Thursday, December 29, 2011

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of our friends in the Lowcountry Blues Club! We had a rocking jam last night, with a special appearance from young Charlie Kendall, back from Berklee for the holidays. We also celebrated English Charlie's birthday - it was a great night for Charlies!

We've got some exciting shows coming up. On Saturday night, January 7th, at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley, we have a benefit to help send the J Edwards Band to Memphis. Performing will be Highway 17 Blues Band, Momma and Redemption, and The J Edwards Band, for sure... and possibly another band TBA... A donation of $5 or more will be appreciated. And you know it's gonna be a fun night!

There will be another benefit on Saturday the 21st, and we're expecting to have the Hibachi Heroes (w/ Rob Lowe), The J Edwards Band, and more to be confirmed...

Also, remember that we now have a Sunday jam at Smoky's in N. Charleston from 5-9...

Whatever you do for New Year's Eve, please be careful - and don't drink and drive!! We look forward to a great new year full of amazing music with all our friends...

Friday, December 23, 2011

Best Wishes to All & to All a Great Gig!

Happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Ashura/Festivus… Oh, Happy Day! If you’re reading this, you are probably a member, fan or follower of the Lowcountry Blues Club. In which case, there should be no need to extol the virtues of the Blues Club. Though, I will anyway… Through your interest, participation and dues, you have the honor and good fortune to be a part of something truly special. I say this not as an Officer or Board Member but as a player thrilled and blessed to have the ability to participate. What happens on Wednesday’s AND Sunday’s is something to behold.

In the spirit of The Season, I would personally like to give thanks! To Mike Davis from Ye Olde Music for suggesting that I go to a Blues Jam upon my arrival in town. To Tim Shaw, Billy Gadol and all former and current Officers and Board Members for all of their time and efforts behind the scenes to ensure that we all continue to have this amazing opportunity. To the owners and staff of first A Dough Re Mi and now Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ and Smokey’s Place for having the vision and appreciation and allowing us to do our thing. To Dan Wright and all of the “House” musicians for always ensuring that the show is world class. To Greg Levkus for not getting too upset with how hard I hit his drums! To Captain James Kirk for a list of things far too long to mention. To all of the TALENT for giving and sharing inspiration that goes far beyond anything that I can describe. Finally, to everyone who has participated in any way on stage and off. By paying attention, from the looks in your eyes and on your faces. For the words of appreciation and encouragement. For the unbelievable communal experience that is a result of this EAR CANDY FOR THE SOUL!

Once again, I’ll suggest: Give/Share the GIFT OF MUSIC! Not just over the holidays but throughout the year. All of us, regardless of any personal situation, can afford to do that.

Scott Bucholtz

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Weekend Music

Here's wishing you a great weekend!

Friday, Dec 16:
Skye Paige and The Original Recipe returns to Charleston Area! Catch them at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ WA
The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) kicks off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop
Highway 17 Blues Band is at Smokey’s Place
Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Geno’s Place in Goose Creek

Friday & Saturday:
The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) is at The Strike Zone in Summerville.

Saturday:
Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Fat Boy’s in Monck’s Corner
Drivin’ N Cryin’ (w/ Sadler Vaden) headline at The Pour House, with a fantastic opening band, Josh Roberts and the Hinges
The Louie D Project hit The Brick downtown (pick up “Outta Control” their fantastic new CD – a great gift idea!)

Don’t Forget: The Lowcountry Blues Club now has TWO weekly jam nights. Smokey’s Place Sports Bar & Grill at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston now hosts a weekly jam from 5 pm to 9 pm on Sunday’s. And the regular Wednesday night jam is at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley, of course.

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

December's featured artists are Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Greg Allman, and George Thorogood.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jams!

LMW and SB,December 14, 2011

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Buzzards and jams

Cretinous buzzards strike again! As you may recall, friends of the Blues Club, rock band LESLIE, had their equipment stolen while on tour in Delaware back in November of 2010. Here we go again… earlier this week more of our friends were hit. HOMEMADE WINE, whose travel base is here in Charleston, had their entire equipment trailer stolen while at home in Knoxville, TN. For a complete list of the hot equipment, look for Homemade Wine the Band at: facebook.com/homemadewinemusic. Meanwhile, show them some support this weekend as they will be at Wild Wing’s downtown this Saturday. Maybe you can drop a buck or two into the tip jar! Meanwhile, buy their new release: “Barstools, Broken Hearts, and Songs From The Road” at CD Baby or iTunes… Remember, it’s the Holidays. SHARE THE GIFT!

Outings:

Friday, Dec 9: A Fragile Tomorrow plays at the Village Tavern in Mt Pleasant, along with two other bands. Poppa DuPree, JoJo, and Big Daddy Dale will be at Captain Ikes's Bar and Grill,1168 Trojan Rd.(Hwy 45), 843 753 7720, Cross, SC, 9pm.

Saturday: Sarah Cole & The Hawkes along with Tidal Jive are at Loggerheads starting at 2pm for their Holiday Oyster Roast
Homemade Wine will be at The Wild Wings downtown
Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) at Smokey’s Place
The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) at Famous Joe’s

Don’t Forget: The Lowcountry Blues Club now has TWO weekly jam nights. Smokey’s Place Sports Bar & Grill at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston hosts a weekly jam from 5 pm to 9 pm on Sunday’s. And the regular Wednesday night jam is at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley.

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

December's featured artists are Big Mama Thornton, Bo Diddley, Greg Allman, and George Thorogood.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jams!

LMW and SB,December 8, 2011

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our blues club friends! This will be a short blog, since it's a holiday, but hope to see you all at the next jam, if not before.

This weekend you can see Dan Wright with his band at Arts in Mt Pleasant on Friday night, 10pm. And Heyrocco plays with a band called Scars on 45 at the Music Farm on Saturday night.

Also on Friday and Saturday night at the Pour House, there's a Duane Allman Birthday Celebration. See the City Paper for details.

And remember, there's a new weekly jam on Sundays from 5-9pm at Smokey’s Place Sports Bar & Grill at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston. Along with the regular Wednesday night jams at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley.

Also, Tuesday the 29th will see Davis Coen playing some blues at Home Team/WA.

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

November's featured artists are Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jams!

LMW and SB, November 24, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Turntable rocks

Greetings, all -

We told you recently about Spotify - now there's a new music app you may be interested in, and it's called turntable. From what we understand, it's still in beta form - that is, they're still working out the kinks in it before it goes public. So not everyone can get it just yet. But if you're on facebook, and have a friend who's using turntable already, then you have an in. It doesn't work well with all web browsers, so the site suggests you upload Chrome for best results. If you get into the site, what you'll find are rooms full of people playing and listening to all kinds of music. Some rooms have a narrow focus, such as just Americana or just Indie Rock or just Metal. Others have more of a mix - maybe "Rock, Blues, Jazz, Soul", for instance. I prefer to go into a room that doesn't have a lot of people in it, and that way I can be one of the djs, instead of just a listener. If you like a song that someone plays, you hit a button that says "Awesome" and that makes your little avatar's head bop along to the music! In many rooms, it's considered polite to "awesome" most songs, unless you really hate it, in which case you can hit "lame" instead.

There are more details that you'll learn about if you give it a try. I really enjoy the chance to play music by local Charleston artists for people all over the country who've never heard of some of my favorite musicians. Some of the local bands that you can find on turntable already are these: Cary Ann Hearst, A Fragile Tomorrow, Heyrocco, The Explorers Club, Skye Paige, The Whisperjets, White Rhino, and Lindsay Holler. Just type in the name of your favorites, and maybe they're there, too!

This weekend -

Friday: The Louie D Project (w/ JR Getches) is at The Brick House Kitchen on Folly. 3 X Lucky (w/ Scott Bucholtz and Jojo Wall) is at Bushido in West Ashley, James Brown Dance Party at the Pour House

Friday and Saturday: Johnny Mac & The BootyRanch is at the Sand Dollar Social Club

Saturday: Wanda Johnson & Shrimp City Slim host the Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise which sails 6-8 pm $39.95 (tax included) per person, covers BBQ buffet, harbor cruise, concert. Also, Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at The Bottom while The Louie D Project is at the Silver Dollar. And Mac Leaphart and A Fragile Tomorrow play for a benefit at the Windjammer.

JAMMERS ALERT:
The Lowcountry Blues Club now has TWO weekly jam nights. Smokey’s Place Sports Bar & Grill at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston is hosting a weekly jam from 5 pm to 9 pm on Sundays.

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

November's featured artists are Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jams!

LMW and SB, November 17, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Congratulations to us!!

Hi All - With the organizing help of Rob Lowe and Billy Gadol, we put on a great afternoon of music last Sunday at Home Team! All four bands that played put on great sets: Highway 17 Blues Band, Nate Mills and the Blue Plate Specials, Momma & the Redemption Band, and The J Edwards Band. Thanks to the relentless pestering skills of Captain Kirk, we gathered up a lot of money to help send the top-scoring band to Memphis at the end of January (thanks, Captain!).

Now, I hope we all know that when you've got 4 excellent bands, you can't really say that one is "better" than another. They're each different, and each is excellent in its own way. Our judges used the scoring system that is used at the International Blues Challenge, and using those parameters, the top scorer ended up being..... The J Edwards Band!! So, if all goes well, they'll be heading off to Memphis to have great fun at the IBC in a couple of months.

We'll be putting together a couple more benefit shows before then, so you'll have another chance to see the J Edwards Band play, and to help with the next shows. We'll let you know the dates soon. Then you can let Billy or Rob know if your band wants to play...

