BLUES JUNCTION Productions - The Winter Blues Spotlight

BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
info@bluesjunctionproductions.com

The Winter Blues Spotlight

The Winter Blues Spotlight, which was held on Saturday, February 27^th, in the Orange County, California, community of Fullerton, was, by virtually every measurable standard, a success. Against what on the surface appeared to be long odds, Luis Leon of Sweet Lou’s BBQ fame pulled off an upset.

The festival was originally scheduled in an outdoor park in Long Beach, but that was scrapped as a possible location. Even with the generally agreeable Southern California climate, Leon wisely decided that the possibility of taking a bath in a shower was not worth the risk.

So the entire event was moved some fifteen miles away (as a helicopter flies) to a helicopter hangar of all places. Under a bright blue, cloudless sky, this winter festival felt like summer. The downbeat went off on time and it was smooth sailing on a raft of good vibrations for the next eight hours or so.

Much of the spirit, which seemed to be everywhere on this glorious February afternoon, came from the decision to turn this festival into what was tantamount to a private party, as only advance tickets were made available. At $40.00, it turned out to be a bargain at twice the price. It was held on private property and this made it possible for people to ‘BYOB’. The wise decision was made and made clear to patrons that the second ‘B’ stood for beer and wine only. Attendees were also encouraged to bring their own coolers/ice chests along with snacks and their own lawn/beach chairs.

Each patron received a meal ticket which was redeemable for a plate of food that would conservatively fetch upwards of twenty dollars at any blues festival. Sweet Lou’s BBQ is a mobile catering service that has a stellar reputation in these parts. The food garnered high praise from everyone.

Our own contributor, food editor and photographer extraordinaire, Alex Gardner gave Sweet Lou’s BBQ two thumbs way up. Anniston, Alabama, native and show headliner, James Harman gave the food high praise and even though he had extra napkins, asked for mo’ napkins...please (I’m not kidding).

It was fun to see patrons showing off the purchases that they made at the Blues-A-Holics booth. This festival retailer has been a fixture here on the Southern California blues scene for as long as anyone can remember. It is always great to see Kate and her crew at these events.

Also, opposite the outside dining area and adjacent to the actual music hall, which was disguised as a helicopter hangar the other 364 days of the year, was the venerable institution known as Bluebeat Music. The smiling face of Charlie Lange was on site with his traveling record (CD) store. It doesn’t seem like a festival unless I’m spending at least part of the day with another stack of CDs big enough to choke a horse in my right hand. I love flipping through the bins and Charlie provides that experience and was set up within ear shot of the music.

The musical line up was a solid salad (as Charlie might say) of mostly harmonica-centric bands. The Festival’s MC was Barry G. As always Barry imparted timely information and never overstayed his welcome behind the mic. He ran a tight ship and that is something that at all times adds to the overall timbre of the event, yet doesn’t seem to garner the appreciation which this sometimes thankless job deserves.

Highlights for me came by way of Nathan James and the Rhythm Scratches. This band is a perennial favorite out here at the JUNCTION. Guitarist and vocalist James was backed by the wonderful rhythm section of bassist Troy Sandow and drummer Marty Dodson. They performed as a trio and then backed the great harmonica player and vocalist Mitch Kashmar, who happened to be in town recording a brand new album on Los Angeles based Delta Groove Music.

Kashmar is a first rate talent and on the short list of the greatest harmonica players in the world today. He is also an excellent singer. A rare Southern California appearance by this Portland, Oregon, resident was a real treat.

James, Sandow and Dodson remained on stage as they are also part of James Harman’s Bamboo Porch Revue. This outfit includes Mike “Bonedaddy” Tempo on various percussion instruments. Tempo literally has all the bells and whistles which help augment his various drums, congas and bongos. Harman, as most of our readers are probably keenly aware, is and has been for decades now, one of the most celebrated figures in the blues field. He is a pro’s pro who brings the entire package to the stage as band leader, vocalist, raconteur and harmonica player.

However, it is his songwriting which separates Harman from the pack. He has amassed a formidable catalogue of songs through the years which bear the stamp of a true original voice steeped in the various blues traditions. His most recent CD, Bonetime, made it to the top of many of the music polls and was, in fact, named album of the year by BLUES JUNCTION.

The entire day and into the early evening it seemed that the musicians performing had a real sense of professionalism born out of respect to this music. It is a respect for the past. It is a respect for those who under the most adverse circumstances made blues music of the highest order. Some even gave their lives to make the music they loved and that we still enjoy today.

One of those was William Clarke. Clarke, a Southern California native and long time fixture on the scene, passed away nearly twenty years ago, yet all these years later his music remains a huge influence here in California and around the world.

It was wonderful to see his widow, Jeanette Clarke Lodivici, who flew out for the gig from her home in Western Pennsylvania to attend the event and hear Kashmar’s performance in particular. More than any player that comes immediately to mind, it is Mitch Kashmar who bears the legacy of William Clarke on his shoulders.

The entire room was filled with the spirit of Big Bill Clarke. It was as thick as Sweet Lou’s BBQ sauce. It made the only departure from the respect, protocol and esprit de corps which imbibed the event up to that point, seem all the more distasteful, disrespectful and out of place.

The incident came at the end of an otherwise near perfect day of great music and good cheer when a tambourine wielding man took to the stage. He took advantage of the patience and civility of everyone whose name was on the poster and that of the fans who paid their hard earned money to hear those names on the poster. His lack of humility and manners was only matched by his lack of talent. His almost bizarre histrionics made for an all around awkward and uncomfortable situation for the other musicians, which in turn was felt by the fans.

So in the interest of keeping it real...there it is, an almost perfect day of music.

Congratulations to Luis Leon aka Sweet Lou. Lou’s background in the service and hospitality industry, as well as a genuine love and affection for this music, made for the right man at the right place at the right time to pull off this boutique style festival. His instincts and attention to detail were what made this event such a success. Of course Lou wasn’t alone. His team, which includes Wendy Watson and his big brother Jaime “The Man” Leon, were also gracious hosts and should be commended for their hard work.

I would also like to give it up to The Ross Creation Team of Lighting and Sound. I couldn’t overstate how impressed I was that these guys turned an unusual venue into a place that actually had some pretty decent sound.

Norm Reeves Honda Superstore in Huntington Beach was this event’s corporate sponsor. I thought it was terrific to see a local business step up to the plate and be a supporter of the blues. This type of partnership is crucial to the sustainability of our cultural heritage.

It was so great to see some of the young people at this event who came with their folks. It gave the festivities a laid back family atmosphere. Hopefully some of this music will have a positive impact on these youthful impressionable souls.

By continuing to scroll down you can enjoy a photo essay by the incomparable Alex Gardner, who I would like to thank personally for his professionalism and friendship.

- David Mac