White Rock Blues Society: News

Membership Drive

We need you to support the White Rock Blues Society so that we can continue to bring professional blues/roots musical talent from around the world into our backyard. We also want to promote blues/roots music excellence in our
community by conducting educational workshops and encouraging venues for local talent to develop. For only $25 a year you can demonstrate your support for the society objectives and receive benefits that far exceed the
cost. $40 per couple.

Please get involved and fill out the attached form to e-mail it back to me. rodneyd@shaw.ca. Send a cheque made out to the White Rock Blues Society headquarters, 15798 38A Ave Surrey V3S 0K9 BC and our Secretary Treasurer,
Marg will mail you your membership card. Another option is to e-mail your membership form back stating you want to pick up your card at out next event and you can pay then.

I’m pleased to announce and to welcome Mark Trevis on board as the White Rock Blues Society Membership Committee Chairman. Mark is a “true blue” blues fan who has answered the call to lead the charge in developing our membership ranks. He has redone the membership form and will be instrumental in executing an ambitious membership campaign.

Membership Form PDF

July31st-August 2nd, 2009
Deming Log Show Fairgrounds
3295 Cedarville Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226

WORLD-CLASS lineup for the 2009 Mount Baker R&B Festival!

• Johnny Winter…the “one and only”. Legendary Blues/Rock icon
• Sonny Landreth…Slide Guitar wizard…an legend in his own right
• Ana Popovic…Serbian born “guitar goddess”
• Jason Ricci & New Blood…astounding harmonica wizard
• Shane Dwight Band…the “new look” of the Blues
• Jr. Cadillac…Northwest Icons of 50’s & 60’s Rock n Roll
• The Fat Tones…truly Superstars of NW R&B
• Also featuring…Sammy Eubanks…Midlife Crisis & the Alimony Horns… Paul Green & Straight Shot… The Shadow Creek Project… Scratch Daddy…The Crystal Tricycle
An All-Star Jam follows each evening show…’til 2am on Friday & Saturday…12 midnight on Sunday…..

New this year, we’ve added a Sunday morning “Gospel” service hosted by Seattle’s Blues Minister, Rev. Deb Engelhardt…music by Blue Soul Revival

Quickly becoming known for it’s great vibe, the Mount Baker R&B Festival has, once again, risen to the occasion. With group of talent, second to none in the State. The buzz is already on. It’s our fourth year at the Deming Log Show Fairgrounds, a 180 acre “built to order” venue for a gathering of up to 5000 campers and RV’s…flush toilets, H&C running water…lots of great food & crafts vendors…two “signed guitar” raffles (all proceeds to charity, donated by Hugo Helmer Music, Burlington WA)…
Limited to 2000 advance tickets! Canadian money at “par” on site.

Tickets secure online @ www.bakerblues.com or (360)629-8027
In Bellingham @ Avalon Music, 1330 Railroad Ave…(360)676-9573

White Rock Blues Society Bulletin

I just got off the phone with Steve Marriner of MonkeyJunk and confirmed
that the band is playing the Yale Hotel tomorrow night, Wednesday May 13th at
10:00 PM. It seems that they dropped by Monday night for a jam and blew the
audience away. They are booked for Wednesday.

It seems there is no cover charge except for purchasing a beverage. So if
you just can’t wait until the Friday May 22nd Rhumba Room MonkeyJunk Show
get on down to the Yale.

Breaking News!
This Year’s Juno Award Winner, Electro–Fi recording Artist Julian Fauth is coming to White Rock on
Sunday August 2nd! For an Exclusive Intimate Evening show put on by the White
Rock Blues Society at the Pacific Inn Rhumba Room.
http://www.julianfauth.com/ Congratulations to Julian Fauth for his 2009 Juno Award
in the "Blues Album of the Year" category for his album, “Ramblin’ Son”.

Luke Harley has a vision to create a blues venue in Surrey that will match the quality of any other blues venue around.

Check out this video for details and pay particular note to the Thursday night Jams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smvPG_mR2kQ
Amberjack's Thursday Night Juke Joint Blues Jam... The Show,... with your host Steve Kozak.

