KANSAS CITY BLUES SOCIETY wie AUGUST 1990 August 2 — KCBS Amateur Blues Talent Contest Finals hie Kansas City Blues Society will host the 5th /nnual ‘amateur Blues Talent Contest ou Thursday, August 2at ‘The Grand Emporium. The preliminary contest winners {nJuly, Milleage Gilbert, The Freeze, and John Paul & The Hell Hounds, will be competing on August 2. The winner of the finals will receive a five hour recording ses- sion from Chapman Recording Studio and an expense paid trip to Memphis ‘over Labor Day weekend to compete in The National Blues Talent Contest. KCBS sreaily appreciates Chapman Recording Studio for donating the st BLUES CRUISE II — Featuring Marcia Ball jhe Kansas City Blues Society prouuly presents Rounder recording boogie woogie queen, Marcia Ball on Blues Cruise Il, August 15. Also, on board The Missouri River Queen, The Dan Doran Band will be jumpin’ and jivin’. The Missouri River Queen begins boarding at One River City Drive in Kansas City, KS. at 7 p.m. and leaves at 8 pam. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster, Nightmoves, and the Grand Empo- rium, Due to Marcia Ball’s overwhelming popularity (last June she performed for 1700 people for The Friends of the Zoo benefit), we recommend that you purchase your tickets in ad- vance. If you're hooked on the blues, check out Blues Cruise II on Wednesday, August 15. Marcia Ball was raised in the Louisiana bayou Cajun country. She began playing the piano at age 5 but did not actually begin playing it professionally until she moved to Austin, Tx. in 1980 which she sills call home today. Growing up near New Orleans, ‘she was inspired by the best pianists, such as Tuts Washington, Smiley Lewis, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, and Dr. John. Het hard driving pounding style has been compared to the “Killer”, Jerry Lee Lewis, while here syncopated triplets are reminiscent ‘of Fess, Professor Longhair. Marcia Ball knows how to radiate the 88's. Ifyouhaven't had the opportunity to see Marcia Bal ive, she is elegantly statuesque, comfortably sitting legs crossed in front of her electric piano dressed for a party. Marcia Ball's band Don Bennett on bass, Rodney Craig on drums, and James Hinkel ‘on guitar. Their music ean range from bluesy gospel ballads, jumpin’ R & B, zydeco, and soul to honky tonkand county. It's like a tasty gumbo with just the right seasonings. To date, Marcia Ball has recorded four albums. Her first album in 1978, Circuit Queen, is a product of her early dabbling incountry music. When she firstmoved to Austin, Tx.,she joined country band but soon retuned toher New Orleans R & Boots. Her second record and first recording for Rounder, was aptly entitled, Soulful Dress (originally recorded by Bita James" cousin, Sugat Pie Desanto). Marcia Ball's next album for Rounder, Hot Tamale Baby, is as fiery as the ttle eu, written by Clifton Chenier. Gatorhythms is her third record in five years Her recordings can give you a feel of her infectious energy and soulfl passion butlive is always best, especially on the Missouri River Queen. Marcia Ball’s sizing style and pounding piano licks will get the catfish jumpin"! Come cool off on August 15 on Blues Cruise Il. Be sure to get your tickets early!! dio time, Drumworks for donating the drumsateach contest site, Nightmoves, ‘The Chatean Lounge, The Roxy and The Grand Emporium for donating their Clubs" stage and sound systems, and finally KCBS would also like 10 thank all the contestants who per formed atthe preliminary contests. August 31-September 2— Blues Alley at Spirit Fest 90 The Spirit Festival will begin on Friday, August 31 and continue through Sunday, Seplember 2, downtown at Bamey Allis Plaza The place to befor ll you blues lovers willbe Blues Alley on Central Ave. Lindsay Shannon has been fining up three days of blues for the blues stage. The featured blues entertain ‘menton the main stage is Bo Diddley on Friday and Santana on Saturday. A full schedule of events wil soon be released. There will be 16 Kansas City blues bands performing for the three day Spirit Fest, Confirmed blues bands so far include the 39th St Blues Band, who will kck off the Spirit Fest on Friday evening 6:30, The 39th St. Blues Band was the winner of the 4th annual KC Blues Amateur Talent Contest. ther confirmed bands ate ‘The Dan Doran Band, Little Hatch & the Houserockers, KC Bottoms Band, Nightcravlers, King Alex & the Untouchables, Rick Hendricks & the Hit & Run Band, Mama Ray & Rich Vi ‘Sant, Suburban Blues Band, and Main Street Rhythm Devil by Shirley Owens Meet you at Blues Alley on Central Ave, August 31 from 6 t0 9 pam., September Ist from noon to 10 p.m., and September 2nd from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m, Volunteers for the KCBS’ beer garden at Blues Alley during the KC Spirit Fest are needed. Come to the Sixth Floor (Room 600) at the at the Municipal Auditorium on August 7. All volunteers will receive free passes to get into the Spirit Fest on the day that they work. For more information, cail Kenny Taylor at 452-4393 and leave a message. (See letter on page 5 for details.) BLUES NEWS m1All photos by Marele Ryan MVBF ’90 RECAP by Marcie Ryan ie 6th Annual Mississippi River Blues Festival presented by y I the Mississippi Valley Blues Society in Davenport, Iowa, July 6, 7, and 8, once again proved that the blues reign supreme in the Quad Cites Friday's festivities began with Zuzu Bollin atthe bandshell and Sparky and Rhonda Rucker in the acoustic tent. The Tom Principato Band from the Washington, DC area was terrific — hope we can Tom Prineipato them to KC soon! The Uptown Rhythm Kings provided a fine performance asa last minute replacement for Duke Robillard ‘The headliners Friday night were Taj Mahal inthe acoustic tent and Buddy Guy on the bandshell. More that 2,000 people jammed the acoustic tent (Seats 800) and the remaining 6,000: plus vied for 1 close look at Buddy Guy. Chuck Mesick, MVBS director, sa ‘The Kansas City Blues News is published monthly by the Kansas City Blues Society, Inc. Articles, reviews, band calendar dates, and tems of Interest must be submited by the 20th of each month, and become the property ofthe Society. Founding Editor. Roger Naber Editor ‘Shirley Owens Contributing Wir Carolyn Wicker ‘Typesetting!Layout Matt Quinn/472-4679, Board of Directors and Otficers Chairperson Shirley Owens President. ‘Roger Naber Vieo-President. ‘Suzanne Colbert ioe President Patek Flomington Sooty n Pam Jackson Treasurer ‘Jon Lowe Membership Chairperson. Marcie Ryan Director Daisy Lujan Director Kenny Taylor Director Provino Hatoh Director ‘Scott Mackey Director ‘Joyoe Mourning The Kansas Cly Blues Society a Missouri not-for-profit corpora- tion was formed forthe sole purpose of promoting and preserving Vatlous eve of Blues musie, Founded In Dooembor of 1980, the Kansas City Blues Society presents: monthly jam sessions, various local and national groups in concer, and our main preseniation — ‘The Kansas City Blues and Heritage Festival Members recsve the newsletter, cisceunts on Society evens and discounts on purchases ‘at certain partelating businesses. Annual dues are $10 per person ‘or $15 per famiy and $50 per Corporate Membership. To join the ‘Society send your name, adéress, phone number and dues to: kansas City Blues Society, P.O. Box 32131, Kansas City, Mssour oat was a recordbreaking crowd in the tent for both Taj Mahal and the preceding act, Saffire—The Uppity Blues Women. ‘Asalvays, the acoustic tent broughtsome lesser-known regional ‘acts tothe forefront on Saturday including Mary Flower and Randy Handley from Colorado, Robert “One-Man” Johnson from Towa ;, Henry Townsend and, my personal favorite ofthe day, Leroy Jodie Pierson from St. Louis. Also performing