Thanks again to Home Team for hosting us, to Encore Music for the sound, to our judges Wilton Elder, Tim Kirkendall, Dan Wright, and Steve Simon... And to EVERYONE who helped!

JAMMERS ALERT:
Starting this Sunday November 13, The Lowcountry Blues Club will have TWO weekly jam nights. Soon, in addition to the regular Wednesday night jam, Smokey’s Place Sports Bar & Grill at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston will be hosting a weekly jam from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Also later on Sunday the 13th, there will be a Neil Young tribute show at the Pour House, so you can come over after the jam if you're a fan of Neil...

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

November's featured artists are Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jams!

LMW and SB, November 10, 2011

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Finals and jam this Sunday!

Hi All -

This Sunday, November 6th, come out to Home Team/West Ashley for the Blues Challenge finals, starting around 3:30pm. We'll have the competition first, then we'll have a jam for all musicians after that, so bring your instrument with you. Your donation of $5 will go to helping the winning band get to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge at the end of January. The competing bands will be The J Edwards Band, Highway 17 Blues Band, Nate Mills and the Blue Plate Specials, and Momma & the Redemption Band. After these bands play, then the collaborative fun begins, with one of our famous all-inclusive jams.

Before that, there's fun to be had on Friday and Saturday, too, of course.
Friday: The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) is at The Moonshine Saloon in Summerville. Sgt. Submarine is at The Wolf Track Inn. Victoria Station (w/ Big Mike, Big Guy Shaw, Jerry Newman, Don Taylor and Steve Clayton) is at Smokey’s. Heyrocco is at Ele Level Art downtown.
Friday & Saturday: The Shane Clark Band is at The Sand Dollar.
Saturday: The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) is at The Brick Downtown. The Mason Dixon Band is at Famous Joe’s in West Ashley. Gaslight Street will be at Loggerhead’s on Folly. Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) hit The Bottom in Bonneau.
Sunday: The LOWCOUNTRY BLUES CLUB Challenge Finals at Home Team BBQ WA, 3:30
Wednesday: The Blues Club jam at Home Team/WA of course, and Sarah Cole & The Hawkes will be at Art’s Bar & Grill. Also, The Mason Dixon Band will be at KC Mulligan’s in North Charleston.

JAMMERS ALERT:
Starting Sunday November 13, The Lowcountry Blues Club will have TWO weekly jam nights. Soon, in addition to the regular Wednesday night jam, Smokey’s Place Sports Bar & Grill at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston will be hosting a weekly jam from 5 pm to 9 pm.

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Reminders

The 4th annual PEE DEE BLUES BASH is Friday-Saturday, November 4-5 in Florence, South Carolina - www.peedeebluesbash.com - Mostly FREE performances on two outdoor stages, the public library, and several clubs, featuring THE NIGHTHAWKS, THE NOUVEAUX HONKIES, BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX , DRINK SMALL, LIGHTNIN' WELLS, SHRIMP CITY SLIM and lots more!

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

November's featured artists are Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jams!

LMW and SB, November 3, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

Finals coming soon

Hi All -

All the bands that played in the Blues Challenge Round 2 were great, and we thank them all for coming out!! Thanks go to everyone who helped put this together, including Billy Gadol, Rob Lowe, Encore Music, and the judges - Dan Wright (past winner of Guitar Center's "King of the Blues" and two time IBC winner), Wilton Elder (saxophone player from Super Deluxe and music professor at Trident Tech) and Tim Kirkendall (bassist/singer from the Port City Prophets who recently opened for Robert Cray at Blues-Stock in NY). It's awesome to have a guitarist, sax player and bassist who are all seasoned veterans.

We sincerely thank all the musicians. And Captain Kirk did a great job collecting money which will help the winning band get to Memphis! The finals will consist of the four top-scoring bands from the two rounds combined, and they are: The J Edwards Band, Highway 17 Blues Band, Nate Mills and the Blue Plate Specials, and Momma & the Redemption Band. Mark Sunday, November 6, 3:30 pm, on your calendar, so you won't miss the fun, at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley! We don't have confirmation yet, but we hope to be able to have a jam after the finals, as well.

Music this weekend:

Tonight - Friday: Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Skynyrd’s in St. George. Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) at Fat Boys in Moncks Corner. The Hibachi Heroes (w/ Rob Lowe and Sammy Derrick) are taking over the Village Tavern, 9pm.

Saturday: Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Smokey’s Place. 3 X Lucky (w/ Scott Bucholtz) is at KC Mulligan’s. The Victoria Station Band (w/ Big Mike Llewellyn, Tim "The Big Guy" Shaw, Jerry Newman, Don Taylor and Steve Clayton) will be opening for Headrush at Wolf Track Inn, 1807 Parsonage Avenue. They will be featuring original tunes from their first CD together. Check it out!

Wednesday: The Blues Club jam at Home Team/WA of course, and Sarah Cole & The Hawkes is at Art’s Bar & Grill.

JAMMERS ALERT:
Starting Sunday November 13, The Lowcountry Blues Club will have TWO weekly jam nights. Smokey’s Place at 1213 Remount Road in North Charleston will be hosting a weekly jam from 5 pm to 9 pm, organized by Captain Kirk.

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Reminders

If you feel like a road trip, coming up soon is the 4th annual PEE DEE BLUES BASH Friday-Saturday, November 4-5 in Florence, South Carolina - www.peedeebluesbash.com - Mostly FREE performances on two outdoor stages, the public library, and several clubs, featuring THE NIGHTHAWKS, THE NOUVEAUX HONKIES, BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX , DRINK SMALL, LIGHTNIN' WELLS, SHRIMP CITY SLIM and lots more!

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

November's featured artists are Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, October 28, 2011

Thursday, October 20, 2011

This Sunday: Blues Challenge Round 2

Hi All -

This Sunday, we have 4 bands competing in Round 2 of the Blues Challenge. Get to Home Team BBQ/West Ashley around 3:30, and see sets from Sarah Cole and the Hawkes, 3X Lucky, Momma and the Redemption Band, and Rhythm Method (a $5 donation will be requested to help our winning band get to Memphis for the International Bllues Challenge in late January). At the end of Round 2, you will find out who will be continuing to the finals on November 6th.

What else is going on this weekend?

Friday: Fowler’s Mustache is at Art’s Bar & Grill. 3 X Lucky (w/ Scott Bucholtz & Jojo Wall) is at Bushido Japanese Steakhouse.
Saturday: Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Birdie & Sharon’s. Highway 17 will be at Fat Boys. The Krays (w/ Bill Nance) will be at Trayce's Too.
Wednesday: The Blues Jam at Home Team/WA, of course, and Sarah Cole & The Hawkes will be at Art’s Bar & Grill.


And if you feel like a road trip, coming up soon is the 4th annual PEE DEE BLUES BASH Friday-Saturday, November 4-5 in Florence, South Carolina - Part of the South Carolina Pecan Festival!
www.peedeebluesbash.com (click on pdf and print your own brochure)
Mostly FREE performances on two outdoor stages, the public library, and several clubs, featuring

THE NIGHTHAWKS www.thenighthawks.com
THE NOUVEAUX HONKIES www.tnhband.com
BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX www.biscuitmiller.com
DRINK SMALL www.myspace.com/drinksmallblues
LIGHTNIN' WELLS www.lightninwells.com
SHRIMP CITY SLIM www.shrimpcityslim.com
and lots more! As usual, there will be something for everybody: acoustic/electric, traditional/contemporary, black/white, solo/duo/band, young/old...

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

October's featured artists are Stevie Ray Vaughn and Steve Miller, both born in October.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, October 20, 2011

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Congratulations to Round One high scorers!

Those who came out to the Lowcountry Blues Challenge Round One this past Sunday got to enjoy SEVEN different bands!! It was a lot of fun. The top four high scoring bands may have a chance to compete in the finals, but we won't know the actual line-up until after Round Two on October 23rd. But for now, congratulations to Victoria Station, Highway 17 Blues Band, Nate Mills and the Blue Plate Specials, and the J Edwards Band for being this week's top 4 bands. And thank you to everyone who participated!

3*** more bands will be competing on October 23rd (Home Team BBQ West Ashley. 4pm):
Momma and the Redemption Band, 3xLucky, and The Rhythm Method...The top 4 from BOTH rounds will play in the finals on November 6th (same bat-place, same bat-time).

*** - it's not too late to enter. If you have a band that wants to compete, email RobLoweSC@gmail.com

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What are some of the upcoming shows around town, you ask?

Friday: The Louie D Project (w/ JR Getches) is kicking off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop. Fowler’s Mustache headline the Windjammer. The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) at The Strike Zone in Summerville. The Broken Arrow Band is at Shooter’s in Summerville.
Friday & Saturday – Johnny Mac and the BootyRanch is at the Sand Dollar.
Saturday: The Louie D Project is at The Brick. Homemade Wine is at Wild Wing downtown. Whiskey Diablo is at the Village Tavern
Tuesday: Skye Paige is at the Brick House Kitchen.
Wednesday: The jam, of course! Also, Sarah Cole & The Hawkes is at Art’s Bar & Grill. And the Charleston City Paper has their Charleston Music Awards show at the Pour House. Many of our Blues Club friends are nominees in different categories, including our own jam-master Dan Wright!! Also listed are Louie D, Wilton Elder, Sarah Cole, Gary Erwin, and Heyrocco, along with many more, so we wish them luck!!

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

October's featured artists are Stevie Ray Vaughn and Steve Miller, both born in October.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, October 13, 2011

Friday, October 7, 2011

Blues Challenge October 9th!