Coming soon to a website near you!

An exciting new video show designed to celebrate Metro Vancouver's Blues scene and promote Steve Kozak's brand spankin' new Blues jam at Amberjack's Taphouse located in The Compass Point Inn in Surrey BC.

Presented by Harley Productions and Amberjack's, this new weekly jam session will entertain the most discerning Blues fans and musicians alike with a variety of special guest artists each week featuring the best local talent available.

This new video show will present performance clips and short interviews with Kozak's special guests, along with some of the great players who participate in the jam session. The show will also keep you updated on all the great upcoming Blues shows being presented by Amberjack's Taphouse in Surrey.

Come out and join the fun every Thursday night starting at 8:30 pm and stay tuned for more good things to come in the near future from Ibarra Productions... on with the show!

produced by Marko Ibarra

The White Rock Blues Society will be proud to present;

The Okanagan Blues Harvest this September at the Rhumba Room.

John Lee Sanders
Sherman Doucette
Chris Nordquist...drums.
Dennis Marcenko....Bass
Brandon Isaak.....Guitar
Jerry Cook....Sax
Derry Byrne......Trumpet

Here's just a little backgrounder on John Lee Sanders. From his Website.
“One of the Hottest Bluesmen on the Scene” Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Fest.
This 2008 Western Canada Music Award nominee does it all…. A Singer, Songwriter and triple threat on piano, saxophone and guitar, he is gaining a following in concerts throughout North America and Europe. His songs have nominations for a WC Handy blues song of the year, a 2007 Emmy award, and appear on Grammy nominated recordings of major artists.

A new Canadian resident, John Lee brings New Orleans Jazz, blues and gospel roots from his hometown in Louisiana. This man has performed with Willie Nelson, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, Dr. John, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder and many others.

Message from the president. - MonkeyJunk

Ok, you say you like to experience great live music. You have fond memories of seeing a concert up close when you were younger, of a band that still tours today but you can’t get tickets anywhere near as close to the stage when they come to town. If you do get close to the stage it’s because Ticketmaster sent you to their “Scalper” Website and you paid a hefty premium for the ticket. Welcome to the new world of concert going.

You have enjoyed hearing the sound track of your life over the years but you are wondering if there is anything new out there worth your attention. What the White Rock Blues Society is offering you on Friday May 22nd is an opportunity of seeing an original Canadian blues band that will “Blow You Away”. I know, first hand, after seeing MonkeyJunk play in Memphis at the
famed Orpheum Theatre in February in front of a sold out crowd.Ultimately being named the 3rd place ranked band out of 100 bands from 38 States and 8 countries at the 25th annual International Blues Challenge
“IBC” put on by the Memphis based Blues Foundation ( the “mother ship” of all Blues Societies around the world). Imagine, a Canadian trio of fine musicians having the audacity to travel into the heart of the American blues country to play the blues. Then to have judges acknowledging their unique talent that transcends barriers once again confirming what has been said before, the blues is a culture without borders.

Check out MonkeyJunk in Memphis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLPA50XvqGw&feature=related

Another great night of blues was provided by the White Rock Blues Society on
Saturday night at the Pacific Inn Hotel Rhumba Room. Steve Kozak Westcoast
Revue with Brian "Sechelt Red" McFadyen on harp opened the show. Then Hank
Shreve followed by Harpdog Brown. They had the dance floor full of music
lovers all night with a long list of Blues tunes with a focus on the
harmonica. Hank Shreve, is a 20 year old harp master from Eugene Oregon.
He recently achieved a 2nd place finish with the Ty Curtis Band out of 100
bands from 38 states and 9 countries at the 25th Annual International Blues
Showcase in Memphis. This was Hank’s first international gig and the way he
played it won’t be his last. Harpdog Brown followed with an energetic set
then returned for a final set with all three harp players trading licks to
wrap up the show at 1:00 AM.