two sets in the acoustic tent on Saturday was blues legend Robert Jr, Lockwood, The bandshell was hot on Saturday with the highlights Bobby Radeliff, Johnny Hearisman, and Ronnie Earland the Broad- asters backing up Earl King, Grady Gaines and James “Th bird” Davis. The 20,000-plus crowd was dazzled by Grady Gaines hot pink satinjblack sequins attire and his wild saxophone, Bobby Radeliffaddeda thied dimension othe guitars for the Review finale. Quite a show. ‘Sunday's lineup featured some of my personal favorites: Johnny Copeland, Marcia Ball, and The Holmes Brothers. The Holmes Brothers perform a mix of blues and gospel with three strong voices. that cover all the vocal ranges. AAs in years past, the credit for the success of the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival goos to the hardworking members of the Grady Gaines. Johnny Copeland alley Blues Society. The festival stated six years ago ‘asa one-day event with 10,000 people (they expected 1,000 people) and has grown into a3-day, 40,000-plus eventshoweasing the finest in acoustic and electric blues. Special thanks to Tracy Everaert, Chuck Mesick, Steve and Michelle Brundies, Gene Hillege, Ed Longenecker and Karen Canine forthe exceptional hospitality they extended to all the Kansas Citians who attended. We will be back Wendall Holmes of The Holmes Brothers. 2 mi AUGUST 1990BLUES ond ~ S Crumse II 2: Wednesday, August 15 Missouri River Queen One River City Drive - Kansas City, KS » 281-5300 featuring » Marcia Ball 7 p.m. — Boarding 7 8p.m.— Boat sails and The Dan Doran Band $16.00/$14.00 KCBS members Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Nightmoves, Grand Emporium and the River Boat For more information call 531-7557 or the River Boat at 281-5300Co PTT eS) i a te) ‘The Kansas City Blues Society welcomes our new members: Mike and Lucille Hobbs, Jim and Laurie Kirke- gard, Samantha Locke, Al Parks, Rocky Scarcello, Walter and Shirley Smith, Jimmy Steffan, and Patty Young, ‘Thank you to our renewed members for their continuing support: John and Althea Fowler, Mike Harvey, Thomas Jones, Trudy H, Nepstad, Greg Odom, Keith Roloson, John Stuerke, John Tangeman and Phil Vawter. ‘We appreciate all who have notified us of address changes. The Post office does not forward third class mail, 80 in order for you to continue to receive your newsletter please notify Marcie Ryan at 531-0538 (Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m, if your are planning to move. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Recent Blues Releases Roosevelt Barnes & the Playboys, The Heartbroken Man, Rooster Boozoo Chavis, The Lake Charles Atomic Bomb, Rounder 2097 Eddie Clearwater, A Real Good Time, Rooster Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, Piece of Mind, Black Top 1060 Earl King, Sexual Telepathy, Black Top Matt Guitar Murphy, Way Down South, Antone’s 0013 Raful Neal, Louisiana Legend, Alligator 4783 Jimmy Rodgers, Ludella, Antone's 0012. Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Gravel oad, Blind Pig 3620 Koko Talor, Jump for Joy, Alligator Noble "Thin Man" Watts, Return of the Thin Man, Alligator 4785 ‘Sonny Boy Williamson, Keep It to Ourselves, Alligator 4787 Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, Grady "Fats" Jackson, Sil Austin, The Tri-Saxual Soul Champs, Black Top 1054 Walter Horton, Fine Cuts, Blind Pig 70678 Blind Pig Sampler, Prime Chops, Blind Pig 78001 Buckwheat Zydeco, Where There's Smoke There's Fire, Island Etta James, Stickin To My Guns, Island ‘Send Check or Money Order to: KANSAS CITY BLUES SOCIETY KANSAS 1 1 I 1 I i ' ee ANNUAL DUES: ! i Single—$10.00 | 1 Family—$15.00 | I ’ ' I t 1 NAME. { | ADDRESS ! | CITY/STATE/ZIP I | TELEPHONE: 1 ! pate Ti new Ci Renewal | ! I 1 1 | ISSOURI + 64111 Blues Happens at Pee ad North of the River! BIOS Race Poneto) SMUT ArSs mic yeaa ON Cos Peace ecw