PITTSBURGH BLUES
by Val Scott
Excerpts from Val’s article were found in Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine…January 2010 issue
In the Steel City Valley, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio, lies the city of Pittsburgh. Once known as an old smoky, dirty steel town, Pittsburgh is now listed as one of the USA’s most livable cities, thriving on technology and medical industry as it recreates itself. Among those who have chronicled Pittsburgh’s 20 years of transformation are the musicians and promoters of blues, soul, and rock’n’roll. The 1980’s recession and the fall of the steel industry inspired many lyrics and tales for native musicians who lived through that era. In this City of Champions, fans also mix their music with sports. One can easily walk into a local bar and see both sports and music paraphernalia on the wall, or meet at least one person wearing some form of Steelers’ Black and Gold.
Pittsburgh has live music clubs on the South Side, the West Hills, the East End and the North Hills, plus surrounding suburbs. Most notable in the business for 20 years, and a recent Keeping the Blues Alive recipient, is Moondog’s. Found on the main street of Blawnox, Moondog’s is known for the best local and national blues entertainment in the area. Moondog/Ron Esser is also involved in booking the blues acts for the Pittsburgh Blues Festival during late July, with proceeds going to the Pittsburgh Food Bank. So how would you remember Moondog’s, if you visited? Note the portraits of blues musicians, painted as comical dogs on the walls of the club. If you look closely, you will find autographs of the national artists claiming their favorite dog paintings. Rumor has it this club was a favorite stop of Luther Allison.
Flowing back down the river on the east end and in the historic Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, one can find the Thunderbird Café. Pictures of blues musicians adorn the walls. Many harp aficionados mingle here and have encouraged the bookings of harmonica blowouts with national acts such as Rick Estrin, Jerry Portnoy, Lee Oskar and Magic Dick. So if you are into Mississippi saxophone, the Thunderbird Café might be the place to be in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh also has a local record company, Bonedog Records, run by Jeffrey Ingersoll who promotes soul, rhythm and blues music. Jeff’s mission is to preserve American music. Promoting artists like Tommy Brown, Stevee Wellons, Piney Brown and the Pittsburgh Gospel Lights, Bonedog’s features them in live shows at the Palisades in McKeesport.
A blues town is not complete without a blues society that also supports the Blues Foundation. Recently restructured, the Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania supports and hosts live music throughout the town. Its dedicated members find creative ways to mix a blues event with a charitable theme. If you are interested in local, live blues music their website, www. bswpa.org lists a calendar of local blues activities. President Jonnye Weber keeps active in promoting the blues along with the board and volunteers. Kudos for a job well done. Subscribe to: www.bigcitybluesmag.com or Big City Blues Magazine, P.O. Box 1805, Royal Oak, MI 48068-1805
