THE FIRST WEEK of MAY
Boy, it was a busy MUSICAL week.
Friday May 1st….The Midway Tavern in Mishawaka, IN hosted THE CASH BOX KINGS from Chicago. It was the first time that we had the opportunity to see this great band in person. JOE NOSEK was on harp and vocals, OSCAR WILSON - vocals, BRAD BER - stand-up bass, Drummer MARK HAINES filled in for the regular drummer KENNY “Beedy-Eyes” SMITH. Special guest that night: Little Frank on Guitar. If you get a chance to see them - Don't miss them!
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| L to R: Frank - Mark - Joe - Brad |
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| Joe Nosek and Oscar Wilson |
Sat. May 2nd….back at the Midway… was our old friend WAYNE SHARP and the SHARPSHOOTERS from Mississippi. We’ve known Wayne from his many years as the fantastic B-3 player for the late MICHAEL BURKS. After Michael’s death, Wayne started a family band featuring two of his sons: SEAN on drums, and his youngest son, GRAYSON on guitar and SEADON FAULKNER was on bass. Check out their new CD “Living with the Blues”.
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| L to R: Grayson - Sean - Seadon and Wayne |
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| There's only one Wayne Sharp |
Wed. May 6th…back to the Midway to see the incomparable DAVINA and the VAGABONDS from Minneapolis. Once you see them …..you’ll never get enough of this high energy band. Davina’s voice and stage presence defy description. It’s been said that Davina Sowers could have been the daughter of Leon Redbone and Betty Boop. Her great band consists of her on piano, Dan on trumpet, Ben on trombone, Conner on drums and Greg on Bass and everyone in the band sings. If you get a chance to see them you’ll hear a mix of blues, New Orleans jazz, 40’s classics and whatever!
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| This is just a FABULOUS BAND!! |
Thur. May 7th was the BLUES MUSIC AWARDS presented in Memphis.
These prestigious awards are the equivalent of the Oscars or Grammys.
This is the highest awards that a blues musician can receive.
Some of our friends were winners Thursday night.
DEANNA BOGART - She won for her great saxophone work…this is her 4th win in this category.
JOHN NEMETH - Soul Blues Album of the Year “Memphis Grease”
KIM WILSON - for “POPS” a tribute to Muddy Waters with Mud Morganfield (Muddy’s son)
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| I donated this Clarksdale, MS Shadow Box It was sold at the auction in Memphis Thursday to raise funds for the new BLUES HALL of FAME that opened Friday the 8th. |