This Sunday, October 9th, at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley, we have 7 bands competing in the Lowcountry Blues Challenge, Round One. They will be vying for a nomination to represent our club in Memphis, Tennessee, at the International Blues Challenge. We hope you'll come and make this a really fun event! Here's the lineup:

Band #1: 4p: Victoria Station
Band #2: 4:40p: Nate and the Blue Plate Specials
Band #3: 5:20p: Smoky Weiner and the Hot Links
Band #4: 6p: J Edwards and the Low Country All Stars
Band #5: 6:40p: Mike Fuzz and the Vagabonds
Band #6: 7:20p: Starling
Band #7: 8:00p: Highway 17 Band

What else is going on this weekend?

Friday, October 7: Momma and the Redemption Band (w/ Jojo Wall) is at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ in WA.
Saturday: Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Fat Boys. Old You is at the Mt. P Wild Wing.
Monday: Fowler’s Mustache is on the Pour House deck starting at 5.
Tuesday: Skye Paige and the Original Recipe is at the Brick House Kitchen, Guilt Ridden Troubadour at Home Team/WA.
Wednesday: Mason Dixon (w/ Scott Bucholtz) is at KC Mulligan’s

Also this weekend is the 15th annual CAROLINA DOWNHOME BLUES FESTIVAL, Thursday-Saturday, October 6-8, in Camden, SC
www.bluesbash.com/camden - 803-425-7676 - All small venues. Buy a daily wristband or weekend pass and drift from venue-to-venue at your own pace. And there's the 6th annual AMERICAN MUSIC CELEBRATION on Sunday, October 9, 2-7 pm at Freshfields Village Green, Kiawah Island, SC.- EDDIE C. CAMPBELL with THE KING BEES, BUDDY WHITTINGTON (15 years on guitar with John Mayall) and THE RANDY MCALLISTER TEXAS RANGERS,, BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX - FREE - Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, coolers OK but delicious and affordable food & drink for sale. This is an outdoor event, rain or shine.

Next weekend is a great music festival in Greenville, SC - all styles of music, and free! Check out the lineup at www.fallforgreenville.net.

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Reminders:

Don’t forget the weekly gigs:

Tuesday's - Shrimp City Slim from 11 am-1 pm (lunch) at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, N. Charleston
Wednesday’s - The Lowcountry Blues Club Jam at Home Team/WA of course!
Thursday’s- The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at Bambu/Mt. P
Friday’s - Old You kick off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop
Saturday’s - The Louie D Project funks the Vendue Rooftop.

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

October's featured artists are Stevie Ray Vaughn and Steve Miller, both born in October.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, October 7, 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

Vote for your favorite musicians!

Hi All - The Charleston City Paper has posted the nominees for their annual music awards. Lots of our blues club members and friends are nominated, including our own jam-master extraordinaire Dan Wright!! Also listed are Louie D, Wilton Elder, Sarah Cole, Gary Erwin, and Heyrocco, along with many more -- so be sure to vote! Go to the City Paper website to do so, or see the link on facebook.

What's up this weekend?

Friday: The Louie D Project is at Montreux Bar & Grill, Fowler’s Mustache is at the Mt. Pleasant Wild Wings and Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Skynyrd’s.
Saturday: The Savannah Hwy in West Ashley is the place to be Saturday Night. The Johnny Mac & The BootyRanch Birthday Bash is at Jimbo’s Rock Lounge and next door at Famous Joe’s is The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz). Both locations are right behind Chick-fil-A and DD Peckers Wing Shack. Earlier in the afternoon (4pm), Starling is at Geno’s in Goose Creek.

Don’t forget the weekly gigs:

Tuesday's - Shrimp City Slim from 11 am-1 pm (lunch) at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, N. Charleston
Wednesday’s - The Lowcountry Blues Club Jam at Home Team/WA of course!
Thursday’s- The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at Bambu/Mt. P
Friday’s - Old You kick off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop
Saturday’s - The Louie D Project funks the Vendue Rooftop.

And coming up soon:

The October 9 Lowcountry Blues Challenge at Home Team BBQ/West Ashley with several bands competing for the chance to go to Memphis, including Highway 17 Blues Band, Victoria Station, Starling, and J Edwards Band - More details coming soon!

And the 15th annual CAROLINA DOWNHOME BLUES FESTIVAL, Thursday-Saturday, October 6-8, in Camden, SC
www.bluesbash.com/camden - 803-425-7676 - All small venues (the way the blues is meant to be experienced!), blues day & night - lunch, happy hour, evening shows. Most venues within easy walking distance of each other in the town center.
Buy a daily wristband or weekend pass and drift from venue-to-venue at your own pace. Artists: EDDIE C. CAMPBELL, FRANKIE'S BLUES MISSION, SKYLA BURRELL, ROCKIN' JAKE, DRINK SMALL, BRAD VICKERS & CHRISTOPHER DEAN, GAIL STORM, LIGHTNIN' WELLS, LUCKYMAN BEALL, ROBERT LIGHTHOUSE, MARSHALL BALLEW, BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX, THE KING BEES, NORMAN TAYLOR DUO, SHRIMP CITY SLIM, WARNER WILLIAMS DOWNHOME BLUES TRIO with JAY SUMMEROUR & ERIC SELBY, WANDA JOHNSON, DR. PICKUP, FLOYD CALLEN & RUSTY DAVIS. A really good time!

Then, several of the artists above will proceed to the coast and join RANDY MCALLISTER BAND with BUDDY WHITTINGTON at
the 6th annual AMERICAN MUSIC CELEBRATION on Sunday, October 9, 2-7 pm at Freshfields Village Green, Kiawah Island, SC.
www.myspace.com/americanmusiccelebration - EDDIE C. CAMPBELL with THE KING BEES, BUDDY WHITTINGTON (15 years on guitar with John Mayall) and THE RANDY MCALLISTER TEXAS RANGERS,, BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX - FREE - Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, coolers OK but delicious and affordable food & drink for sale. This is an outdoor event, rain or shine. Brought to you by the Kiawah Island Accommodations Tax Committee, Bill & Marilyn Blizard (Kiawah's Godfather and Godmother of the Blues).

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

October's featured artists are Stevie Ray Vaughn and Steve Miller, both born in October.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, September 30, 2011

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Challenge dates changed

Hi All -

I hope you were at the Blues Club Jam last night - what a great time!! Lots of friends, lots of great music...

Our Blues Challenge was supposed to start this coming Sunday, but instead will start on Sunday, October 9, at Home Team/West Ashley. So please mark your calendars accordingly. This gives us some extra time to put together the event.

So what to do this weekend?

Thursday – Shane Clark at the WA Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ
Friday – Gaslight Street at the Sullivan’s Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ. The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) is at Fat Boy’s in Monck’s Corner. The Louie D Project is at Iacofano’s Italian Bistro.
Saturday – Monster Music in West Ashley has a special Vinyl Expo and sale during the day, and in-store performances starting at 4 pm including subterranean bleu mind(s), Joel T. Hamilton, The Explorer's Club, and The Shaniqua Brown! Later, Fowler’s Mustache is at The Brick. Tidal Jive is at Loggerhead’s Beach Grill. Starling (w/ Cap’t Kirk) is at Smokey’s.
Gary Erwin & Dr. Pickup at Dunleavy's, SI, 9:30.
Sunday: Gary Erwin & Dr. Pickup at Lucy's Grill, Johns Island, at 6.

Don’t forget the weekly gigs:

Tuesday's - Shrimp City Slim from 11 am-1 pm (lunch) at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, N. Charleston

Wednesday’s - The Lowcountry Blues Club Jam at Home Team/WA of course!

Thursday’s- The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at Bambu – Mt. P. And the Charleston Harbor Blues & BBQ tours board 6:30 pm, sail 7-9 pm, 843-722-1112

Friday’s - Old You kick off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop

Saturday’s - The Louie D Project funks the Vendue Rooftop.

And coming up soon:

15th annual CAROLINA DOWNHOME BLUES FESTIVAL, Thursday-Saturday, October 6-8, Camden, SC
www.bluesbash.com/camden - 803-425-7676 - All small venues (the way the blues is meant to be experienced!), blues day & night - lunch, happy hour, evening shows. Most venues within easy walking distance of each other in the town center.
Buy a daily wristband or weekend pass and drift from venue-to-venue at your own pace.

Artists: EDDIE C. CAMPBELL, FRANKIE'S BLUES MISSION, SKYLA BURRELL, ROCKIN' JAKE, DRINK SMALL, BRAD VICKERS & CHRISTOPHER DEAN, GAIL STORM, LIGHTNIN' WELLS, LUCKYMAN BEALL, ROBERT LIGHTHOUSE, MARSHALL BALLEW, BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX, THE KING BEES, NORMAN TAYLOR DUO, SHRIMP CITY SLIM, WARNER WILLIAMS DOWNHOME BLUES TRIO with JAY SUMMEROUR & ERIC SELBY, WANDA JOHNSON, DR. PICKUP, FLOYD CALLEN & RUSTY DAVIS.

A really good time!

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Several of the artists above will then proceed to the coast and join RANDY MCALLISTER BAND with BUDDY WHITTINGTON at
the 6th annual AMERICAN MUSIC CELEBRATION on Sunday, October 9, 2-7 pm at Freshfields Village Green, Kiawah Island, SC.

www.freshfieldsvillage.com (venue)
www.myspace.com/americanmusiccelebration
843-762-9125

EDDIE C. CAMPBELL with THE KING BEES
BUDDY WHITTINGTON (15 years on guitar with John Mayall) and
THE RANDY MCALLISTER TEXAS RANGERS
BISCUIT MILLER & THE MIX

FREE - Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, coolers OK but delicious and affordable food & drink for sale. This is an outdoor event, rain or shine.

