This isn’t the Mississippi Delta, or St. Louis, or Chicago, but Chatham-Kent still has its share of people who appreciate blues music.
The Canada South Blues Society (CSBS) is full of them, in fact, and the organization is bringing in a blues musician next month – veteran guitarist Bobby Murray.
Murray is to play at the Kent Belgian Dutch Club May 10.
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Dave Rowlands, of the local chapter of the CSBS, said the society is headquartered out of Windsor, but he and a group of other blues fans started the local branch about three years ago.
“It’s not for profit, but is solely to promote live music in southwestern Ontario,” he said.
Working in concert with their Windsor pals, the local chapter will often bring in a performer the night after he or she plays in Windsor.
“We’ve had some real good success, with a bunch of sold-out shows, bringing in some really interesting acts,” Rowlands said.
And now Murray is bringing in his seven–piece band for a CD release party. Over the years, he’s played on three Grammy-winning records, including two for Etta James and another with B.B. King. In fact, he played with James for more than two decades.
“We’ve been having fun with it,” Rowlands said of bringing in folks such as Murray for local residents to enjoy.
He said DJs and techno music have taken away from live performances. He recalls years ago where there were at least five places in Chatham to see live bands on any given weekend. Now, on a good weekend, there may be two or three.
“Personally, I don’t think there is any substitute for live music, just like live theatre.”
Rowlands became hooked on blues music at a young age. The culprit? B.B. King.
“I’ve been listening to blues my whole life. I saw B.B. King play when I was 17. I’m in my 60s now. It’s always been a passion.”
There are more than 150 members in the Chatham chapter of the CSBS. But the acts they bring to town aren’t restricted to members.
“Anybody can come out to the shows. We’re trying to get more people out to see live music,” he said. “We’re trying to keep things fresh.”
To that extent, the society will host the Ghost Town Blues Band, out of Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 12, and Stacy Mitchhart Dec. 12. Mitchhart has performed here in the past.
“It’s his third visit here. He’s a crowd favourite who sells out here every time,” Rowlands said.
Murray’s show is $20 for CSBS members and $25 for non-members. Tickets are available at Aug’s Video in Chatham and Blenheim, Kakoon Spa in Ridgetown and the Kent Belgian Dutch Club in Chatham.
