Racky Thomas Band to play new songs at BluesNBrews Festival in Westford, August 22
Racky Thomas and his band are gearing up for another BluesNBrews Festival in Westford, Massachusetts this August 22. Thomas was part of the side stage duo at last year’s BNB and he had his full band there back in the summer of 2009. Thomas also has a new CD coming out at this time, so he is doubly excited.
John Hall celebrating North River Blues Festival’s 20 years; organizing several other music events
Marshfield, Massachusetts’s booker-promoter John Hall is a one man utility machine, bringing huge music events to his South Shore community and beyond all year long. Hall, who will be hosting the 20th anniversary of his North River Blues Festival at Marshfield Fair this summer, brings the blues goodies home to many in his greater-Boston music scene. His greatest achievement is likely the North River Blues Festival that runs the second weekend at the Marshfield Far.
Guitarist Bob Wolfman, always taking it to a higher level
Guitarist Bob Wolfman has been respected for his advanced musical skills for a long time. He was already a Manhattan session player before he finished high school. Yet, he should be even more respected for his never ending quest for self-improvement. Despite his ability to play fast chords over complicated scales, Wolfman never rests on his laurels. At heart, he is still a student of the guitar, voice, music, teaching, and recording. Whatever his latest project might be, listeners can bet their last dollar that Wolfman will be stepping up his game, taking it to an even higher level.
Jabbers guitarist Chris Lamy to auction memorabilia from GG Allin & Johnny Ramone; RR Auction handling July sales
Guitarist Chris Lamy has had an interesting history in the punk rock scenes in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York. A member of the Jabbers during the GG Allin period and a friend of Johnny Ramones during The Ramones’ heyday, Lamy collected many pieces of memorabilia. Having reached an age of maturity, Lamy has decided to sell these pieces through RRAuction’s online auction service in July.
Ruby Rose Fox is an artist on the way up, all the way up
Ruby Rose Fox has, through hard work and talent, risen to the top of the Boston music scene. After starting out a few years ago going to open mics and networking, she was selected to compete in the 2013 Rumble, got nominated for a couple of Boston Music Awards in 2013 and 2014, before winning a BMA for Best Female Vocalist at last December’s Award show.
Shanta Paloma ready to move onto larger music scene
Shanta Paloma is on a role. The glam doll of the western Massachusetts music scene has been building a recording studio in her apartment. This gives her the control to make her songs sound the way she hears them in her head. “When they come out something different, I have no one else to blame but me,” she said.
Michelle Willson continues to push her way back into the blues & jazz circuits
Michelle Willson has been a very busy gal lately. She’s currently learning songs to sing with Dr. John on a February 25th Wilbur Theater concert. Willson’s job is to be the female duet partner for the doctor’s tour to promote his latest release, a collection of Louis Jordan songs, some recorded with female singers.
Amy Fairchild is a music scene force to be reckoned with
Amy Fairchild is a phoenix on the greater-Boston music scene. After dropping off the radar screen for a few years, Fairchild, a 20 year veteran of the music business, is back with an exciting new CD. She’s been participating in a Linda Ronstadt tribute show, and she’s developed an interest in making music videos to accompany her songs.
Arthur James is standing tall after “third place finish” in Memphis competition
The New England blues scene can proudly boast that New Hampshire’s Arthur James was “tied for third place” for the acoustic solo/duo portion of the International Blues Competition in Memphis last week. While there is no official recognition by the I.B.C. for third place finishers in the acoustic solo/duo contest, every blues fan from the New England blues scene, James’ home state of New Hampshire in particular, should be pleased to know he came pretty darn close to the top two spots.
Alan Arena hosts Hugs forLizbeth, with a little help from his musical friends
Tomorrow afternoon, blues musician Alan Arena will host a benefit to raise funds for his wife, Lizbeth. Lizbeth is living with the progressive, incurable genetic disorder known as Huntington’s disease. Funds will go to offset the expenses to cover her care.
