Live blues music in the D

On Wednesday, JJ Grey & Mofro celebrate the release of their new CD, “Georgia Warhorse” (Alligator), with a show at The Ark, 316 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor.

Grey (pictured) comes from a long line of Southern storytellers. His original songs are steeped in the R&B, rock and country soul of his backwoods home outside Jacksonville, Fla. “Georgia Warhorse” is named after the resilient Southern lubber grasshopper.

“Yellow and black, and tough like an old-school Tonka toy,” Grey said in a press release. “They seem so at ease with the world. Nothing seems to rile them. They’re in no hurry, but they have a kind of resilience because they just keep coming back, and I’ve always felt there was a lesson in there for me to learn.”

Daryl Hance opens. Tickets are $22. For info, call (734) 761-1800 ext. 26 or click www.theark.org.

Click here for a mini-documentary video on JJ Grey.

On Tuesday, enjoy the Phil Devoid Jam at the Blue Goose, 28911 Jefferson in St. Clair Shores (586-296-0950). The Blue Goose has been a longtime home to the blues and the jam is listed as “the longest running blues jam in Detroit.”

The Broken Arrow Blues Band is one of the best, and hardest-working, bands in Detroit. Shadowhawk, Big Al and the boys are busy again this week, starting with an out-of-town gig at Skip’s Party Place in Angola, Ind. on Wednesday. They return to the Motor City for Thursday’s Blues MEGA Jam at Nancy Whiskey’s Pub, 2644 Harrison (313-962-4247). On Saturday, catch Broken Arrow at the open jam at Kelly’s Bar, 2403 Holbrook in Hamtramck (313-873-9428).

Every Wednesday, guitarist Howard Glazer hosts an open mic at the Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave. in Detroit. Howard says all musicians and poets are welcome. Call (313) 831-3880.

On Thursday, slide master Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials roll into The Ark. Lil’ Ed Williams is the nephew of the late, great slide guitar player J.B. Hutto. Lil’ Ed’s guitar boogies are also reminiscent of Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers. Their shows are always tons of fun.

Fans of loud rock guitars and whammy bars will enjoy the Daniel Wentworth Band on Friday at Callahan’s Music Hall, 2105 South Blvd. in Auburn Hills (248-858-9508). Wentworth has been playing guitar professionally for over 20 years. His new CD, “I’m on a Mission,” features veteran rock vocalist Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), who will be performing with Wentworth at Callahan’s. The band also features drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult) and bassist Pete Bankert (Rob Tyner Band, Cub Coda, Dark Carnival). On Saturday, they’ll be at the Rochester Mills Beer Co., 400 Water St. in Rochester (248-650-5080), with special guest Curbstone Beauty.

Also Friday, John Latini and The Flying Latini Brothers will be joined by Jamie-Sue Seal at The First Friday Series at The Village Theater At Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton (734-394-5300).

On Saturday, Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King come to Callahan’s. More on that show later in the week.

Also Saturday, standout singer-guitarist Larry McCray performs at The Harbor House, 440 Clinton St. in Detroit (313-394-0120).

On Sunday, Christopher Leigh goes “unplugged” at the Acoustic Roots Blues & Boogie Jam Session at the Stonehouse Bar, 19803 Ralston St. in Detroit (313-891-3333).

Also Sunday, Royal Oak’s own Maggie McCabe hosts an acoustic open mic at Four Green Fields Irish Pub, 30919 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak (248-288- 2088).

JB Blues

Are you a blues musician in the Detroit area? Let me know what's happening with you. Send information via e-mail to joe.ballor@dailytribune.com. Please put JB Blues in the subject line and attach photos as JPEG images. Thanks!

Tinsley Ellis at Callahan's

With influences including Duane Allman and Freddie King, Georgia-born Tinsley Ellis is another in a line of sizzling Southern blues-rock guitarists and vocalists.

He’s sharpened his six-string chops during literally thousands of live shows, playing what Rolling Stone describes as “feral blues guitar.”  His latest release on Alligator, “Speak No Evil,” is the most guitar-driven of his 11 recordings.

