsBlues.blogspot.com.
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