Crawfish& Catfish Festival Today - blues stage
Hey, anyone going to the Crawfish & Catfish festival today in Sacramento? There is a blues tent that is probably going to have some harmonica playing. I'm very new to this all but from my research it seems like Kyle Rowland (2pm) and Mick Martin (6:30pm) play harmonica and will both have sets. Here's the link for more info: http://crawfishandcatfishfestival.com/
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/212288857488510/
Not harmonica related, but my favorite local band, the Zydeco Flames, will be playing at the Bayou to Bourbon St. Stage at 1:30pm so check them out if you want to rock out.
So how was the fest? Did you get to hear Kyle and Mick? And re the Zydeco Flames, one of our favorites as well. Love the way they do the Stones' "Miss You."
I managed to miss all the harmonica playing at the Crawfish Festival. :( The Zydeco Flames were good as always even though their lead singer Lloyd Meadows couldn't be there. They were asking for prayers for him - hoping he was just hung over and not really sick. It took several people to fill in for him including the incredible Leslie Jackson on the rubboard.
The Elements Brass Band was great - they even led a second line parade! There was a youth brass band too that was pretty good. Ryder Green Blues Band was rockin' - amazing guitar playing. The vibe was awesome. There were only two stages so very intimate with bands inviting musicians to come up and sit in.
I wasn't familiar with the Sacramento scene, since I live in the East Bay, but I was so impressed I joined the Sacramento Blues Society and picked up the compilation cd. I'm so envious of all the live events you have up there.
PipiRay: Thanks for the report, but sorry to hear that Lloyd Meadows is having trouble. He's the heart and soul of the Zydeco Flames. And yes, the Element Brass Band is wonderful. They do acoustic shows at the Torch Club that are louder than any amplified rock band that comes through town!
PipiRay: You may very well know all of this, but as you mention being "very new" to, I guess, blues harmonica, and to your having done some research: Mick Martin has been a fixture in the NorCal blues scene for decades, and also for decades has hosted the "Mick Martin's Blues Party" show on Saturday afternoons on Capital Public Radio. He's had health issues these past few years, and so doesn't play in public as often as before. But he's still out there making great music. He also has a cut on the new "Back in Business" fundraiser CD from the Sacramento Blues Society (gotta' assume you're a member). Over 20 years ago a little kid by the name of Kyle Rowland approached him about taking lessons. The rest is history. Kyle is a real pro, having played the Torch back in his teenage days when he had to sit outside during breaks because of liquor license rules, and having made his festival debut while still in his teens at the late, lamented, multi-day Monterey Bay Blues Festival. Kyle also has a cut on the new Sac Blues Society CD. He always puts on a great show. (Don't be surprised if one or more other local harp greats sits in for a number or two.) See https://kylerowlandblues.com/events/ for more info. Really bummed that I have a conflict and can't get down there today. Hope you're enjoying the great music!