Check out Hank Shreve from the Saturday night show at the Rhumba Room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFX60szekP8
The next dance/show at the Rhumba Room will be on Friday May 22nd doors open
at 8:00 PM, and the band hits the stage at 9:00 PM. The band is MonkeyJunk.
They are from Ottawa and placed 3rd at the International Blues Challenge in
Memphis in February.

Harpdog Brown has conjured up a wicked assembly of harp heavy weights to
share their love of the instrument. Vancouver’s "sons of the blues", The
Steve Kozak Band will kick off this evening with his own brand of "kick ya
in da head and call ya mamma" blues, featuring "Sechelt Red" on the harp.
Our own Harpdog Brown will be backed by Jason Buie and a rhythm section TBA.
Finally, our 1st harp master from America will be attending and tending to
our needs. Hank Shreve comes to us via Oregon’s melting pot of great harp
wizards such as Paul deLay and Curtis Salgado....to name a few. Hank is a
young yet wise, respectful lover of the blues, and I know this will be a
show NOT to miss. Oh, one other thing, The Dog will be releasing his newest
CD "Unleashed" recorded back in ’95, and let me tell you this,"if you have
not bought a copy yet......you’re gonna wanna" Harpdog Brown is the real
deal and has put together an outstanding showcase of blues harmonica talent.
Muddy Award winner and Juno nominee, Harpdog never fails to give 100% of his
harp and soul, every time he hits the stage.

Check out this YouTube video link of Harpdog Brown playing his original tune,
“How Come” at the Yale on Friday night, the first of two nights. Harpdog is
hosting the International Harmonica Showcase this coming Saturday April 11th at the
Pacific Inn Hotel aka “Pink Palace” Rhumba Room - 1160 King George Hwy.
Call 604 542 6514 for info or tickets.
$20 in advance $25 at the door
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snsTK00fdas

How good is this band? In early February MonkeyJunk, representing the Ottawa
Blues Society, went down to the Blues Foundation’s 25th annual International
Blues Challenge in Memphis and ended up placing 3rd from over 100 entrants
from 36 states and 9 countries. Wow! They don't even have a CD released yet
(it will be out in April). Formed only 6 months ago this trio includes Steve
Marriner (another great young Canadian blues artist - he just won the 2009
Maple Blues Award Winner for Harmonica Player of the Year) on harp, guitar
and vocals, Tony D (a mainstay guitarist – singer - songwriter on the Ottawa
scene for decades) on guitar and vocals and Matt Sobb on drums (Jeff Healey,
Kim Wilson, Daivd Gogo). Together they have over 56 years of combined
experience playing LIVE and in studio - and it shows. If you like your blues
"Hound Dog Taylor style" you will love this band - a mix of "swamp R&B, soul
boogie and bedroom funk". They are on a month long tour through western
Canada and the White Rock Blues Society is excited at the prospect of
presenting them for our blues enthusiasts. Come and see them in the funky,
intimate confines of The Rhumba Room and see for yourself what three
talented Canadian musicians can add to the canon of blues music.

Here's a note for blues fans, Cadillac Records movie has just come out in DVD and I
saw it over the weekend. It tells the story of Len Chess and the creation of
Chess Records in Chicago in the late forties. It’s a decent attempt to tell
the story of how he along with Muddy Waters built the label and bringing
Willie Dixon, Etta James, Little Walter and Chuck Barry to the label and
fame. http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/cadillacrecords/)

This coming Saturday music lovers will once again have the opportunity to
bath themselves in blues/roots music as some lovely singers will be putting
on a show you must see. Willie Dixon of Chicago Chess Records fame is on
record as saying “the blues are the facts of life put to music”.

These ladies will keep you dancing on the spacious Rhumba Room dance floor
all evening sharing the lyrical facts of life, blues style. Cathy Ann Wells
headlined our sell-out Valentine's Day Show last year and she was a
knock-out. We would have loved to have had her back but there was a
conflict.