Ellis’ Southern roots run deep. Born in Atlanta in 1957, he grew up in southern Florida and first played guitar at age 8. Like many modern bluesmen, he discovered the blues by listening to the British Invasion bands of the 1960s. Winding his way back to American blues, he especially loved the music of the three kings: B.B., Freddie and Albert.

At age 14, Ellis saw B.B. King perform live. When B.B. broke a string on Lucille, he changed the string and handed the broken string to the awestruck Ellis. The youngster’s fate was sealed. And, yes, he still has that string!

Ellis averages over 150 live shows a year and has played in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Europe, Australia and South America. He has shared stages with almost every major blues star, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins and many others.

You can see Ellis on Sunday at Callahan’s Music Hall, 2105 South Blvd. in Auburn Hills (248-858-9508). For more info, click http://atcallahans.com/

Duke Tumatoe is at Callahan’s tonight.  Also tonight, the Chris Canas Band is at the Penalty Box, 28121 Plymouth Road in Livonia; and Champagne and the Motor City Blues Crew perform at Bert’s, 2727 Russell St. in Detroit.

Rockets hope to release new record

According to music writer Gary Graff, The Rockets, who headline a show Saturday at the Fillmore Detroit, have a new record in mind, with a release planned for next year.

For Gary's complete article on the band, click the link below:

http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/11/26/entertainment/doc4cf012bd4b691675860958.txt

Song sales help feed the hungry

Detroit bluesman Paul Miles continues his effort to feed the hungry through sales of his new song, "We Live in Michigan." Partial proceeds from each CD sale will go to a food related project within Michigan to help those in need.

Paul will perform solo from 1-2 p.m. today at Street Corner Music, 26020 Greenfield in Oak Park.

Also today, Paul will perform live at an appearance from 5-6 p.m. at Showtime Detroit, 5708 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

To hear a sample of the song, click www.myspace.com/pauljmilesmusic.

Order the song at: http://cgi.ebay.com/WE-LIVE-MICHIGAN-PAUL-MILES-COLLECTORS-CD-/250725364634?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item3a6065739a

Order the song and bonus CD at this link: http://tinyurl.com/27a6w22   

Blast from the past with The Rockets

For a blast from the past, check out The Rockets with Salem Witchcraft and Black Irish on Saturday at the Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave. (313-961-5450). Following their stint with Mitch Ryder & the Dettroit Wheels, guitarist Jimmy McCarty and drummer Johnny "Bee" Badanjek rocked hard in the '70s and early '80s with the band The Rockets, including a top 40 hit with a cover of Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well."

Currently, McCarty and Badanjek keep very busy performing with Mystery Train and the Howling Diablos, respectively, but have reunited as The Rockets for a couple of reunion shows after The Rockets received a Distinguished Achievement Award at the Detroit Music Awards.

Salem Witchcraft, another very popular group in Detroit in the 1970s, reunited in 2009.

Tickets are only $10.

'Clap Your Hands' with Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is coming to the Magic Bag Tuesday.

One of the hottest live acts on the road today, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band plays acoustic country blues (think Son House and Charley Patton) with an understated but undeniable punk kick. Finger-picking guitarist Reverend Peyton, his washboard-rubbing wife Breezy and drummer Aaron Persinger bring a special exuberance to the stage that must be seen to be believed.

The band's autobiographical songs -- such as "Your Cousin's on ‘COPS'", "Wal-Mart Killed the Country Store" and "Can't Pay the Bills" -- hit on themes that everybody can relate.

The Magic Bag is at 22920 Woodward in Ferndale. Call (248) 544-3030 for the hotline.

You can check out Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band's video for "Clap Your Hands" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ra0DsbiNs0

Paul Miles premieres new song 'We Live in Michigan'

Detroit bluesman Paul Miles will be in Lansing to premiere, live and in person, his original new song "We Live In Michigan," from 3-6 p.m. Saturday at Everybody Reads, Books and Stuff, 2019 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing. Miles will also be performing his classic blues throughout the afternoon and there will be guest speakers as well.

CDs will be available for sale at the event. Partial proceeds from each CD sale will go to a food based charity in Michigan, in this case, the Greater Lansing Food Bank. You can also order the CD at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/27a6w22

File photo shows Paul Miles, left, with Harmonica Shah, center, and Joe Ballor

Live blues music in the D

Three standout blues guitarists will take the stage at Callahan's Music Hall, 2105 South Blvd., in Auburn Hills over the next few days.