Brought to you by the Kiawah Island Accommodations Tax Committee, Bill & Marilyn Blizard (Kiawah's Godfather and Godmother of the Blues).

-----------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

September's featured artists are B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, and Koko Taylor (all born in September).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, September 22, 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Saturday night: Band Together: Concert for a Cause

This Saturday night, September 17th, our jam-master Dan Wright is playing with his band at the Music Farm. The event is called Band Together: Concert for a Cause. This benefit raises money for cancer research, so it really is a worthy cause. Besides Dan and his band, you will see Gaslight Street, Weigh Station, Ryan Bonner and the Dearly Beloved, and Mary's Got a Band - that's a lot of great music in one place! Get your tickets early on etix for $15, or at the door for $20. We hope to see you there!! Doors open at 7.

And mark your calendars for the first Blues Club Challenge on Sunday, Sept 25 at Home Team/West Ashley - lineup to be announced shortly. Email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information on this event if you want to be involved.

------------------------------------------***********************--------------------------------------------

Thursday Night, Sept 15th, it’s “Country Night” at California Dreaming (complete with Mechanical Bull) featuring The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz)

Friday - Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) at Fat Boys

Friday & Saturday– Johnny Mac & The Booty Ranch at The Sand Dollar

Saturday – Band Together: Concert For A Cause at the Music Farm (see above). Also, Old You will be at Boone’s Bar & Grill on King. And the Shrimp Records Rocktoberfest featuring Sadler Vaden, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent among others will be at The Tattooed Moose, starting 4:30.

Monday – Shovels & Rope at The Pour House from 5 – 9.

Tuesday – Elise Testone & The Freeloaders at The Pour House starting at 9pm. Shonuff at Home Team/WA.

Tuesday's - Shrimp City Slim from 11 am-1 pm (lunch) (solo) at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, N. Charleston

Wednesday’s - The Lowcountry Blues Club Jam at Home Team/WA of course, and also Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Art’s Bar & Grill – Mount Pleasant, and Shrimp City Slim 7-10 pm (solo) at Southern Seasons Grill, Summerville

Thursday’s- The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at Bambu – Mt. P. And the Charleston Harbor Blues & BBQ tours board 6:30 pm, sail 7-9 pm, 843-722-1112

Friday’s - Old You kick off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop

Saturday’s - The Louie D Project funks the Vendue Rooftop.

-----------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

September's featured artists are B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, and Koko Taylor (all born in September).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW and SB, September 15, 2011

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Check out Spotify!

Hi Blues lovers -

Have you heard about the new internet music service called Spotify? It's a service that has been in Europe for awhile, with rave reviews, but is new in the U.S. If you join, you can have access to millions of songs, and the basic service is actually free! The free version comes with ads, but they are not too intrusive. And since the ads pay for the music (like on the radio), I'm not complaining. Or you can choose to pay $5 or $10 a month if you want no ads, and extra features. Check out spotify.com for more info, and to request an invitation to join. You may have to wait for your invitation, but probably not too long. You can then link your Spotify account to your facebook account, if you choose to, and share music with your friends. Very cool!

In Blues Club news, we still have a few spots open for the Lowcountry Blues Challenge Battle of the Bands. But better act fast - email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information.

What's going on this weekend, you ask?

Friday, Sept 9 - The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) will be at Mueller’s Pub, The Louie D Project will be at The Brick.
Friday and Saturday – Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) is at Birdie & Sharon’s in Walterboro
Saturday – Homemade Wine is at The North Charleston Wild Wing while Old You is at the Mt. P Wild Wing

And looking ahead, mark your calendar for Band Together, a cancer benefit, featuring Dan Wright and the New Beat, Gaslight Street, Ryan Bonner, and more - Saturday, Sept 17 at the Music Farm.

Don’t forget these regular weekly gigs:

Tuesdays - Shrimp City Slim from 11 am-1 pm (lunch) (solo) at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, N. Charleston

Wednesday’s - Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Art’s Bar & Grill – Mount Pleasant
Shrimp City Slim 7-10 pm (solo) at Southern Seasons Grill, Summerville

Thursday’s- The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at Bambu – Mt. P.
Charleston Harbor Blues & BBQ tours board 6:30 pm, sail 7-9 pm, 843-722-1112

Friday’s - Old You kick off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop

Saturday’s - The Louie D Project funks the Vendue Rooftop.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

September's featured artists are B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, and Koko Taylor (all born in September).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

See you at the jam!

LMW, September 8, 2011

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Entry fee due Sept 5!

Hi All -

The Lowcountry Blues Challenge is fast approaching, and if your band would like to be considered, your entry fee is due by Sept 5!! Please email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information. We also need 3 songs, a bio,and a hi-res jpg. The winner of this battle of the bands will have the opportunity to go to Memphis (in late January 2012) to represent the Lowcountry at the International Blues Challenge!

From Scott Bucholtz, here are some options for your weekend:

Thursday Night: Hundred Hands Down w/ Fowler’s Mustache at The Village Tavern – Mt. P. Homemade Wine is at Red’s Icehouse in Seabrook Thursday and Friday. Friday Night: Graham Whorley Band at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ – Sullivans Island, The Highway 17 Blues Band is at Smokey’s Place and The Louie D Project is at Midtown Bar & Grill on King. Friday & Saturday – The Mason Dixon Band (w/ Scott Bucholtz) is at The Strike Zone – Summerville. Saturday Night: Will Hoge w/ Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at The Windjammer – IOP. Saturday, Sunday and Monday – Homemade Wine is at Red’s Icehouse on Shem Creek. Sunday: Momma & The Redemption Band (w/ Jojo Wall) at Bowens Island – 4 pm also catch Captain Kirk w/ Starling and others at Fat Boys Band Bash in Moncks Corner starting at 1:00 and running all night! Later, The Louie D Project will be at Snapper Jacks on Folly. Monday: Shovels and Rope (Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent) at the Pour House – 5 pm

Don’t forget these regular weekly gigs:

Tuesdays - Shrimp City Slim from 11 am-1 pm (lunch) (solo) at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, N. Charleston

Wednesday’s - Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Art’s Bar & Grill – Mount Pleasant
Shrimp City Slim 7-10 pm (solo) at Southern Seasons Grill, Summerville

Thursday’s- The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at Bambu – Mt. P.
Charleston Harbor Blues & BBQ tours board 6:30 pm, sail 7-9 pm, 843-722-1112

Friday’s - Old You kick off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop

Saturday’s - The Louie D Project funks the Vendue Rooftop.

And if you're up for a trip out of town, Gary Erwin recommends you check out the NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL, Sunday, September 4, starting at noon, in Jefferson, NC (in the mountains, not far from Boone, Blowing Rock). Party to the blues in the grassy meadows along the New River! Full info at: www.newriverbluesfestival.info

WANDA JOHNSON w/SHRIMP CITY SLIM
BEVERLY GUITAR WATKINS - rockin' blues lady formerly with Piano Red
ROY ROBERTS - ex-guitarist for Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, more,
THE KING BEES - enduring NC blues ensemble
LOGIE MEACHUM - blues stories and songs
Also appearing: BIG MIKE KINCAID (sax), JUKE JOINT JOHNNY (harp) and, as always, a big jam at the end.

A variety of accommodations in the area, ranging from camping to luxury motels. Bring your own lawnchair/blanket to the fest site; delicious food & beverages on sale.

---------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com, with "For the blog" as the subject line. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

September's featured artists are B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, and Koko Taylor (all born in September).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership.

See you at the jam!

LMW, September 1, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

Time to sign up for the Challenge!

Remember: The Lowcountry Blues Challenge is coming! Every other Sunday, starting Sept 25th, we will be conducting our annual Blues Battle of the Bands - the Challenge. If your band would like to be considered, please email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information. We need 3 songs, a bio, a hi-res jpg and an entry fee of $25. Your entry fee is due by Sept 5!! The winner will have the opportunity to go to Memphis (in late January 2012) to represent the Lowcountry at the International Blues Challenge - an amazing event! Bands will be judged by the same standards as those used at the IBC, and you can find out lots of details about the IBC and judging standards at their website at blues.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------

On January 20th, I (Scott Bucholtz) featured a BIO of Jonathan Robinson in this blog. If you read it, you may remember that I reported that Jonathan had been commuting back and forth to Nashville pursuing opportunities to sell and publish his original material. On one of those trips to a "pitch to publisher" night, the Vice President of Major Bob Music invited him to attend the Michael Doyle Workshop. The "workshop" is a program in which the publisher picks 10 writers a year to develop. Some of them get hired as staff writers. Jonathan has been picked as one of the select few. This is a four month gig that could very possibly lead to something big! Major Bob music is one of the largest independent publishers in Nashville. They discovered Garth Brooks and currently represent The Band Perry (Grammy nominated and ACM Award winners). They pitch songs (and have had them recorded) to major country, rock, r&b, and pop artists. So, everyone should send Jonathan their congratulations!

Having played in the Jonathan Robinson Trio for the past eight months, I’ve certainly become very familiar with Jonathan’s songwriting and it is awesome. On a personal note, I’d like to add that the experience has been not only the most musically rewarding that I have had, it has also resulted in performances that are easily those that I am most proud of. Whatever he ends up doing after the workshop, I sincerely hope I get to be the guy sitting behind him – hitting $#!+.

The Jonathan Robinson Trio will have their Farewell (for now) performance next Wednesday August 24th at KC Mulligan’s. Please stop by!!

