Blues Events

Events

Balloon, BBQ and Bluesfest

The title "Balloon, BBQ & Bluesfest" doesnt quite say it all, but its a good start in describing this exciting event that debuted this year at the Circle R Ranch. Located in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountain region of southwest Missouri, the mornings at this event begin with a balloon launch, and continue with a judged car show and a juried arts and crafts festival, all as the smell of smoked bar-b-que floats through the air. But it doesn't stop with bold colors and great aromas. Listen up for you will hear the sounds of the blues!

Little Hatch and Bill Dye out of Kansas City debuted as the first band on the first day of the inaguaral year of this event. Hatch has played with such greats as Koko Taylor, Charlie Musselwhite, Lee Oskar and Sugar Blue. He has been honored for his achievements by his induction into the National Jazz Hall of Fame. His Delta sound was chosen to kick off this event by Steve Roark, producer of this Festival and co-owner of the Circle R Ranch.

Following Hatch were the Junkyard Men out of Memphis. These festival veterans have played all the great venues, from Chicago's House of Blues to BB Kings place on Beale street to the King Biscuit Blues festival. They even had a stint as the backup band for the Chicago Blues Icon Pinetop Perkins. The crowd was especially delighted by their frontman harmonica attack. Its easy to see how this talented group has risen to the top of the Memphis Blues heap, which is no easy task!

Chris Cameron was up next, and this acoustical stylist was a joy and pleasure to behold, weaving his melodic guitar around his commanding vocal presence. It was easy to see why he was chosen as the 1997 International Blues talent competition winner of the Albert King award, awarded to the most promising guitarist in the nation!

Jimmy D. Lane of South Chicago then took the stage. If you didn't already know this (I'm sure you do), Jimmy is the son of Chicago Legend Jimmy Rogers. But don't think this artist isn't talented in his own right. His electric Blues combines elements of that characteristic Chicago sound with some Jimi Hendrix style guitar licks, quite a high energy performance.

Closing Saturdays show was none other than Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters, up from New Orleans. This 1999 W.C. Handy nominee combined some Crescent City funk, soul, gospel and Blues, taking us all down to the Big Easy for awhile. A New Orleans Icon, Walter played with such legends as Irma Thomas and Johnny "The New Orleans Nightingale" Adams before forming his own group in the 1980's. What a great way to close the evening!

John Weston, a Mississippi Delta stylist, warmed the Sunday crowd up with some of his unique Blues classics. We ran late getting to the show, but were able to catch the end of this talented artists set.

Following was the Reba Russell band from Memphis. Reba has quite a resume, having opened up for names like B.B. King, The Four Tops, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tracy Nelson, Leon Russell, The Memphis Horns & others. With a exciting, raw voice, Reba wowed the crowd with her dynamic vocal stylings.

Bugs Henderson and the Shuffle Kings of Dallas were then up. This Texas legend takes the feel of Stevie Ray Vaughn, and mixes in a Dick Dale surf rock sound, the slashing electric sound of Jimi Hendrix, and combines it all together with the enthusiasm of a teenager. His youthful stage antics belie the fact he's been out there touring for over three decades!

Excello Legends - Earl Gaines and Roscoe Shelton - up from Nashville, were a fitting end to a spectacular festival

A portion of the proceeds from the BBQ goes to support the Neosho Shrine Club and the Crippled Children's Travel Fund.