On Thursday, Roomful of Blues founder Duke Robillard is in the spotlight. On Friday, lefty Coco Montoya, pictured, visits, and, on Saturday, Detroit legend Eddie Kirkland, who played with John Lee Hooker for many years, comes to Callahan's.

Also on Thursday, the Broken Arrow Blues band hosts its Blues MEGA Jam at Nancy Whiskey's Pub, 2644 Harrison, Detroit (313-962-4247).

On Friday, Eastsiders can catch big Shorty at the Cadieux Cafe, 4300 Cadieux Road, Detroit. While you're there, try a Belgian beer and some feather bowling.

Keep an eye out for Luther "Badman" Keith at the Royal Oak Holiday Parade, 10 a.m. Saturday morning in downtown Royal Oak; and Saturday night at the Stonehouse Bar, 19803 Ralston near East State Fair, in Detroit (313-892-0125).

Also Saturday, the David Gerald Band will be at the Ford Yacht Club, 29500 South Pointe, in  Grosse Ile (734-676-8422); and the Chris Canas Band will perform at Dick O'Dows, 160 W. Maple Road,  Birmingham (248-642-1135).

On Sunday, catch Planet D Nonet for an early 4 p.m. show at the The Blue Goose, 28911 Jefferson Ave., St.Clair Shores (586-296-0950). In the evening at the Blue Goose, an open jam takes the spotlight.

Motor City Josh

On Wednesday, Motor City Josh & the Big 3 host a Blues Jam Night at the The New Way Bar, 23130 Woodward, Ferndale (248-541-9870).

Josh, who plays guitar and sings, is one of the Motor City's top blues performers. He began his career in 1991 with the Curtis Sumter Project and formed Motor City Josh & the Big 3 in 1994. Over the past two decades, Josh has performed around the U.S. and Europe and has released nine recordings with over 100,000 copies sold. He has been nominated for four Detroit Music Awards and won as artist deserving wider recognition in 1998. Josh performs as a solo act -- he was a finalist in the solo category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2003 -- but also rocks out with his quartet, which includes Johnny Rhoades (guitar and vocals), Alex Lyon (bass) and drummer Eric Savage. As they say, they play "Funky Blues You Can't Refuse."

Josh's latest CD is titled "It's a Good Life."

If you know someone into fishing, you may want to bite on Josh's 2007 CD "Stringer Full of Blues," which boasts 11 fishing-related tunes, including "The Skillet," "Early Worm" and "Monster Bass." Perhaps a holiday gift idea?

 For more Josh & the Big 3, click www.motorcityjosh.com.

Electrifying Blues Jumbo Jam

Guitarist Christopher Leigh and his bandmates, bassist Darryl Lee and drummer Ken Murphy, host the Electrifying Blues Jumbo Jam tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Stonehouse Bar, 19803 Ralston (313-891-3333). The Christopher Leigh Band will perform a set  of smokin' hot electric blues, then turn the stage over to the jammers.

Also tonight, enjoy the Blue Mondays Jam with Johnnie Bassett, Keith Kaminski and The Brothers Groove at Alvin's, 5756 Cass Ave., Detroit, (313-638-6300); the Buster Wiley Blues Jam Session at Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant, 7 p.m. 8445 W. Vernor, Detroit (313-842-8252); the Jazz & Blues jam at Bert's, 2727 Russell St. in Eastern Market, Detroit; and the Phoenix Cafe Open Mic Night, starting early at 6 p.m.,  24918 John R, Hazel Park (248-667-8817).

'Essential Music'

Host Ann DeLisi had an interesting interview with Detroit's "Gentleman of the Blues", Johnnie Bassett, yesterday on her "Essential Music" show on WDET (101.9-FM). She asked Johnnie if he ever heard a blues solo that he'll never forget, and he related seeing the late Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, a smoking multi-instrumentalist from Texas who played guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and drums.

Bassett, 75, recalled a show in Nashville when Brown would have been in his mid- to late-70s, only a couple of years older than Bassett is now.

