2010 PITTSBURGH BLUES FEST
As always, when it comes to outdoor events, the weather is a major factor. Checking the weather forecast, there were to be severe thunderstorms Friday and throughout the day Saturday. Sunday was to be clear and sunny. Friday was clear and it did not rain Saturday until half-way through the final act - Eric Burdon and the Animals. Sunday, it rained prior to the gates opening and was clear the rest of the day. It seems a shame that weather forecasters make such good money and are only correct 50 % of the time.
Well, I digress. As for the rest of the weekend, the Iguanas played a nice set of Creole style music, followed by Chubby Carrier, had the Hartwood Acres crowd dancing the night away.
The weekend of music was opened by the CAPA students. They had who impressed everyone that I talked to ( I got there too late) and were followed by Miss Freddye and Blue Faze, who have become one of the most entertaining regional bands in Pennsylvania and features talented musicians and Miss Freddye's incredible voice and stage presence. Sweaty Betty opened the second day with guest guitarist, Max Schang. It was a great way to start the day. There was a lot of energy and they seemed to be having a lot of fun.
The weekend of music was opened by the CAPA students. They had who impressed everyone that I talked to ( I got there too late) and were followed by Miss Freddye and Blue Faze, who have become one of the most entertaining regional bands in Pennsylvania and features talented musicians and Miss Freddye's incredible voice and stage presence. Sweaty Betty opened the second day with guest guitarist, Max Schang. It was a great way to start the day. There was a lot of energy and they seemed to be having a lot of fun.
Day two was outrageously hot with 90 degree weather. Soon, the stage would be just as hot. We heard music we were unfamiliar with. Jim Hamel went to see who was playing. He came back and told us... "All that music is coming from a trio." I had to go look. Moondog was next to us. I asked who it was burning up the stage. His answer, "Sonny Moorman." I hope to see them again soon. This guy plays some mean guitar and great original tunes. They were the most enjoyable surprise of the festival. Norm Nardini led the Pittsburgh Blues All Stars and kept the day going in the right direction. One of these days I'm going to see Norm with a scowl on his face and remaining completely silent during a performance. OK- maybe not. The rest of Saturday featured Nick Curran, the duet of Peter Karp and Sue Foley and Eric Burdon's shortened set. The day started strong but ended soggy and depressing.
We had to hope for a great third day. They were NOW calling for thunderstorms off and on all day. It was raining as we arrived. We went there half-expecting to tear down our booth and call it a day. Miraculously, as we headed to the booth, the rain subsided. It stayed sunny the rest of the day! We were ready to enjoy some tunes! Mahajibee opened the final day and sounded quite good! They sounded smooth and looked comfortable on the big stage. TheCause was next. Yes, that's how they spell it- do not correct me. Jill Simmons sounded and looked great with her band. It was a departure from the blues for the most part, but a lot of fun to listen to. The audience seemed to agree, as they danced in the sun to Grateful Dead tunes and some other tunes. Jill was fresh from her appearance at PNC Park singing the national anthem.
We were now going to see the Blues Society IBC winners for this year, Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle. Many were seeing them for the first time. The audience cheered and shouted at the band with the great original sound. Ron played the harp in his own style and also played the B3 organ on some tunes. I had people from other areas tell us that we had a wonderful winner this year and wished us both luck in Memphis. Ron signed autographs for well over 30 minutes.
Next, was an all-time favorite of mine, Tinsley Ellis. I have seen him many times and he always performs well. A rugged voice, great guitar licks, a drummer who plays like Animal from the Muppets (according to Robb Patterson), and a bass player named "The Evil One." How can you lose? ... Loved Tinsley and band once again. Larry McCray was next and played a nice set. I did not get to hear much, but he sounded good from what I heard.
Then came Kenny! Kenny Wayne Shepherd was on stage with Noah Hunt. They roamed the stage like they owned it. Opening with "Somehow, Somewhere, Someway." You could tell right away the show was going to be hot. I've seen Kenny four times before. He never played with so much confidence. He looked so comfortable on stage, like he owned it. He always sounded good, but this time he LOOKED great, as well as sounding great. Noah Hunt played a more substantial role, too. They often strolled the stage as one.
Next, was an all-time favorite of mine, Tinsley Ellis. I have seen him many times and he always performs well. A rugged voice, great guitar licks, a drummer who plays like Animal from the Muppets (according to Robb Patterson), and a bass player named "The Evil One." How can you lose? ... Loved Tinsley and band once again. Larry McCray was next and played a nice set. I did not get to hear much, but he sounded good from what I heard.
Then came Kenny! Kenny Wayne Shepherd was on stage with Noah Hunt. They roamed the stage like they owned it. Opening with "Somehow, Somewhere, Someway." You could tell right away the show was going to be hot. I've seen Kenny four times before. He never played with so much confidence. He looked so comfortable on stage, like he owned it. He always sounded good, but this time he LOOKED great, as well as sounding great. Noah Hunt played a more substantial role, too. They often strolled the stage as one.
Hope you all had fun there. I did again as I always do. Thanks to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, Moondog , Jim Adler, Eugene Morgan, Bubs McKeg, June Esser and all who helped with the Kids tent, including Jonnye Weber, our president who gave input and suggestions, and all who helped make the Blues come alive for a hot weekend in the Burgh.
By the way, the pulled pork sandwich has my vote for the best food item this year ... I put a spare in my pocket to take home.
~ Don Vecchio