In the meantime, come out to the West Ashley Dog & Duck this Saturday @ 9 to see 3 X Lucky, featuring Austin Bucholtz, Mark Yampolsky, Jojo Wall and me (Scott Bucholtz).

First, start your weekend off with Old You on the Vendue Rooftop Friday @ 6. Later Friday catch Shaniqua Brown at The Pour House or the all-star lineup of Highway 17 at Two Keys Tavern, recording a live cd. Friday and Saturday you can catch Johnny Mac & The Booty Ranch at the Sand Dollar. Saturday: Old You is at The Brick and Captain Kirk and Starling hit The Bottom. Sunday see Old You at High Thymes on Sullivan’s Island. Finally, Monday The Pour House features Fowler’s Mustache.

Weekly, don’t forget Mondays feature Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Drop In Gourmet Deli & Bar and Thursday’s have The Louie D Project at Bambu.

Every Thursday, there's the "Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise", aboard "Carolina Belle" - Boards 6:30 pm at the Charleston (SC) Maritime Center, Sails 7-9 pm, Live blues from Shrimp City Slim band, BBQ buffet from Home Team BBQ, cash bar, and dazzling harbor cruise featuring sunset, dolphins, awe-inspiring cargo vessels, sea birds, dancing people (like you!) and so much more. Info: www.charlestonharbortours.com. Or to speak with someone and book directly: 843-722-1112

Also, Momma & the Redemption Band sent us their upcoming schedule: Check them out on Aug 27 at the Village Tavern in Mt. Pleasant.

------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

August's featured artists are John Lee Hooker and Robert Cray (born in August).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership.

See you at the jam!

LMW, August 19, 2011

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Blues news

Greetings blues club friends! We had a great jam last night at Home Team, didn't we? It was fun to see old friends, and meet new ones. Be sure to come out next Wednesday for more fun - as well as great barbecue and frosty cold drinks...

What's happening this weekend? Here are some options, but check your favorite local paper for more...

Tonight (Thursday night) August 11, The Mason Dixon Band (with Scott Bucholtz) will be at California Dreaming for their first “Country Night” complete with mechanical bull!

Friday night, Jeff Liberty is at Morgan Creek Grill starting 6:30, and Skye Paige & The Original Recipe will be rocking and bluesing at Home Team WA. And there's Hootie & The Blowfish this Friday & Saturday at the Family Circle Cup Stadium.

Saturday, the Charleston’s Finest Lady Artists (CFLA) Love Your Locals Music & Art Festival for AFFA at Remedy Market downtown on Spring Street with Three Times Lucky (3 X Lucky) which is a new group featuring Austin Bucholtz, Mark Yampolsky, Jojo Wall & Scott Bucholtz. Others on the bill include Old You, High Tide, The Royal Tinfoil, Tidal Jive, Nick Carter, Gangrene Machine and Circus McGurkis. The event starts at 3:00.

Also Saturday night, the Louie D Duo is at the Morgan Creek Grill 6:30-10:30.

On Sunday, Plane Jane rocks Wild Wing downtown, and Alison Krauss & The Union Station are at the PAC.

Mondays: Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at the Drop In Gourmet Deli & Bar on Folly Beach

Every Tuesday, 11 am-1 pm (lunch) Shrimp City Slim solo at Cajun Kountry Kitchen Cafe, 1382-B Remount Rd., N. Charleston.

Wednesdays: The Jonathan Robinson Trio at KC Mulligan’s in North Charleston
Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Art’s Bar & Grill in Mount Pleasant
Of course, you should come see these guys AFTER you stop by the Blues Jam at Home Team/WA.

Every Thursday, there's the "Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise", aboard "Carolina Belle" - Boards 6:30 pm at the Charleston (SC) Maritime Center, Sails 7-9 pm, Live blues from Shrimp City Slim band, BBQ buffet from Home Team BBQ, cash bar, and dazzling harbor cruise featuring sunset, dolphins, awe-inspiring cargo vessels, sea birds, dancing people (like you!) and so much more. Info: www.charlestonharbortours.com. Or to speak with someone and book directly: 843-722-1112

Also, Momma & the Redemption Band sent us their upcoming schedule: Check them out on Aug 27 at the Village Tavern in Mt. Pleasant, Sept 5 Bowen's Island, afternoon gig, Oct 1 Seewee , Oct 7 Home Team W. Ashley, Nov 26 Home Team Sullivan's Island.


---------------------------------------------------------

Remember: The Lowcountry Blues Challenge is coming! Every other Sunday, starting Sept 25th, we will be conducting our annual Blues Battle of the Bands - the Challenge. The winner will have the opportunity to go to Memphis (in late January 2012) to represent the Lowcountry at the International Blues Challenge - an amazing event! If your band would like to be considered, please email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information. We need 3 songs, a bio, a hi-res jpg and an entry fee of $25. Bands will be judged by the same standards as those used at the IBC, and you can find out lots of details about the IBC and judging standards at their website at blues.org.

---------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

August's featured artists are John Lee Hooker and Robert Cray (born in August).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership.

See you at the jam!

LMW, August 11, 2011

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Start the Car!

Start The Car!
By: Scott Bucholtz

Most of you have lived in the Lowcountry longer than I have. So, I certainly don’t feel qualified to be the one giving driving directions or the one explaining the geographical differences between St. George and Georgetown or Johns Island and James Island. However, I do feel that it is necessary to remind some of you how CLOSE the next neighborhood really is. With each blog that I write, I try to highlight just a few of the upcoming week's events that feature members of the Lowcountry Blues Club as well as others that I feel are truly noteworthy. Yet, so often, I hear nothing but excuses that go something like this: “I live downtown and can’t make it out to West Ashley”… Are you freakin’ kidding me?! Seriously, it’s seems like people that live in Mount Pleasant haven’t ever been to Folly Beach and people from Summerville have never been to Awendaw. That ‘s like living in Cleveland and never having been to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. It appears that developers here are trying to build you a house AND a neighborhood and then sell you on the fact your don’t have to leave! There is a whole world of incredible events and opportunities out there - generally, within a 20-30 minute drive. In bigger cities you can barely travel a couple of blocks in 20 minutes!

I have often been accused of being a walking advertisement for why people should move to Charleston. Why? Of course the physical beauty is unbelievable. The architecture, the landscapes, the fantastic shopping… When you also consider that you really don’t have traffic jams, parking is cheap (if not free) and the cost of living is reasonable – that sounds pretty good right? But, what really blows me away is the live music. Now, I’ve actually heard some complain that it’s not what it used to be, but where is it? Where I’m from disc jockeys replaced live music decades ago! Here, many restaurants have some form of live entertainment. On any given night, you can easily find some quality live entertainment. True, I could make as much money at a gig in 1982 as I make now – but that is an entirely different issue.

I worked in Chicago for four years. The suburb that I lived in was a community of nearly 500,000. I knew of ONE nice place that had live bands and it was only on Wednesday nights. They didn’t want to give up the dining room space on weekends! Sure, Chicago had some great Blues clubs. But, consider at least an hour in traffic (longer from the suburbs), $20+ for parking and another $20 cover and you weren’t going to find $2 drinks! Unless you lived nearby (not nice), a night out would be long and expensive. Here, you can hit Folly, WA, Daniel, James or Johns Island, Mt. P, The IOP, Summerville, N. Chuck… anywhere. You can pull up and park next to the building and walk in for a $5 cover (actually most are free). With that, you get World Class musicians providing incredible entertainment and you can be back home on the couch in a short period of time and not notice the weight difference of your wallet. And downtown? That’s even better. You can usually find parking on the street (free after 6) and walk up and down King or Market or East Bay… and get all of the ear candy you can handle!

Some of you cynics may have already called B.S. regarding some of my comments. If so, you obviously don’t know how good you have it! I’ll gladly take the challenge. Venture out tonight. I dare you!

Here you go:

Mondays: Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at the Drop In Gourmet Deli & Bar on Folly Beach

Wednesdays: The Jonathan Robinson Trio (w/ me) at KC Mulligan’s in North Charleston
Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Art’s Bar & Grill in Mount Pleasant
Of course, you should come see us AFTER you stop by the Blues Jam at Hometeam W.A.

This Thursday night (Aug 4) features the Trident United Way Battle Of The Bands at the Music Farm (Look for the Big Guy!)
Meanwhile, The Louie D Project (with J.R. Getches) will be at Bambu, and Mac Leaphart and John Wesley Satterfield will be at the Windjammer.

Friday:
Old You (w/ YoungMi) kicks off the weekend on the Vendue Rooftop at 6. Then they’ll be across the street (East Bay) at The Brick
The Louie D Project at Midtown on King Street
The Port City Prophets (w/ Tim Kirkendall) at Shooters in Summerville
Highway 17 Blues Band (Jack, Jojo, Gary & Motor) at Smokey’s Place, North Charleston
Starling (w/Captain Kirk) is at The Summerville Pour House
On a national scale: Scott Holt will be at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ – West Ashley

Saturday:
The Louie D Project kicks off the evening on the Vendue Rooftop then hits Hometeam BBQ on Sullivan’s Island
Starling is at Fat Boys in Moncks Corner
Old You will be downtown at The Kickin’ Chicken

Get next week off to a good start on Tuesday the 9th with Jackass Flatts at The Pour House or Shovels and Rope (Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent) downtown at The Tattooed Moose.

Don’t forget: Hootie & The Blowfish next Friday & Saturday at the Family Circle Cup Stadium or Alison Krauss & The Union Station at the PAC Coliseum on Sunday the 14th!