"That old man was incredible. I watched him in amazement. 'How do you do that at that age?'," Bassett said. "He was incredible, this man was a musical genius. He could sing and he could play guitar and violin equal. He was just amazing."

When asked about young guitar pickers he's been impressed with, Bassett mentioned Detroit's own Brett Lucas,  who first became known backing up standout vocalist Thornetta Davis. For more on Lucas' 2009 solo release "Second Avenue Crush," click http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2009/12/11/entertainment/srv0000007050921.txt

DeLisi also talked to Bassett about his involvement in the upcoming film "The Black Dove."

You can hear DeLisi's entire interview with Bassett on the station's archive at the website www.wdetfm.org/rss/

Navigate to the Nov. 13 "Essential Music" show. Download and click to the 58:45 marker.Enjoy!

Johnnie Bassett on WDET

With a nickname like "The Gentleman of the Blues," you know Johnnie Bassett is a class act.

The 75-year-old Detroit singer-guitarist has been in the business for over 50 years, but continues to be one of the top musical acts in the Motor City. His jazz-inflected, hollow-body blues guitar licks are a perfect complement to his silky smooth voice, which has just the right hint of smokiness. Add a rhythm section, a horn or two and a keyboard and you’ve got an evening of elegant jump blues sure to please.
He will make a live appearance on "Ann Delisi’s Essential Music" at noon Saturday on Detroit Public Radio WDET (101.9 FM) to discuss his upcoming shows in Detroit and his appearance in the new film "The Black Dove."
Bassett is a Florida native who was first exposed to the blues at his grandmother’s back yard fish fries, hearing bluesmen like Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup and Tampa Red. His influences include guitar great Aaron "T Bone" Walker.
Bassett moved to Detroit at age 9 in 1944, learned to play on his sister’s guitar, and eventually hooked up with his buddy at Northwestern High School, singer-piano player Joe Weaver, in the group Joe Weaver and the Blue Note Orchestra. The Blue Notes won many talent shows and often backed up big-name entertainers when they toured Detroit. The Blue Notes played on many of the releases by Detroit-based Fortune Records and were hired by Berry Gordy Jr. for his fledgling Tamla label. In 1960, Bassett played guitar on the label’s first hit, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Shop Around." The Blue Notes did much to lay the groundwork for the Funk Brothers, the session musicians for Gordy’s Motown label.
A stint in the Army sent Bassett to the West Coast. In Seattle, he played with musical greats like Guitar Watson, Little Willie John, Tina Turner and a young Jimmy James, known later as Jimi Hendrix.
He eventually returned to Detroit, working as a cab dispatcher and session musician. His musical career enjoyed a resurgence in the early ‘90s when he began a collaboration with drummer/producer/manager R.J. Spangler. Bassett has been at the top of his game ever since, with a plethora of live performances and numerous fine recordings with his band, the Blues Insurgents. "Party My Blues Away," a 1999 release on Cannonball Records, is a personal favorite. Like many of his recordings, it features longtime collaborators Chris Codish (The Brothers Groove) on the Hammond organ and Keith Kaminski on saxophone.
So, how did Bassett, a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree by the Detroit Blues Society, become known as "The Gentleman of the Blues"?
"I got that tag because of my playing and my character," Bassett noted with a chuckle in a release for his recording "The Gentleman is Back" on Mack Avenue Records. "You know, I’m not a teenager. I've been in this business over 50 years. I treat everybody like I would want to be treated. I never put anybody down. I'm always encouraging younger guys when they're coming up. That's what I try to be ... a gentleman."
　

Live blues music in the D

Callahan's Music Hall, at 2105 South Blvd. in Auburn Hills, has an exciting lineup of national talent booked in the near future. On Friday, Tab Benoit takes the stage. Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers follow Saturday. The lineup of guitar wizards continues with Duke Robillard on Nov. 18, Coco Montoya on Nov. 19 and Detroit's own Eddie Kirkland on Nov. 20. That's five reasons for giving thanks! For more info, click atcallahans.com.

Here are a few other happenings this weekend.