ater ew IE Monday is Import Night * Wednesday's Open Jam Night (9-1) Peer Peo eee oe uO Rams Deo ta “Coldest Beer: re ca Aube sore information fon to Living Blues magazine x recommended for mn the comtemporary blues seen. Write to: Liring Blues clo Center for the Study of Southern Culture, 1 University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677 or puret "The Music Exchange in Westport August Blues Birthdays 1-Robert Cray2-Waller Price; 3-Merey Dee Walton; 6-Willie Brown, Willie Nix; 7-Magie Slim; 8-Jimmy Witherspoon, Al King; 9-Robert “Fud” Shaw; 11-Salty Dog Sam; 12-Gladys Bentley, Percy Mayfield; 13-Jimmy MeCraddin, Son Scals;, 15-Buster Brown; 16-Lil” Son Jackson, Eddie Kirkland, Bobby itchell; 17-Luther Allison; 18-Curtis Jones, Lee Jackson; 22.John Lee Hooker, Carolina Slim; 24-Big Boy Crudup, Wyonie Harris; 25.Charlie Burse, Carrie Smith; 26-Jimmy Rushing; 29-Dinah Washington; 30-Luther Johnson. THE NIGHTCRAWLERS een DAN DORAN BAND Remon more bm NI oS ‘from Columbia featuring Henry Clay emer SY NIN (ON CU alia ‘from Dallas, TX featuring B'Nois King 4m AUGUST 1990Gettin’ Down At the New Uptown ‘by Carolyn L. Wicker ere’sa hotnew club on te Kansas side pouring out some r I Viown and diny sounds. I's called The Uptown Down and Dirty! Located at 6508 Martway,rghtin the heart of Mision, Kansas, one vsiisal takes ind out justhow sweet itis Stove and Connie Fancher opened the place a year anda half ago, The cool blueferay surroundings add flare to theit wide Sélection on the menu, From nachos to pizza and burgers, KC strip o Roast Beef Au Jus, (Try topping tat off with a Bove Bar) Wine by the bottle, and a stocked bar to boot. But don't slop there. ‘Wednesday through Saturday the unigue sound of David Basse andthe City Light Orchestra completes the atmosphere. David ealls the Uptown their new home, He fees the surround ings area good reflection oftheir music. The Uptown Down and Diny has a real nice East Coast fel. When David is asked what style he calls his muse, hs reply is, “Teall it uptown blues, bt that has nothing to do with the name ofthis place The City Light Orchestra, as most bands do ater a period of time, has undergone personnel changes. As well as David Basse on drums, the band currently consists of Andy DeWitt on upright electric bass, Temry Swope on guitar, Ken Lover on keys, and Bill Cakiwell on sax. ‘When the house band leaves home for a gig or two, some of. is ofthe future agenda include The Dan Doran Band, the ‘SSSlick, and the KC Bottoms Band, Other local acts will no doubt be appearing so call the elub for details Next you're out in Johnson County, and are ready for good live entertainment and drinks, drop in the Uptown and try some of theirappetizers. And while you're there, relax and enjoy some ‘down and dirty blues from the City Light Orchestra. AJOURNEY INTO ‘THE HEART OF THE ST.LOUIS, MO. == MEMPHIS, TN. == CLARKSDALE, MS. == GREENVILLE, MS. With “TvoDaj atthe DELTA BLUES FESTIVAL, La “i FOR RESERVATIONS: 6 “Tel:(816) 931-6287 i] 7 cet: Zander Tours 9g RO.Boxss71 KG, MO 64111 nder Tours of Kantas City, Missourl BBrresented By KC Spirit ‘90 We're excited about your group's par- ticipation in the 1990 Spirit Festival. The ‘weekend of Spirit activities isalvays fun for participants, and we hope it wll also Itis to your benefit to get as many of your workers as possible (we suggest 60- 70%) to attend this mecting so your ‘undtaising isn’t jeopardized. Please notify your workers as soon as possible so they can make appropriate plans to attend. ‘The meeting will be held in Room 600 of Municipal Audito- rium. Go in Main Arena doors, straight ahead, then to elevators ‘on the left. Take elevator to sixth floor.) Please give us a call at the Spirit office, 221-4444, if there are any questions. Janet O'Brien, Food & Beverage Committee On Vacation Sorry. Twillnot have an article for the August newsletter, but Ido plan to have one ready for September. Tam happy to report that the blues have made it to the Blue Ridge [Mountains], Gatemouth Brown will appear in Boone, North Carolina this week. