Indie News, Buzz & Blogs

From Arthur James (Blues) Here’s the skinny on Gnome Happenings this weekend. Fri. 4/27 @ Hellings Slopeside in Henniker 8 PM – 11 PM Sunday 4/29 @ Double Diamond Café Hosting the Sunday afternoon jam. All jammers welcome & welcome to slip your own stuff in too. This isn’t just a blues jam, so use it to audition for a gig there or just come on out & support the scene. 3pm – 7 pm. If you show up on a bike you are welcome to use equipment, but you may have to use a pink guitar!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20th Annual Silent Auction & Fashion Show Friday, April 27th Hilton Wilmington Riverside Tickets available Now for Preferred Seating Luncheon Tickets $40 per person ($320 table of 8) 11:00 a.m. Auction ~ 12:00 p.m. Fashion Show Dinner Tickets $50 per person ($400 table of 8) 6:00 p.m. Auction ~ 7:00 p.m. Fashion Show SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW! Visit www.domesticviolence-wilm.org click on MAKE A DONATION to purchase Sponsorships, or sponsor a table, and purchase individual tickets in advance. Remember to donate your unwanted treasures to our Vintage Values Resale Shops. Three convenient locations--one near you! 609 Castle Street • 413 S. College Road (University Landing) • 5226 S. College Road (Monkey Junction) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Celebrate Healthy Choices Join The Voices for Recovery "It's Worth It" - Musical Fundraiser Event featuring El Jaye Johnson & The Port City All Stars Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 7p-9p, $12 cover at the door. All proceeds go back to the Cape Fear Recovery month Committee. Satellite Lounge, 120 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. For additional information, contact Prevention Services of Coastal Horizon Center at (910) 202-0840.

CD Review - Bryan Dean Trio

I judged this trio at the International Blues Challenge in 2011 at the Historic Daisy theatre in Memphis, TN. I spoke to them after I judged them during the second round of the quarter-finals (they advanced to the semi-finals).  I asked them to keep me updated on their next CD release. I saw in this trio a huge talent on the fringe, ready to make a mark in the Blues world picture.
When I received this CD I was blown away! It will take you up and down the Blues road. Funny and serious, there are many life stories that perhaps many of us have lived. After all, that is what the Blues is - a life story.
This CD brings out Bryan’s throaty Blues vocals, and he plays a great lead guitar. To this, add his wife Koko on bass guitar and Ralph Gilmore with his solid drumming and versatility, while both provide backup vocals. They all have smiles on their faces while performing – you have to love that from any artist.
As the Bryan Dean Trio they have opened for many great Blues artists, including Coco Montoya at the Bisbee Blues Festival in September of 2011, Janiva Magness at the Tucson Blues Festival  in October of 2010, and Kim Wilson at the Boondocks in Tucson.
Ralph Gilmore and Bryan Dean have both been inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame and the Tucson Musicians Museum.
Bryan’s first guitar was an old Yamaha that his beloved Grandmother purchased for him.  She had raised him after his Mother’s sudden death when he was only three months old.

Miss Ella
Sister to the Blues