---------------------------------------------------------

The Lowcountry Blues Challenge is coming! Every other Sunday, starting Sept 25th, we will be conducting our annual Blues Battle of the Bands - the Challenge. The winner will have the opportunity to go to Memphis (in late January 2012) to represent the Lowcountry at the International Blues Challenge - an amazing event! If your band would like to be considered, please email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information. We need 3 songs, a bio, a hi-res jpg and an entry fee of $25. Bands will be judged by the same standards as those used at the IBC, and you can find out lots of details about the IBC and judging standards at their website at blues.org.

---------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

August's featured artists are John Lee Hooker and Robert Cray (born in August).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

See you at the jam!

LMW, August 4, 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Prepare for the Challenge!

All right - the Lowcountry Blues Challenge is coming! Every other Sunday, starting 9/25, we will be conducting our annual Blues Battle of the Bands - the Challenge. The winner will have the opportunity to go to Memphis (in late January 2012) to represent the Lowcountry at the International Blues Challenge - an amazing event! If your band would like to be considered, please email RobLoweSC@gmail.com for information. We need 3 songs, a bio, a hi-res jpg and an entry fee of $25. Bands will be judged by the same standards as those used at the IBC, and you can find out lots of details about the IBC and judging standards at their website at blues.org.

What's going on this weekend, you ask? Well, The Jonathan Robinson Trio (with Scott Bucholtz) told us that they will be at Bushido Japanese Restaurant Friday night, July 29th, for SUSHI MIDNIGHT MADNESS. I'm sure there's lots more options as well, but I don't know what they are, so check your favorite local paper, or facebook! And of course, we want to see you for the weekly LBC jam at Home Team BBQ/ WA, every Wednesday night...

Also coming soon: the Trident United Way Battle of the Bands - This event starts at 5:30 pm on Aug 4, 2011 at The Music Farm. There will be 12 bands ( many of which have Lowcountry Blues Club members). There is a $10 cover charge and you get music, food, and an adult drink included. Yes, included!

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Reminders:

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to facebook directly!

August's featured artists are John Lee Hooker and Robert Cray (born in August).

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, July 27, 2011

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Blues Challenge ahead!

Lots of news this week! But we'll start with a note sent from Dereck Curry:

Hi, my name is Dereck Curry. Some of you know me, some of you don't. But in August of 2007 I was one of the cofounders of the Lowcountry Blues Club and for the first year of the club I was pretty much the de facto President of the organization. I had a vision for the blues society that we were creating, one where the society was really a member driven organization, and made it a condition that after each year the club would elect a board of directors and a set of officers from the board. It was never the intent of this club to be run by the same people year after year, like many community organizations we have all encountered. This club was not an ego trip or a power trip for those involved, but an organization for blues music lovers run by music lovers. The idea was simple: if new people weren't willing to step up and lead after a year, the club would simply be disbanded. I shared this vision with the other founders (Tommy Thunderfoot, Stuart Johnson, and Kathleen Wehle) and they agreed that this was the best way to establish the foundation of an organization we hoped would exist for decades to come.

Luckily many others also shared this vision. And on our first anniversary we brought in all the club members and did a proper election of board and officers. Many of the folks who were involved in those early days are still actively involved in the Lowcountry Blues Club today. That's a testament to our organization. Our first elected President was Chip Hall. Following Chip was Greg Cooper. And following Greg was Tim Shaw. Each of these Presidents brought a great deal to the organization and really helped it thrive over the years. Over the past few months, I've been serving as the interim President after Tim needed to step aside. And truthfully, I did a bad job. I had the best of intentions when agreeing to serve until our normal election cycle, but I just didn't have the time to dedicate to the club that it deserves. So I requested a special election be called to elect a new board and officers a few months early.

I'm happy to report that last Wednesday we elected a new board and officers, and I'm very excited about this new leadership group. There are many new faces and a mix of seasoned board veterans. Our new President is Billy Gadol. Billy is a well known figure in the Lowcountry Blues Club and has been an ardent supporter of our organization. I look forward to seeing where Billy and the new board take the club over the coming year. Please give them all the support they need in making this the best blues society in the country and a musical force in our communities.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved over the past four years. And I would like to give a special thanks to the board members and officers. You really have been unbelievable. So many people have worked astoundingly hard to make my vision a reality that I am truly humbled and appreciative of all of you. I've made many great friends over the past four years, and expect to make many more in the years to come. We are an amazing organization, and it's because of all of you.

Thank you.

Dereck

We also received this note from Tim "The Big Guy" Shaw: "As past president of the Lowcountry Blues Club I would like to wish continuing success for the club and new board. I am excited about the new board members as I have a great deal of respect for each of them and I know they will bring a renewed excitement to the club. Personally I have had the pleasure of meeting and making many new friends and growing as a musician. There is one person from the club I would like to thank and that is Dereck Curry for his vision to start the club. From the early days at A Dough Re Mi and now at Hometeam BBQ the club continues to be exciting and entertaining for fans and musicians alike. I look forward to seeing you at future jams as I too will enjoy the future of the club."

So, the new officers and board are working now to plan the Lowcountry Blues Club Challenge - a battle-of-the-bands style competition, the winner of which is then nominated by our club to go to Memphis to perform at the IBC (the International Blues Challenge), a truly awesome event which is held over a long weekend, starting January 31, 2012. We'll be giving you lots of details about the Challenge very soon. But start thinking now about whether you want to compete. Bands will be judged by the same standards as those used at the IBC, and you can find out lots of details about the IBC and judging standards at their website at blues.org.

What's going on this weekend, you ask? Well, we'll be brief, because this is a long newsletter already. On Friday and Saturday nights, you could see Johnny Mac and band at the Sand Dollar, 10 pm. Louie D is at the King St Grill/WA on Friday night at 10, and Rooftop Bar downtown on Sat night, 6-9. Friday 6-9 there's Shrimp City Slim at Freshfields Village, Kiawah, as well. And if you want to post your band's gigs, please go to our facebook page, and let us know where you're playing, please! And of course, we want to see you for the weekly LBC jam at Home Team BBQ/ WA, every Wednesday night!

Also coming soon: the Trident United Way Battle of the Bands - This event starts at 5:30 pm on Aug 4, 2011 at The Music Farm. There will be 12 bands ( many of which have Lowcountry Blues Club members). There is a $10 cover charge and you get music, food, and an adult drink included. Yes, included! You can go to Trident United Way Battle of the Bands on Facebook for a list of bands and sponsors!

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Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend.

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. Or just post to our facebook page directly!

July's featured artists are Willie Dixon (1915), Junior Kimbrough (1930), and Buddy Guy (1936), born in July.

Check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, July 21, 2011

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Focus on: Melissa Martin/Answers to Quiz

Answers to last week's quiz are at the end of this newsletter.

Melissa Martin: The Voice That Set The Club On Fire!

-By: Scott Bucholtz

~The enormous amount of talent that participates in Jam Night has repeatedly been referenced here. However, if you’ve noticed, there is one instrument that doesn’t get much mention. Take a moment and list all of the great vocalists… while a few quickly come to mind, Jam Night often leave those short of breath. That is certainly why Melissa Martin has made such an instant splash with The Lowcountry Blues Club. Simply put, she’s got an amazing voice. For weeks, I kept hearing about her until I witnessed it myself. She definitely created a buzz. Once again, I don’t know of any other avenue outside of our Blues Club where this happens at that level.

Born “and pretty much raised” in Camden, SC. Her grandmother was a concert pianist and her Dad plays lead guitar. Her Dad, Greg Martin, has jammed on the drums with Archie Bell, opened for David Allan Coe and Charly McClain, did some studio work for Confederate Railroad and was even offered a job playing lead guitar with the Georgia Satellites in 1999. He taught himself how to play as a teenager. “He’d put records on and play them over and over again until he got it down. Music comes naturally to him - he can play pretty much any instrument he puts his mind to but guitar is his obsession. He lived and breathed it for as long as I can remember.” His first Telecaster, “Miss Marie” (named after her), was “a member of the family.”

She moved here in March looking for a fresh start. “Why not the beautiful city of Charleston!” She’s looking to expand her musical horizons a little and I feels like “Chucktown is a good place to kick up some dust.” She had a band back home, but is ready to do something different and a little bigger. She fronted Exit 98 and then worked with Blue Haze and Eminence Front for a few shows. She also appeared on their debut album - Google it! Her first gig was October of 2006 and she has performed pretty much every weekend since. In the rare weekends she had off, “I was either singing with friends, one of the other bands, or sliding out of town to go hear other bands.” She says that she loves performing, “especially with new people - always something different and unexpected.” It’s no wonder she made such a splash with the Blues Club!

She had heard about the Blues Club before she even moved down. She said, “It’s the word on the street to hit the blues jams to make some great connections, meet new friends and to just have a good time with good people.” Currently, she is remaining open minded while exploring her options. She is interested in pursuing something in the area of Soul/Funk/Blues/R&B. What does that mean? It means that a couple local musicians may soon win the lead vocalist lottery!

She’s been singing her whole life, mainly for family and friends as a hobby. Did a few plays and talent shows. It was just a few years ago when she called up her dad and told him she wanted to start a band. With obvious affection, she states; “It was our ‘thing’. Hands down one of the coolest things is to play music with your dad! So, we started Exit 98. We practiced for about a year and went through a few players before we got the project off of the ground. But then we hit the local scene running. We played festivals, charity events, bars, clubs, parties, grand openings, you name it. We did very well for ourselves and had a blast doing so. I still think back to that first gig we booked and the massive panic attack I had that morning (it was a big outdoor festival). Ol’ Greg had to give me one helluva pep talk that day. But as soon as I walked on stage and had that mic in my hand, it just felt right.” She adds that whenever she hears the tuning of a guitar, she thinks of him. She mentioned that she is also trying to learn guitar and says, “I’ve got three, but I’m impatient!”

