JSJBF Representation Bound for The 43rd International Blues Competition
by Tom Baldino
On what turned out to be a wicked Sunday rain storm, three bands and three solo/duo acts, along with a room full of blues fans showed up at McCanns Tavern for the JSJBF local blues competition. The winners will represent the Foundation at the 43rd International Blues Competition, held in Memphis from January 19-23.
The Master of Ceremonies, longtime supporter and contributing writer, Danny Coleman of the syndicated radio program “Rock On Radio,” got the afternoon started, and kept things moving through the afternoon.
Our three Judges Greg Gaughn, President of the Philadelphia Blues Society, Coo Moe Ghee, JSJBF member and in demand bass player, and Vic Bayers, JSJBF member and long-time drummer in the Sonny Kenn band, had their work cut out for them.
Using the same format as the Memphis competition, they heard James Dalton with Kevin Hill, Gary Cavico and Stringbean with Katie S in the Solo/duo category. James has represented the Foundation in the past, but on this day, he and Gary were edged out by Kenny “Stringbean” Sorenson on guitar, harp and vocals, with his wife, Katie on drums. As for the bands, singer Abby Lee and her band, Alvin Burnett and Phillip Collier on keys and drums, nudged by Sharon Lasher and Jersey Blues, as well as Tony and the Trees.
It was nice to see many familiar faces in the crowd, especially fellow musicians, including Michael Rochelle, lead vocalist for the Shadetree Mechanics, our last entry to the IBC. Everyone there was treated to six fine sets of music, and I’m sure our winners will do the Foundation proud down on Beale Street. Please help support these deserving acts at our GoFundMe site, https://gofund.me/42556bd0e, and if you can make it, a “Get Outta Town” party will be held at Jamey’s House of Music on January 16th.
Last, but not least, a big shout goes to members John Dammacco and Wayne Kessler for all their hard work and dedication in reviving the local competition, and making it the success it was.