Here’s a recipe for some
hot blues.
Start with a national
headlining act that has roots that go way back in the blues music world. Add a sprinkle
of top local talent. Mix, and let smoke.
Repeat for a double batch.
That’s a winning formula
for this weekend’s Anti-Freeze Blues Festival at the Magic Bag in Ferndale.
On Friday, the headliner
will be Louisiana swamp boogie legend Lazy Lester. Supporting acts include vocalist
Tosha Owens; Detroit blues veterans Harmonica Shah and guitarist Jeff Grand, and
John Rhoades, one of several younger players making a mark in the Motor City.
On Saturday, the Siegel-Schwall
Band headlines; following the Howard Glazer Band, which recently released the fine
CD “Looking in the Mirror;” young guns Jason Alter and Jason “J-Bone” Bone; and
the Chris Canas Band.
The event is a fundraiser
for the Detroit Blues Society.
“It’s the first and biggest fundraiser (of the
year) for the Detroit Blues Society,” said Steve Soviak, president of the DBS. “It’s
very exciting. It doesn’t get much better than Siegel-Schwall and Lazy Lester.
“Lazy Lester has been around, almost, since day
one. He is 81 years old and was there with Muddy Waters and the whole second generation
of Chicago blues guys, although he’s more of a swamp blues guy, with other guys
like Slim Harpo.
“I remember seeing Siegel-Schwall at Masonic
Temple in the 1970s, opening for Dave Mason. I believe (drummer) Sam Lay is
still in the band. He played in Muddy Waters’ band at one time.”
Lay, 79, is also famous for his work with the Paul
Butterfield Blues Band as well as lengthy stints backing up Little Walter, and performed
with Bob Dylan when he introduced electric-rock at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
I saw Siegel-Schwall perform at the Magic Bag a few
years ago, and it was one of the best shows I’ve seen at that venue. Harmonica
player Corky Siegel and guitarist Jim Schwall cut their blues teeth as
youngsters performing as the house band at Pepper's Lounge on the south side of Chicago back in the ‘60s.
Following the show, Lay
told me, “I’m so hot, my toenails are sweating.” That’s how hard this band works.
Soviak is also pleased with the supporting acts
at this year’s festival, the 21st in the series.
“They are the cream of the crop of Detroit
blues,” he said. “Jeff Grand and Harmonica Shah are involved, and Howard Glazer
too. Chris Canas has won the Detroit Blues Challenge four times and will be going
to Memphis to represent Detroit at the (International Blues Challenge).”
General admission tickets
are $25 each night. Stop by and say hello to Soviak at the merchandise table.
The Detroit Blues Society is celebrating its 30th year and has
several special events and a membership drive planned.
“It’s an exciting year for
us, and we’re starting it off with the Anti-Freeze Blues Festival,” Soviak
said.
To see a story about the Siegel-Schwall Band by music writer Gary Graff, click here.
To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@dailytribune.com