On Friday, The Chris Canas Band is at The Jazz Cafe inside The Music Hall for the Performing Arts,  350 Madison in Detroit; the Broken Arrow Blues Band performs at the at Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Network Party at Fifth Avenue, 215 Fifth Ave. in Royal Oak; and Motor City Josh rocks Fishbone's in Greektown.

Fans of acoustic blues will dig the Rev. Robert B. Jones and Leonardo at Live! From The Living Room, in the atrium of The Oakland Arts Center at  7 N. Saginaw St. in Pontiac.  Odds are good they will play some fine Son House selections. Call 248-250-1796 for information.

On Saturday, the Detroit Blues Society monthy meeting and jam comes to the Harbor House, 440 Clinton St. in Detroit (313-967-9900). The Kenny Parker Band hosts and there are always a plethora of fine players onstage throughout the evening. As an added bonus, the event will be a Toys For Tots fundraiser. Bring a $10 toy or make a $10 donation and receive a free CD! For information on joining the Detroit Blues Society, click detroitbluesociety.org. They are good people.

Northsiders will want to catch the bugs Beddow Band's horn-driven R&B at Hector & Jimmy’s, 780 N. Milford Road in Milford (248-685-8779).

On Sunday, the Attic Dwellers acoustic music club celebrates its 7th anniversary at Paycheck's Lounge, 2932 Caniff in Hamtramck (313-874-0909). The Attic Bar is no more, but the club lives on.

THAW benefit videos

Here are links to two videos from Paul Miles' benefit for The Heat and Warmth Fund on Sunday at Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak.A total of $1,000 was raised at the event, with another $1,000 pledged. As Paul said at the benefit, we can't let these babies freeze to death. To donate to THAW, click www.thawfund.org

Here's one by Paul Miles and Zhelin.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=1713807649414

Here's another by the MotorCity Tones.

http://bit.ly/ahi1YS

Live blues music in the D

Looking for some good blues on Hump Day? Check out Motor City Josh & The Big 3 at their jam night Wednesday at the New Way Bar, 23130 Woodward in Ferndale. Call (248) 541-9870.

Thursday is jam night in the D.

Join Broken Arrow for the Blues MEGA Jam at Nancy Whiskey's Pub, 2644 Harrison, in Detroit. Call (313) 962-4247.

Also: Bill Kennedy & Todd Reed host an Acoustic Open Jam at Mugshots, 38730 Harper in Clinton Township (586-421-5273); and Red Pepper Paul and the Hot Tamales host an Open Jam at The Harbor House, 440 Clinton St. in Detroit (313-967-9900).

Paul Miles benefit

The Paul Miles benefit for THAW at Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak Sunday was a night to remember, highlighted by an extended version of "Mustang Sally" to cap the evening, with Paul Miles on vocals and a standout backup band featuring Billy Davis and David Nefesh on guitars and a blazin' horn section with Robert Reeves on sax, Big Al on trumpet and Larry Everhart on harmonica.  Paul displayed some swivel-hipped moves that haven't been seen since he was a standout running back at Bowling Green! Other highlights were Terrie Lea performing "Help Me Make It Through the Night" with backing by Billy Davis, and Valerie Barrymore and Steve Somers belting out Tina's "Proud Mary." Also performing at the benefit were the MotorCity Tones, Zhelin, Tracy Kash Thomas, Luther "Badman" Keith.Ken Murphy, Darryl Lee, and Rob Schneider. Most importantly, nearly $2,000 was raised to benefit The Heat and Warmth Fund for low-income families. Check out the link http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=1624145036300&set=a.1624144556288.85629.1016724392 to see Tim Meeks' photo of, from left, Paul Miles, Robert Reeves, Larry Everhart and Terrie Lea.

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Live blues music in the D

Today, Nov. 6: The Front Street Blues Band is at Memphis Smoke, 100 S. Main St., Royal Oak. Also, Champagne and The Motor City Blues Crew at Bert’s, 2727 Russell St., Detroit (313-567-2030) .

 

Sunday (Nov. 7): Several blues artists will be among a diverse selection of fine entertainers at Paul Miles 4th annual benefit at Memphis Smoke, this one benefiting The Heat and Warmth Fund. It starts at 7 p.m.  Included on the bill are Miles, Kroon, MotorCity Tones, Zhelin, Tracy Kash Thomas, David Nefesh, Steve Somers & Valerie Barrymore, Sonnie Day, and Luther "Badman" Keith. An outstanding house band will include Nefesh, Ken Murphy, Larry Everhart, Robert Reeves, Darryl Lee, and Big Al. Wow!