Check these out from last year’s show,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7tiZqf2u3U&feature=channel_page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJzuPcXPkeg
This is not a White Rock Blues Society event but we are very supportive of
this collection of fine entertainers playing our neck of the woods. Many White Rock Blues
Society volunteers will be there and hats off to Jodi Gilbert for leading
the charge in putting this show on. Come on down and give them the support
they deserve. Check out the Alex Browne piece on the show that ran on March
4hth in the Peace Arch News. Link below.

Peace Arch News Diva’s ready to shine

http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/peacearchnews/entertainment/40810238.html
Willie Dixon also said in the introduction of his autobiography, The Willie Dixon
Story, I Am The Blues, “The delivering of messages in a song is the blues,
but today people don’t look into the song for information. They just sing
the song for the music quality and they never get the actual reason for the
song. People have lost the original blues and the blues itself by other
creations that surround it. That’s the reason I always say about music, the
blues are the roots and the other music are the fruits. Without the roots,
you have not fruits so it’s better keeping the roots alive because it means
better fruits from now on. That’s why I say the blues will always be because
the blues are the roots of all American music”

Check out these pieces of the action on Wednesday night as Wild T and the Spirit put on quite a show for local music fans.
Jason Buie and Wild T wrapped up the night with some wild jamming. You can tell by the looks on their faces that they truly enjoy what they are doing.
Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K54-wnxB6hQ Part Two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-eWnQy-KJ0

Check out this You Tube video of MonkeyJunk doing Boogie Man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLPA50XvqGw
TONY D - guitar, slide guitar, lead and backing vocals

STEVE MARRINER - lead and backing vocals, baritone guitar, guitar, harmonica

MATT SOBB - drums, percussion, backing vocals

MonkeyJunk on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/monkeyjunkottawa
These guys are great and came in third at the 25th International Blues Challenge in Memphis put on by the Blues Foundation each year in February. Over 100 bands were in the challenge.
According to their website they are touring out west in the spring.
The WRBS would sure like to bring them to White Rock.
Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned.

Ty Curtis and Hank Shreve performing at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis Tennessee Saturday February 7th 2009.
Competing in the 25th International Blues Challenge put on by the Blues Foundation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lCNzlggsYg

On Wednesday March 11th plan to be at the Pacific Inn Hotel Rhumba Room,
1160 King George Hwy, for a very special night with an amazing entertainer.
Early Show!

This is one show you do not want to miss. It is quite an exclusive for the
White Rock Blues Society to be helping with the promotion of this event.

It is the society’s goal to bring top talent to the White Rock and South
Surrey area for your enjoyment and this event fits the bill big time.

Through Jason Buie, White Rock Blues Society Artistic Director and his
friendship with Wild T he has arranged this show/dance because Wild T and
his band are touring the west coast. The White Rock Blues Society could not
possibly afford flying in a band of this caliber and paying for room and
board etc. Maybe some day. But not now. So this show represents a very
special opportunity for us to be involved with a world class act coming to
our town.

Tony "Wild T" Springer has hung with the best of them. David Bowie, Jeff
Healey, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall
are just some of the musical acts and personalities that have been blown
away by Wild T's guitar.

Wild T is originally from Tunapuna, Trinidad. Though one may find
similarities to Jimi Hendrix, ironically it was T's first exposure to Steve
Howe and classic Yes that inspired him to take up guitar.

Moving to Toronto, Canada, T quickly gained a reputation on the local club
circuit. Since then he has recorded two albums (Love Crazy 1991 and Givin'
Blood 1995) with his own group, Wild T and the Spirit for Warner Brothers.
He has also recorded an album (Black Tie, White Noise) with David Bowie and
has appeared with Bowie on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with
David Letterman and the Arsenio Hall Show.

He has toured with Bon Jovi and Deep Purple throughout North America and has
performed thousands of club shows. In '99 he was asked to portray Jimi
Hendrix in Daydream Believers - The Monkees Story because of his resemblance
and showmanship. Source: Wild T website.

Wednesday night is not ideal, middle of the week and all that, but the show
will start early 7:00 PM and end early 10:00 PM to respect the working
man/woman audience. But here is the point, you will be witnessing a
performance from a world class entertainer and his band right here in White
Rock/South Surrey, close to your home. Free parking. Yale Hotel-like venue.
It doesn't get better than that for a music lover. So please, support
quality, live music in your town, it’s your town, your cultural expression,
help put this town on the musical map.