Now, her friends tease her when they go out because she’s is certain to end up on stage. She says that in her short career, she’s “had the good fortune of singing with many different musicians and bands and met so many awesome people.”

At a recent gig with The Mason Dixon Band, I had the pleasure of experiencing this first hand. She showed up at the gig with the members of Homemade Wine from Knoxville (who amazingly are Mason Dixon Band fans). We called Melissa up during our first set and she truly knocked it out of the park! She absolutely smoked covers of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rolling Stones songs! It was the beginning of one of the best and most memorable gigs that I’ve ever had!

As for career highlights, she mentions that every year Camden has a Blues Festival downtown. “We weren’t straight blues, but we did a few.” Some friends of theirs owned a great little bar downtown and would book them every year for the weekend. Even though they weren’t participating in the festival, they got tons of traffic. She remembers looking around one time and the entire bar was elbow to elbow with people. “We played in this little nook with a huge plate glass window looking out at the main drag in Camden and the entire sidewalk was chock full of people that stopped to hear us. We had the biggest crowd out of any venue at the festival. That was an awesome show.”

She adds, “I had the opportunity this year to sing with some friends of mine, Homemade Wine, at the St. Patty’s festival in Savannah in front of a crowd of about 8000 people. THAT was pretty gnarly.”

I suppose most vocalists have dreamt of singing the National Anthem at one time or another. Melissa is no different, in fact “as simple as it sounds, I always wanted to sing the National Anthem at a high school football or baseball game.” She says. A friend of hers is a baseball coach and granted her wish this past spring. She said that “for some reason, I was more nervous singing to that crowd of 150!” Perhaps the significance and history of the subject matter had something to do with the butterflies…

When I asked Melissa who her biggest influences/inspirations are, she says “Susan Tedeschi, Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin have always been my top 3 favorite female singers. They have really helped to shape my sound I think. I love their soulful, deep, bluesy tones.” She continues, “I’ve always been a big fan of blues and R & B. I’ve always had an appetite for a wide palate of music and grew up listening to all types. I was stealing dad’s Johnny Rivers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Lynyrd Skynyrd ‘tapes’ by the age of 12.” She adds, “Billie Holliday, Etta James, Grace Potter and Mary J. Blige are some more top ladies in my book.”

Other favorites on her list include: The Black Crowes, Drive-By Truckers, Tab Benoit, Allman Brothers, Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne, Charlie Daniels Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Journey, JJ Grey & Mofro, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Norah Jones, The Judds, James Taylor, Derek Trucks, City of Colour, Iron & Wine, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Frankie Beverly & Maze, The Commodores, Earth Wind & Fire, The Osborne Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Nina Simone, Gov’t Mule, Koko Taylor, Black Keys, Red House Painters. “Man, I could go on and on…” Obviously, this is a girl with a healthy appreciation!

Her Jam Night favorites include Susan Tedeschi’s “It Hurt So Bad” and Rod Stewart’s “Stay With Me”. She also loves doing “Proud Mary” Ike and Tina style. When asked who her favorite jammers are, she states: “Now you know there is no way to choose! I dig all of my jam friends: Greg, Billy G, British Charlie, Big Guy, The Captain, Dan the Man, Tony, Quentin, Jojo, Bill, John, Jerry, Louis D, Scott, Charlie K.”

Obviously, she’s quickly ascended to the top of all of our lists as well!

This weekends’ highlights include:

Thursday the 14th:
Futurebirds with Old You opening at The Charleston Pour House
Plane Jane (w/ Wayne Mitchum) at Wild Wing Mt. P.

Friday the 15th:
Old You on the Vendue Rooftop early, then…
The Louie D Project (w/ J.R. Getches) at The Rehab Bar & Grill
Starling (w/ Captain Kirk) at Fat Boys in Moncks Corner
Fowler’s Mustache at The Brick Downtown
DownWright Scoundrels (w/ Jack Downey) @ Toast!
Homemade Wine at Wild Wing Mt. P.
Johnny Mac at Jimbo's

Saturday the 16th:
The Jonathan Robinson Trio (with yours truly) at The Dog & Duck West Ashley
Old You at the Kickin’ Chicken Downtown
Gaslight Street at The Charleston Pour House
Jimmy Thackery at The Music Farm

Don’t forget, Monday’s feature Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at the Drop In Gourmet Deli & Bar on Folly Beach. Wednesday’s look for Sarah Cole & The Hawkes at Art’s Bar & Grill in Mount Pleasant or join The Jonathan Robinson Trio at KC Mulligans in N. Charleston. After you stop at the Blues Jam, of course!

If your band's gig isn't listed here, just go to our facebook page and post it there, so your friends and fans can add it to their calendars - Thanks!

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Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please.

July's featured artists are Willie Dixon (1915), Junior Kimbrough (1930), and Buddy Guy (1936), born in July.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

Answers to the Quiz:

1. Dan the Man
2. Motor
3. The Big Guy
4. The Captain
5. English Charlie
6. Young Charlie
7. Tan the Man
8. Billy G Is Not My Lover
9 & 10. The Horny Horns

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1. Dan Wright, of course!
2. Greg Levkus, drummer extraordinaire
3. The correct answer is Tim Shaw, but you can have the points if you said Big Mike or Mike Llewellyn as well...
4. James Kirk, our new Vice-President of Membership
5. Charles Wyche-Smythe
6. Charlie Kendall
7. Tanner Cooper - this was a hard one, as he doesn't come often these days, now drummer for Heyrocco
8. Billy Gadol, our new President of the Blues Club
9 & 10. Louis D and Will Elder

Scoring: You get 5 points for each correct first and last name, for a total of 100 points. Did anyone have a perfect score? If you got 90-100 points, we'll call you a Blues Jam All-Star! 75-85 is a Blues Club friend in good standing. If your score is 70 or under, we hope you'll come out more often, pay attention, talk to everybody, and become a part of the family!

LMW, July 14, 2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

Fun, and a meeting too...

Tuesday night, July 12th, Dan Wright will be at Home Team West Ashley for a special Tuesday night session featuring Wayne Mitchum from Plane Jane on bass, Bill Nance on keys, and THE Quentin Ravenel on drums. 9 pm, NO cover - Come out and have some fun!

And Wednesday night at 6:30 there's a special meeting before the jam, 6:30, at Home Team/WA, for everyone interested in the future of the Blues Club. We will be electing officers and making plans - be there!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

A Quiz For You

Hi Blues Club Friends -

This week we bring you a quiz to test your knowledge of some of our blues club jammers. I will give you a nickname, and you have to provide the jammer's real name, first and last...We'll give you the answers next week, and the scoring chart. Find out if you qualify as an Expert, or as Pitiful, or somewhere In between... Okay, here we go:

1. Dan the Man
2. Motor
3. The Big Guy
4. The Captain
5. English Charlie
6. Young Charlie
7. Tan the Man
8. Billy G Is Not My Lover
9 & 10. The Horny Horns

Now, what's going on this weekend?

One stellar event is the 11th annual GREENWOOD BLUES CRUISE Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9 in Greenwood, SC - www.greenwoodbluescruise.com. It's a FREE blues club crawl, part of the South Carolina Festival of Discovery. Greenwood is located about 1 hour from Columbia, SC; three hours from Charleston. Star-studded line-up: CHICK "STOOP DOWN" WILLIS, BUDDY WHITTINGTON with RANDY MCALLISTER, FRANKIE'S BLUES MISSION, DRINK SMALL, BACK PORCH BLUES (Eleanor Ellis, Jay Summerour, Eric Selby), WANDA JOHNSON, and a whole lot more. Check the website!

Friday night, The Louie D Project is at Johnson's Pub (10:30pm til 2am), and Saturday night 6pm to 9pm @The Vendue Rooftop. Come get some funk, says Louie! Also on Friday night there's Jeff Liberty at Morgan Creek Grill 6:30-10:30, and ,Dash Rip Rock at Home Team/Sullivans Island, 10pm. Saturday, there's Jimbo Mathus w/ Guilt Ridden Troubadour at the Charleston Pour House, 9pm.

If your band's gig isn't listed here, just go to our facebook page and post it there, so your friends and fans can add it to their calendars - Thanks!

---------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please.

July's featured artists are Willie Dixon (1915), Junior Kimbrough (1930), and Buddy Guy (1936), born in July.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, July 7, 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

A Community at the Crossroads

“A Community at the Crossroads”

By Scott Bucholtz

As musicians and lovers of audible creations, both earthly and otherworldly, we can all identify with the classic print advertisement that showed a man sitting in front of two large living room speakers – with his hair being blown back from the sound waves. That feeling, that energy. Being transported and enraptured by the intoxicating exhilaration… It is precisely those feelings that drove us to learn to play. To pick, pluck and strum. To massage and caress and to hit with force. It fed the desire. Remember?

Then, instead of simply sitting in front of the speakers, we attempted to play along. To participate. Hour after hour. Day after day. This is when dreams truly began to formulate. If the dreams were REAL, it wasn’t dreams of Sex, Drugs & Rock-n-Roll. It was ALL about the music.

Turning a few pages forward, the experience of the non-verbal communication with others is like being part of a secret community with its own language. The “we went to different schools together” feeling. Communicating via music. Call and response, unison, harmony. Then, combining it all together: performing – with an audience. If you’re lucky enough to be able to get their attention and earn a positive response… THAT may be the highest known form of euphoria. The communal climax. If you’ve had it, how could you forget it?

