BLUES FEST 2007
Local musician, radio host, and fest organizer Gary “Shrimp City Slim” Erwin recently announced the lineup and schedule for Charleston’s 17th annual blues festival. The Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash, running from Fri. Feb. 9 through Sun. Feb. 18, will feature over 40 blues, soul, and roots music acts in over 15 local venues. Some of the stand-out featured artists include Atlanta’s Chick “The Stoop Down Man” Willis, Mississippi blues/soul singer Johnny Rawls, N.C. singer Nappy Brown, white-bearded blues-rock veteran Leon Russell, Big Bill Morganfield (the son of Muddy Waters), and many more. For a free illustrated brochure, send a SASE to Blues Bash, P.O. Box 13525, Charleston, S.C. 29422. For details and ticket information, log on to www.bluesbash.com or call 843-762-9125.
PICK YOUR BIG WEEKEND
The Village Tavern has scheduled a free, three-day blast in celebration of their fifth anniversary next month. The “Fifth Anniversary Bash,” set for Fri. Feb. 23 through Sun. Feb. 25, features live music from Zonaea, 351 Cleveland, Genrevolta, White Boy Crazy, The Tens, Alswel, The April Invention, Lindsay Holler, Dewey Muggles, A Decent Animal, The Fire Apes, and other local acts. Go to www.village-tavern.com for more. The very same weekend, the Pour House hosts the two-day “Winter JamFest 2007” event (sponsored by Terrapin Beer, The Homegrown Music Network, Jambase.com, and Performer Magazine) with music from Pnuma Trio, Moonshine Still, Dirty Digits, and Obeah. Check www.charlestonpourhouse.com for more.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Longtime booking agent/soundman/musicologist Stuart “All Night” Johnson (formerly of A Dough Re Mi) is putting the schedule of events and lineup for a second annual “March Madness: Battle of the Bands” series. Things are set to take place on the Village Tavern stage every Friday (or so) in March. Each event will be judged by local scene characters. Cash prizes, studio time, gift certificates, and club bookings are to awarded. Drop a line to Johnson at 259-4507 or at stuart@allnightkungfu.com.
NO MORE FIREHOUSE
The Firehouse Bar & Grill has changed its name to Halligan’s Restaurant & Bar (3025 Ashley Town Center). The cavernous venue still features “Charleston’s hottest bands” three nights a week. See www.halligansonline.com and Music Board for more. –T. Ballard Lesemann Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.