There are so many talented musicians and music lovers in this neck of the
woods. They are here for a multitude of reasons and one of them is we have a
plethora of music lovers who know the value of live music and the stage
presence of the consummate artist. There is something very appealing to
“being there”, when the magic, the power of the music and the performer flows
from the stage. Be there. I don't want to have to tell you about it after
the fact because my words would pale in comparison.

Tickets available at Tapestry Music and the Pacific Inn Hotel – Ingrid or at the door.
$15
White Rock Blues Society members $10.


Please note.
White Rock Blues Society membership is good for 12 months from time of joining.
$25 per year for a single
$40 per year for a couple

Check out the following link to see Joani Bye on stage at the White Rock Blues Society Valentine's Blues Gala held February 14th. http://vimeo.com/3299690

What a night. February 14th, Valentine’s Night in the Rhumba room. People
celebrating the blues-way, with music to feel and dance to, until the wee
hours with the one they love.

Jason Buie on blistering guitar, Brian Scott on bass, Sig Schnellert on
piano, Al Webster, (Maple Blues Ward “Drummer of the Year”) later joined by
Jimmy D Lane (Chicago guitar talent and son of the great Jimmy Rogers),
provided the solid rhythms for the full house to Enjoy.


Then Joani Bye took the stage, one of Vancouver's top studio singers,
Joani's powerful voice has been heard on albums by some of the music
industry's most popular artists such as Cher, David Bowie, INXS, and Jon
Bon Jovi -- to name a few. Both these ladies brought elegance, class and
beautiful voices to the stage.

The audience filled the dance floor all night because the need to dance was
uncontrollable. Tune after tune brought everyone to their feet and the
energetic response from the crowd after every song was testament to their
approval.

We were all disappointed to learn that Kathi MacDonald had to bow out at the
last minute due to throat problems but such setbacks are part of the
business. The show however, must go on and on it did. A last minute
replacement was found in the wonderfully talented Joani Bye who came to the
rescue bringing her unique style and grace to the stage. Joani has a great
track record as a successful performer and demonstrated that clearly
Saturday night in two powerhouse sets. She is an accomplished guitar player
and clearly demonstrated her talent throughout the night.

Joani sang her heart out to the appreciative crowd. Joani
commented at one point that this was one of the best crowds she ever had the
pleasure of playing to. It was a special treat to see the two ladies,
Leanne and Joani on stage together during the final set. We will have some
videos of her performance are on our myspace site as Guy
Shaddock, our videographer captured many of the songs for us.

Hats off once
again to Brown Sound, Gordie Brown, James Wahl as well as all the volunteers
that help with decorations, ticket and membership sales, and the many tasks
necessary to make the evening such a success. Special thanks to Dovey for
photographs you can see on our myspace site, Jody Gilbert, Jodi Bell, Gail
Terry, Dave, Tom, Anthony Intas for drawing skills at the door among other
things, Debra, Don, Viv Hirst, Lynn Morris. Mike Sheeshka and his son
Jeremy. Also thanks to Ingrid and the crew holding down the bar.

Check out this link to gomemphis.com to read an article on the 25th International Blues Contest put on by the Blues Foundation every year.
http://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jan/30/commemphis-blues-competition-draws-acts/

Check out this interview with Russell Jackson. http://vimeo.com/2793577 Also see Mud Bay Blues Band clip.

As the saying does, “The show must go on.”and that’s what happened on
Saturday night despite the weather and miserable road conditions. The
hardiest of blues lovers made their way to the Pacific Inn Rhumba Room and
were treated to a great night of blues. Mud Bay Blues Band opened the show
with a spirited set capping off their thirtieth year together as a band here
in the White Rock area. Russell Jackson and his band with Glen Mitchell on
keyboards and guitar, Lorn Etkin on drums and Tony Robinson on guitar took
to the stage around 9:30 PM and played two high energy sets until 12:45 AM.