It’s been said that Charleston is a town full of musicians but just a handful of bands. Plane Jane, Johnny Mac & The Booty Ranch, Leslie, Mason Dixon… there are a few others that have been established. But really, it’s the high ratio of musicians in town that I think is a major part of what makes this area so special. The number of accomplished guitarists and songwriters around is amazing and I often say that a bird can’t make a dropping without hitting a drummer! (Why do us drummer’s always get crapped on?) Jam Night is a classic example. Jam Night is also the best place to ask: Who’s playing with them? You got a gig Friday? Jim’s going to play bass, you want to play? Stop by, bring your guitar. If you can make it out, we’ll get you up for a few songs… As far back as I can remember and to this day, whenever I see live music, I want to get on stage on play. Here, I often get to and it’s usually thanks to the Lowcountry Blues Club.

Speaking of the band Leslie - What better example of ‘community’... Leslie only had to cancel one gig after all of their gear was stolen. Countless members of the community stepped up for them! They were blown away by the support that they received. I must say that those are three guys who have got “it”, “get it” and appreciate it. (By the way, you HAVE to get their new CD “Lord, Have Mercy”.)

As members of the Lowcountry Blues Club, we get to participate in “Jam Night”. It’s our weekly Holiday. It’s a birthday party and a family reunion. If you don’t think that Jam Night is something special, think about the crowds that regularly are in attendance. Think about the response and support you get. Do your bands gigs always compare favorably? We can’t afford to take the Blues Club and Jam Night for granted. It’s special and we are lucky to be a part of it. Note: Pay your dues!!! Jam Nights are the best opportunity in town to make contacts and catch up. Not to mention that you get to see and hear some of the best talent that the Lowcountry (and beyond) has to offer.

Nearly everyone that I have met and everything that I have done in Carolina can be credited to being turned onto the Blues Club (Thanks again to Mike Davis from Ye Olde Music Shop). With the recent retirement of President Tim Shaw and the pending departure of ‘creator’ Dereck Curry (as VP), we are at a significant crossroads. For the weekly jam to continue, not to mention the involvement with the International Blues Challenge and the Blues Foundation, dues must be paid and active, conscientious leadership must be in place. We can’t sit on our hands! Remember, the Club and the weekly jam not only provide great entertainment, a viable network and sense of community, it is a musical outlet unlike any other. For many it is their ONLY chance to perform. For me, picking up my sticks is like a hug from a loved one, everything feels right. I wish that everyone could experience the joy and excitement that I get when playing. For those that have ‘been experienced’, do you need to be reminded...?

I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of The Mason Dixon Band since August of 2010 and I have the incredible good fortune to also be in The Jonathan Robinson Trio, since early 2011. Recently, I had my first gig with the incredible YoungMi Feldsott and friends (I sincerely hope that there will be many more to come). The stories behind how I got involved with these groups range from an intricate grapevine of connections and contacts to a simple introduction – all can be traced back to the Lowcountry Blues Club.

As an example of the power of networking, I had happened to mention to YoungMi that I was looking to pick up some extra gigs. Within an hour of that conversation, she calls me and says, “I got us a gig”. Then, she calls me later that same day and says, “do you want to fill in tonight?”. Within a 10 day period, I picked up three gigs! To take it a step further, she has introduced Jonathan and me to a couple of club owners who are booking the Jonathan Robinson Trio. It’s amazing to watch how the network of this community can operate! So, a special ‘thank you’ to YoungMi. And, guess what, I would never have met her had it not been for the Blues Club. In fact, I would not be playing at all if it had not been for Lowcountry Blues Club. I would just be dreaming about it. Trust me, reality is better!

There will be a meeting on July 13th at 6:30PM at Home Team BBQ/WA to elect the new board and officers for the Lowcountry Blues Club for the upcoming year. Be sure to come out early that Wednesday to participate in planning the future of the club.

Kick off your weekend with YoungMi and OLD YOU on the Vendue Rooftop at 6 on Friday. I’ll be with The MASON DIXON BAND at the Sand Shack later Friday night while The LOUIE D. PROJECT (with J.R. Getches) will be at Bambu and SGT. SUBMARINE (with Bill Nance) will be at The Wolf Track Inn. Saturday night features Captain Kirk with STARLING at the Bottom Grill & Pub in Bonneau, Rev. Dr. JOHNNY MAC & the BOOTYRANCH will be at Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ (WA) while OLD YOU will be at Boone’s on King Street. Also, DRIVIN’ N CRYIN’ and GASLIGHT STREET will be at The Windjammer. Sunday also has a full slate of awesome choices: EDWIN McCAIN at the Windjammer, JASON ISBELL and the 400 UNIT at The Pour House, GASLIGHT STREET at The Brick House Kitchen and The LOUIE D. PROJECT at The Brick. NOTE: Try to make it past the 4th with all of your fingers! If you survive all of that, catch SKYE PAIGE at the Tattooed Moose Tuesday night. ENJOY!!!

==============================================

and look out, 'cause here it comes, from Shrimp City Slim:

The 11th annual GREENWOOD BLUES CRUISE
Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9 in Greenwood, SC
www.greenwoodbluescruise.com

A FREE blues club crawl, part of the South Carolina Festival of Discovery. Greenwood is located about 1 hour from Columbia, SC; three hours from Charleston; two hours from Atlanta.
Star-studded line-up: CHICK "STOOP DOWN" WILLIS, BUDDY WHITTINGTON with RANDY MCALLISTER, FRANKIE'S BLUES MISSION, DRINK SMALL, BACK PORCH BLUES (Eleanor Ellis, Jay Summerour, Eric Selby), WANDA JOHNSON, and a whole lot more. Please look at the website!

---------------------------------------------------------

Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. OR you can post your gigs on our facebook wall yourself, with no need for a middle-man...

July's featured artists are Willie Dixon (1915), Junior Kimbrough (1930), and Buddy guy (1936), born in July.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 30, 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Highlights from the Jam, and more

As always, we had a gathering on Wednesday night of Lowcountry Blues Club members and friends at Home Team BBQ/ West Ashley, which, as always, was a lot of fun. I thought I'd share a few highlights for those who weren't there, and for those who were there but who drank too much to remember the fun!

At one point early in the evening, Dan Wright sang one of my favorite songs from the old Dough Re Mi days, "John the Revelator" along with Tony Cobin on bass, Keith Syn Clarry on drums, and John Scott. They also played a song I hadn't heard before, apparently called "Dirty Shirt".

A little later, we had Jack Downey singing "Born in Chicago" with Dave Jones on bass, Cap'n Kirk on drums, and Billy Gadol. Jack said that the original of this song was by Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and there's a version by Tom Petty as well. And Billy sang his version of Elvis's "Little Sister", which is always fun.

Dan got back up and did a blues club favorite, "Standin' On Shaky Ground" with Tony on bass, Greg Levkus on drums, Charlie Kendall, and the Horny Horns (that would be Louie D and Will Elder on sax) - that had the crowd dancing and singing along.

Towards the end of the night, there's usually a surprise or two. This time, we got to see a set with Big Mike singing, Dave Jones on bass, Willie D and Scribs (Brandon) playing some great guitar.... AND Tony Cobin on drums! Who knew?!

So, there's a few highlights from the last jam. Be sure to come out for the next jam, and join the fun...

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Some weekend events: The Jonathan Robinson Trio (with Scott Bucholtz) will be at Bushido Japanese Restaurant Friday night, June 24th, for SUSHI MIDNIGHT MADNESS. Also, Scott is with the Mason Dixon Band Saturday night at Famous Joe’s.

On Friday night, Momma & the Redemption Band with JoJo Wall will be cutting loose at Home Team/WA, and there's Shrimp City Slim rocking the Home Team on Sullivans.

For some smokin' hot home grown power blues, catch Highway 17 Blues Band rocking Bonneau on Saturday the 25th, at The Bottom grill and pub.

Johnny Mac will take the madness to the Dollar on Friday and Saturday nights, and also will be at a benefit for Jason Wiles on Saturday afternoon at Jimbo's, 3pm.

There's a benefit for ALS at Bowens Island on Sunday afternoon/ evening which features Sarah Cole and the Hawkes, Cary Ann Hearst, Ryan Bonner and the Dearly Beloved, and a bunch of other great musicians - highly recommended. Go to scalsa.org for more info.

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There will be a meeting on July 13th at 6:30PM at Home Team BBQ/WA to elect the new board and officers for the Lowcountry Blues Club for the upcoming year. Be sure to come out early that Wednesday to participate in planning the future of the club.

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Reminders:

Check your favorite local paper for more shows happening this weekend, and join the facebook site "Charleston Live Music" for highlights...

If you want to see your band's gigs in this newsletter, send all the details to lowcountrybluesclub@gmail.com. We usually send out the newsletter on Thursday or Friday, so get the info in before Wednesday, please. OR you can post your gigs on our facebook wall yourself, with no need for a middle-man...

June's featured artists are Howlin' Wolf (1910), and Scott Holt (1966), both born in June.

Join us on facebook (Lowcountry Blues Club) and twitter, and check out some of our recordings from the Wednesday jams at http://www.reverbnation.com/lowcountrybluesclub

It's time to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven't already done so. Just come out to a jam, and give us $10 for an individual, $25 for a band or family, or $100 for a corporate membership. Or you can mail dues to The Lowcountry Blues Club, P.O. Box 814, Isle of Palms, SC 29451.

LMW, June 23, 2011