Also Sunday, Gher & His Really Good Band perform a 3 p.m. gig at the New Way Bar, 3130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

bugs Beddow

The bugs Beddow band is playing tonight at Edison's in Birmingham. The band is a five-time winner of the Detroit Music Award for best R&B group and features rockin' rhythms and lots of horns that will get you movin' and groovin'. Bugs played trombone in a new movie filmed in Detroit last month, based on a book by Norman Mailer called "Ancient Evenings." His last movie role playing the horn was in 1992's "Hoffa," starring Jack Nicholson.

Live blues music in the D

 

Tonight (Nov. 5): The Muggs, pictured, rock Callahan's Music Hall, 2105 South Blvd. Auburn Hills.  Downtown, catch The Delta Five Blues Band at All That Jazz River Club, 8900 E. Jefferson, Detroit (313-331-1012). Also, on the east side, Motor City Josh & The Big 3 are at Shelly Kelly's in Fraser (586-294-1440).

Saturday, Nov. 6: The Front Street Blues Band is at Memphis Smoke, 100 S. Main St., Royal Oak. Also, Champagne and The Motor City Blues Crew at Bert’s, 2727 Russell St., Detroit (313-567-2030) and an early 1 p.m. appearance by Carl Henry at Butcher's Inn, 1489 Winder St. in  Detroit. (313- 394-0120)

 Sunday (Nov. 7): Several blues artists will be among a diverse selection of fine entertainers at Paul Miles 4th annual benefit at Memphis Smoke, this one benefitting The Heat and Warmth Fund. It starts at 7 p.m. 
Also, Gher & His Really Good Band perform a 3 p.m. gig at the New Way Bar, 3130 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

 

Pazman's Supersession

The temporary reprieve for Memphis Smoke has given the Pazman another opportunity to host Pazman's Supersession. Pazman informs me that at 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 at Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak, he'll introduce a new project, a sizzlin' soul combo; Jeanne & the Dreams, featuring Jeanne Mayle (recently with the Regular Boys), drum legend Darryl Pierce (on loan from Bettye LaVette), and Susie Woodman on keys. The night will feature tunes from  Aretha, Sly, the Isley Brothers, etc. Also from Pazman: "The mighty Gherkin of the blues, Jimmy Pickles Nicholls, will also be on hand to bring the boogiel"

Blues in the D

Featured blues in the Detroit area for Thursday, Nov. 4:

Catch Kim Simmonds with special guest Carl Henry at Callahan's Music Hall, 2105 South Blvd. Simmonds founded legendary British blues band Savoy Brown and is a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree from the Detroit Blues Society. Info: atcallahans.com

Also, Broken Arrow Blues Band hosts its Blues MEGA Jam at Nancy Whiskey's Pub (9:30pm), 2644 Harrison in Detroit (313-962-4247);  Bill Kennedy & Todd Reed host an Acoustic Open Jam at Mugshots (10pm) 38730 Harper in Clinton Twp. (586-421-5273); and Red Pepper Paul and the Hot Tamales host an Open Jam at The Harbor House (10pm) 440 Clinton St. in Detroit (313-967-9900).

THAW benefit

Join Paul Miles and his friends for his 5th annual Charity Event at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 at Memphis Smoke.  This year's event benefits THAW to assist low-income residents with heating costs. Musicians expected to perform include Paul Miles, Valerie Barrymore & Steve Somers, Zhelin, Kroon, MotorCity Tones, Ken Murphy, Big Al,  Darryl Lee, Tracy Kash Thomas, Rob Schneider, Dennis Burr, Robert Reeves, and others still to be announced. Memphis Smoke is at the southwest corner of 11 Mile Road and Main Street in downtown Royal Oak. Donations will be accepted.

JB Blues

My name is Joe Ballor and I am a musician as well as a music journalist. I'll be sharing news and notes about the blues music scene in the Detroit metropolitan area.