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Doyle Pace [Doyle writes “Yesterday's Blues” for Blues News!) GRAND EMPORITM LITTLE HATCH’S HOUSE PARTY EVERY FRIDAY - 6 TO 8 PM 3 AUGUST SCHEDULE & PRM Sore pay Ws BLUES TALENT CONTEST FINALS 3_NIGHTHAWKS featuring JIMMY HALL CMRP YO 7 LONNIE MACK plus LITTLE HATCH & THE Houserockers (Blues Stage Recording) Pe 10_ JUMPIN’ JOHNNY'S BLUES PARTY ESNet 16 HANZ THEESSNICK & THE LAST FAIR DEAL [PAE WerainawArere) 18 __RON THOMPSON & THE RESISTORS PPM keel) 23 _NACE BROTHERS PENS ae 27 LUCKY7 GILBERT'S BLUES PARTY * EVERY SAT. 4-7 PM a8d2 MAIN = 531-1504 BLUES NEWS m 5Foye SUNDAY JAMS —@ = JAMS Bring your instruments © fstorom Bar & Gil 217 W, 14, 21-483, faturing Fick Hondict & The Hi & un Band (© Tho oxy, 7250. 75 Soot, 296421, etug The uot Not, 800 pm, 1200 pm. eee advert) MONDAY JAMS ‘Blayney, 415 Westport Road, 61-747, 10pm. 3 Ugh, 7425 Broadway, lve Monday am pm ~minight ‘TheFabulsIfmo Show Leung, 408 Trost verve, 62-4000, Sonny Kener's BhesBand © Horan, 4048 Boadway, 75-0884, KC Blues Band, 10pm-2 am TUESDAY JAMS saya, 415 Westport ad, 81.9747 habs 61108 Pare, 764-9884 Lovee, & Waly, Sonny Keaner Sues Ban, 8:90-120 pm (© The Pon, 217 st 4th, 31800, Lanne ay Bhies Band. 9:0 im. -100 am, WEDNESDAY JAMS (© Hot’, 727 Cental Ave, Kansas Cy, featring Blues or Pert, 81pm 1 Nghinove, 5110 NE Vion Rt, 4524380, Blue Knits, 12pm THURSDAY JAMS (© The Tubs, 383 Southwest Bt at Boadway, 4718610, MoPai, 730 pm SATURDAY JAMS (© Grand Emporium (sce advert), 882 Maly, 51.7587, Glbors Saturday Blues Party. 47 pm (© Hazings Upstate, 304M, 5810303, ian Ray & Rich VanSar,2- 6 pm. H&M Barbecue, 1715N 1, Kansas Cy, K, ABB Lock, 10pm cis Lounge, 709 Troos, 26-8276, Saturday & Sunde, 4 b> ‘ng lexand The Untouchables, 400-00 pn. (© Nghmoves Lil Hach the Hoserockers, 27 pm. OTHER CLUBS (© Birdan, 1600, 19, 2.8468 (© ThoBovevard Beal 220 Soutwest Be, 62-7207 (O BBs, 101. Suet, 21-6012 (© GrandEiperam Fidaye—Lile Hats Housepary, 6-89 m (OKs Bonn Maison, 1515 Westport od, 94947 (© Sani Fe Saloon, 444 Westpon Fi, 631-1969, (© Siac, 191 W. 40 High, 20.9485 (© Studs Resiauran, 454-9800, 529.2122, eating Roy Sarey ‘© Uptom-Down& ty, 6508 Waray, Mision Ks, 2365300 PHP PM PDD gd Dy ynyod Keep the Blues Alive... Support the KC Blues Society Kansas City Blues Society PO. Box 32131, Kansas Ciy, MO 64111 Do Not Forward - Address Correction Requested - Return Postage Guaranteed “eebeteteteteteerertetetetetetetetete BLUES RADIO KANU-EM 91.5 Saturday, 8 10 11 pin. — "Blues in the Night" ‘with Kyle Neuer KCUR-FM 89.3 Saturday, 8 pim.to 1 a.m. — “Saturday Night Fish Fry” with Chuck Haddock : KKFI-FM 90.1 Daly 4:00 10 6:00 p.m. — “Traffe Jam” Tuesday & Thursday, 7:90 10 9:00 am. — "Breakfast Club” wih Dave Creighton ‘Sunday, 7010 pam. — “Kansas City Blues Show” with Lindsay Shannon KPAS-FM 103.3 Monday-Friday, 1210 1 p.m. - “Lunch at he Oldies” Sane PSS EET gust4 Sunflower Riverbank Blues Fest, Carksdae, Ms, September 1 Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Muse Fest, Opslowsas, La, (318) 942.2392 49th Annual San Francisco Blues Fest, San Francisco, Ca. (416) 826-6897 Seplomber 19-23 St.Louis Blues Society Festival, (314) 647-2447 ‘September 23. KCBS 10th Annual Blues Fest, KC, Mo (816) 531-7587 PMMA MMIII MAI BRING YOUR AXE AND RELAX ‘AT THE NEWEST BLUES JAM IN KANSAS CITY, KANSAS HERB'S 727 CENTRAL AVENUE, HOSTED BY BLUES FOR RENT EVERY WEDNESDAY NITE 8pm to 11pm JAMMERS ARE THE GUESTS OF BLUES FOR RENT IT'S EASY TO BECOME A MEMBER PRIVATE CLUB - MEMBERS AND GUESTS KCFX-EM 101 September 15-16, Getetrtetrtetrhetrteertetctrtetetetcty BULK RATE U.S. Postage Paid| Permit #3407 Kansas City, MO 6 m AUGUST 1990