The
next week or so will be a transition time for singer-guitarist Greg Nagy.
On
Saturday, Nagy performs at the Cooley Lake Inn in Commerce Township. There’s no
cover charge and the first 50 people who mention the Facebook event will get a free
copy of Nagy’s “Walk That Fine Thin Line” CD on Big O Records.
The
Cooley Lake Inn gig and a performance at the Hot Blues, BBQ and Art festival in
Lake Orion on July 20 comprise a “farewell tour” of sorts for Nagy and his
longtime bandmates, bassist Jim Shaneberger
and drummer Karl Schantz.
According
to Nagy, bassist Shaneberger -- who formerly played with Donald Kinsey and who has
been with Nagy for four years -- is also a fine singer, guitarist and
songwriter who has a new solo record called “Work In Progress.” He’ll be
reuniting with Schantz, who has been in Nagy’s band for two years, in a new
trio with bassist Robert Pace in their hometown of Grand Rapids. Like Nagy, the
new trio will feature a variety of blues-based musical styles.
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| Greg Nagy |
Nagy,
meanwhile, has been in twice-a-week rehearsals with his new bandmates, bassist Joseph Veloz and drummer Scott
Veenstra. Veloz, who is classically trained, has performed or recorded with a “who’s
who” of blues artists, including Matt
"Guitar" Murphy, Lucky Peterson, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Jason Ricci.
Veenstra, a Grand Rapids resident who is originally from New York, is a jazz and roots drummer who has performed and recorded
with the critically acclaimed NYC band Hazmat Modine.
The
new band makes its debut this Thursday in Monroe at McGeady's Pub and next Wednesday
at The Bob in Grand Rapids.
It’s
an unusual situation for Nagy, who values the time spent and music created with
Shaneberger and Schantz, but who is also looking forward to performing with his
new band.
“It’s
the first time I’ve had a band break up that’s been amiable,” he said. “It’s
liking having two wives. I’m in the transitional stage.”
Blues around town
Guitarist
Bobby Murray, a Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will
sit in with the Rick Stel Project tonight, July 10, at the Blue Goose Inn in St.
Clair Shores. The band starts about 8 p.m. and an open jam follows at 9 p.m.
Murray
also performs at noon on Friday at the
Midday Music Series at Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit. Joining Murray
for the free concert will be vocalist Lenny Watkins, Mark Thibodeau (keyboards
and vocals), Dave Uricek (bass and vocals) and drummer Renell Gonsalves.
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| Bobby Murray |
The
weather forecast is good too.
On
Saturday, the Bobby Murray Band featuring Lenny Watkins will take the stage at Guy
Hollerin’s in Ann Arbor.
On
Friday night, catch singer-harmonica player Alvin Smith and the Detroit Blues
Crew at Pub 1281 in Clinton Township. The band starts at 10 p.m. and there’s no
cover charge.
Also
on Friday, the three-day Bluesfest
International at Riverfront Festival Plaza in Windsor kicks off with Larry
McCray, Dick Wagner, Cactus, and Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels.
On Saturday, Bluesfest
International features Saigon Phamacy, Jack deKeyser, Harper, Scott Holt with
special guest Neal Evans from Soulive, and Gregg Rolie.
On
Sunday, the event’s final day features Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers, Chuck Jackson
with Sab & the Family Band, Thornetta Davis, Savoy Brown, and Powder Blues.
For more info on Bluesfest
International, click thebluesfest.com.
On Tuesday, July 16, enjoy
a taste of New Orleans with Buckwheat Zydeco at The Magic Bag in Ferndale.
Admission is only $20.
On Wednesday, July 17, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King return to
Callahan’s Music Hall in Auburn Hills. Tickets start at $20.
To send info to JB Blues, please
email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com
Greg Nagy is the FINEST BLUES MUSICIANS around !
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