2005
Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival
Helena,
Arkansas
Thursday,
Oct. 6th
After rain
for the last 2 years, it was great that they had such fantastic weather!
A little on the cool side, with a north wind, but DRY! Our
favorites on Thursday included Diunna Greenleaf and the Blue Mercy Band.
She's a wonderful singer and great entertainer. What a treat, as
the great Bob Margolin sat in on bass . John Richarson, the guitar
player is excellent! We also really enjoyed Lonnie Shields,
who played a high energy set with Big Jack Johnson sitting in on guitar
and sounding great! We also took in the Cate Brothers, who played
well, too.
Friday,
Oct. 7th
Friday, we
spent alot of time at the Heritage Acoustic Stage. We enjoyed Steve
Cheseborough & the Mississippi Spoonman, and Paul Geremia did a great
job as well. Bob Margolin brought along a friend, the legendary Hubert
Sumlin! What a wonderful surprise! Later, they were joined
by Diunna Greenleaf. I ran into Hubert and got to meet him.
Our friend
Little Johnny Kantreed from the Music City Blues Society, made his debut
at this prestigious festival on the Emerging Artist Stage and Saturday,
played on Cherry Street.
We enjoyed
a great muffaletta from Pasquale's, and enjoyed the wit of Fruteland Jackson.
When listening to Fruteland, you can't help but smile!
Bridget and
I had a great time, and enjoyed meeting Sam from Boston (too bad about
the Sox this year...)
On a sad note,
Cedell Davis wasn't able to do the kind of show he wanted, as his health
is not well right now, but we all told him we loved him anyway. New
Orleans' Walter "Wolfman" Washington did a great high energy show on the
main stage and we pray his hometown is back as soon as possible.
Saturday,
Oct. 8th
Eddie Cusic
played wonderfully on the Acoustic stage, and then Arthur Williams and
his hot band lit the crowd up. It started to sprinkle a little.
Not enough to dampen the crowd, but just enough to make a beautiful rainbow
over the festival. It's always a treat to hear Bob Lohr play piano,
and Jesse Hoggard on guitar. Afterwards I also got to meet Arthur,
and he's a true gem in addition to being a legendary talent.
Speaking
of gems, Drink Small is as well! He truly entertains!
(I think I scared him though.....)
Next, Bridget
and I went to Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale to enjoy some catfish,
and Arthur Williams' show as well. We travel to Clarksdale each year
during the festival for some catfish. Arthur did another fantastic
show! Bob was kind enough (& brave enough) to invite me
to join the band for a couple of songs & Jesse gave me a guitar
lesson I won't soon forget.
2004
KBBF Pictures