The dance floor was full and the music was intoxicating as Russell’s strong
vocals, bass playing skills and stage presence wowed the appreciative audience.

Our next show is scheduled for Saturday night February 14th featuring the wonderful Cathy Ann Wells "Phat Betty" who rocked the house a year ago helping us all celebrate Valentines Day.
MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/phatbetty1

The Blues Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation headquartered in
Memphis, Tennessee, the home of the Blues. With more than 165 affiliated
Blues organizations, and membership spanning the globe, the Foundation
serves as the hub for the worldwide passion for Blues Music. The White Rock Blues Society is now an affiliate.

Cathy Ann Wells - February 16th 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJzuPcXPkeg

The Twisters with Good Dog Bad Dawg
November 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFd82WWHiaE

Check out our myspace site
for pictures and video of Sunday’s Yuletide Blues Benefit show held at the
Rhumba Room at the “Pink Palace” (Pacific Inn Hotel).

http://www.myspace.com/whiterockbluessociety
The 2nd Annual Yuletide Blues Benefit was a great evening of music and
sharing! $3,755 was collected at door along with 701 lbs of food.

On behalf of the White Rock Blues Society, I would like to say a few words
about Sunday’s Yuletide Blues Benefit dance/show for the Peace Arch Community
Services Food Bank...servicing the White Rock/South Surrey area.

Jason Buie did a masterful job putting on the greatest blues shows in the
history of White Rock/South Surrey. He handled a multitude of entertainers
and logistics with excellent poise and tact.

Hats off to “Brown Sound” under Gordie Brown’s leadership for creating a
rich visual & sound environment, handling all the variety of bands and their
technical needs. Also many thanks goes out to James Wahl for working the sound board all night.

Many thanks to Anthony Intas, a driving force in promoting this wonderful
community event.

Congratulations to Ruth Chitty and her band of volunteers for handling the
door and donations.

A warm thanks to all the musicians who donated their talents and time to
make the evening a resounding success.

Many thanks also goes out to Rockwell’s and the team for supplying the room
free of charge to support our efforts.

Thank you to the WRBS volunteers who helped make the evening flow smoothly.

Last but not least, a great big thank you to the members of the local media
who helped spread the word about our WRBS 2nd annual Yuletide Blues event
making this a very successful and rewarding evening.

White Rock Blues Society Newsletter November 28th, 2008

The White Rock Blues Society in association with the Peace Arch Community
Services is pleased to present the 2nd Annual Yuletide Blues Benefit
Dance/Show on Sunday, December 7th from 5:00 PM until 10:00PM, (a little
later if circumstances warrant), doors open at 4:30 PM to be held in the
Rhumba Room at the Pacific Inn Hotel (Pink Palace), 1160 King George Hwy.

Lots of free parking and a big dance floor.

Admission is $15 and two items of non perishable food. Additional donations
can be given at the door where tax receipts can be issued. All proceeds from
the event are going to the Peace Arch Community Services Food Bank...
Serving South Surrey and White Rock.

Last year’s inaugural event was a great success generating $3,400 and 525
lbs of non perishable food. Check out You Tube video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4YwIx3b5_U
Jason Buie, The White Rock Blues Society Artistic Director has put together
an amazing array of talent. The list of entertainers donating their talents
and time to this years worthwhile community event are:

Jerry Doucette

Johnny Ferreira

Blue Voodoo

Brandon "Yukon Slim" Isaak

Jason Buie Band

Mud Bay Blues Band

Leanne Coleman

Ellie Johnson

David Gates

Mud Dog

Glenn Pearson

Sam & Luke

James Shepherd Band

Music lovers and dance enthusiasts will be treated to a one-of-a-kind event.
Never before has a blues show of this magnitude taken place in our White
Rock/South Surrey neighborhood. Remember, by attending you will be
supporting an important community initiative while witnessing history in the
making.

Please pass this on to friends and family you think may be interested in
attending and by so doing, would be helping people who need our support.