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The 2006 Sparta Blues Fest was one of the best ever, with a stellar lineup and one of the best weather windows this event has been blessed with, just take a look!

• HomeGrown Blues Review • Piping Hot Buttery Biscuits of the Blues
• Scott Miller Band • Johnnie Johnson Band with Scott Miller & Renee Smith
• Michael Burks Band • Roomful of Blues

STLBlues arrived in time for the Piping Hot Biscuits, as Dave Mulford showcased his guitar pyrotechnics on a wide range of Blues talent, covering Tab Benoit, Elmore James, Freddie King, and many others. Their crowd walk brought the energy level to a fever pitch, getting the crowd up on their feet in an impromptu second line dance.

Scott Miller took to the stage, and as this event was dedicated in memory of Johnnie Johnson, his style of boogie and barrelhouse paid exceptional tribute to Johnnie, Professor Longhair, and many other piano legends.

Following Johnnie to the stage was the superband that composes the Johnnie Johnson band. Gus Thornton on bass, Dean Minderman on keys/vocals, Tom Maloney on guitar, and Richard Hunt on drums made for one of the tightest bands to grace any stage, anywhere. Add to that mix the vocal talents of Ms. Renee Smith, and you have all the ingredients for an incredible music experience. Renee is one of St. Louis' Blues/Soul divas, and this show was no exception, as she belted out Aretha and Etta in spectacular fashion.

Sparta's adopted son, Michael Burks, was up next. It's easy to see why this guitar master is loved wherever he goes, as he demonstrated once again the talent that has won him so many music awards, and the constant comparision to Albert King. If you're a fan of the Hammond B3, this band is still playing the B3 they purchased new in the 60's, and it has the sound only a mellowed B3 can deliver!

Closing out the evening was the 8 pc. power sound of Roomful of Blues. Since the 60's, this band has been bringing a roomful of blues coast to coast! A big brass sound, the 3 and a half octave range of Mark DuFrene, and scorching guitar of Chris Vachon make this a band unparalled! A energetic end to the fest, bringing everyone stageside to soak up their jump blues energy!

Congratulations to the staff at the Sparta Fest for once again making this a jewel in the southern Ill. Bllues crown! Mark your calendars, and don't miss the 2007 Sparta Blues Fest!


  • STLBlues Gallery: Dave Mulford of the Piping Hot Biscuits
  • STLBlues Gallery: Larry Cowsert of the Piping Hot Biscuits
  • STLBlues Gallery: The Piping Hot Biscuits
  • STLBlues Gallery: Scott Miller
  • STLBlues Gallery: Scott Miller
  • STLBlues Gallery: Scott Miller
  • STLBlues Gallery: Sparta Bluesfest director Deb K.
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Gus Thornton & Tom Maloney
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Gus Thornton & Tom Maloney
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Dean Minderman
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Renee Smith
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Renee Smith
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Tom Maloney
  • STLBlues Gallery: Johnnie Johnson band - Renee Smith
  • STLBlues Gallery: Michael Burks
  • STLBlues Gallery: Michael Burks band - working the Hammond B3
  • STLBlues Gallery: Michael Burks band
  • STLBlues Gallery: Michael Burks
  • STLBlues Gallery: Michael Burks
  • STLBlues Gallery: Roomful of Blues
  • STLBlues Gallery: Roomful of Blues
  • STLBlues Gallery: Roomful of Blues
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