Winchester Blues House
June 19th 2010 - 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
By Joanna Levi
Starting out as a humble venture in 1999 to raise money to renovate a home in the south Kent St area of Winchester, for a local Police officer to live in, the Winchester Blues House has evolved from a small (held in a small alley) in downtown Winchester, into a serious charitable event that brings world class Blues artists to Winchester as well as the many talented blues musicians already living in our area.
I have personally attended all but two of these events since they started over a decade ago. It is a permanent fixture on my calendar of must do events. Although the charitable benefactors have changed throughout the years, they are always local, and provide much needed help right here in our area.
Bringing Dan Akroyds famous House of Blues police motorcycle to the auction block to raise money was one of the all time highlights for me, as I have been a fan of The Blues Brothers since the early Saturday Night Live days when John Belushi would dress up as King Bee.The motorcycle itself was used in the opening procession for the opening of every “House Of Blues" Restaurant. Dan had given the motorcycle to his brother in law Roy Dixon who lives in Stephens City, and Roy was generous enough to donate it to Blues House.
And then another favorite year was when Jeff (Skunk) Baxter, guitar player of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan played "Reeling in the years with Mary Ann Redman , There was a standing ovation to say the least. On another year we met Skunk Baxter and talked to him, my husband got an autograph that was way cool. Its all about the music and local charity at this event.
To learn more about this event, I went straight to my good friend Joe Boyd (Blues House Board member) and below is the result of our Q and A session.
Q. How long has Blues Festival been going?
A. Since 1999, with one year absence (2005) we did not have one, there was much red tape involved with the 2004 festival which almost didn’t happen because of City regulations about having such a festival in the streets, it really came down to the week of the show before we got the final ok to have it...bureaucracy at its best and many frazzled nerves on our side because this was the biggest festival to date with 2 stages and a major headliner.
Q. Who have been the Charity recipients throughout the years?
A. In no particular order, Freemont Street Nursery, Evans Home, Blue Ridge Hospice, Celebrating Patsy Cline, Va. Chapter 1 of Rolling Thunder Inc. , Fraternal Order of Police Ole Fredericktown Lodge #12, Caretakers now (Boys and Girls Club), Habitat for Humanity of Winchester and Frederick county, Preservation of Historic Winchester, and The George Washington's Office Museum.
Q. Who was the first Charity recipient?
A. In 1999 the first year’s net proceeds went to renovate an 1840's duplex in Winchester's South kent street area. It was a partnership between the City’s Commonwealth Attorney and the Preservation of Historic Winchester to rebuild this structure and to help a neighborhood by putting a Winchester Police Officer into this house rent free. During the day this officer was the police departments resource officer at Handley High School and at night he was a community resource officer for the Kent St neighborhood, So the name of this festival "Blues House" truly has many connections, not only was it a Blues Concert, but there was a "Man in Blue" moving into the house funded by "The Blues"
Q. How has the festival changed over the years?
A. The benefactors have changed many times, but it has always been about helping raise funds for local non profits to help our community. In 2008 we returned full circle so to speak by joining forces with Habitat for Humanity and the "Blues" are back to houses. 2010 marks our 11th year and our 3rd year with Habitat. So its easy to say that "Blues House" has returned to its roots.
Q.Who are some of the big names in Blues that have performed for Blues House?
A. Jeff (skunk) Baxter, Hubert Sumlin, Sam Myers, Jimmy Vaughn, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Michael Burks, Bob Margolin, Eddy Shaw, Big Bill Morgonfeild, Deanna Bogart, The Nighthawks, Sandra Hall, Big Jack Johnson, Catfish Hodge
Tom Principato, Mary Ann Redman, Rev. Billy C. Wertz, Tinsley Ellis, and so many more local acts as well.
Q. What has been the biggest challenge in putting this on year after year?
A. The amount of time needed to put into it, trust me, its a lot. and I just always feel like we should be doing more.
Q.How do you choose the charity to benefit from Blues House?
A. We look for a benefactor that will work with us and who is willing and able to (Help us, Help Them) currently Habitat for Humanity of Winchester/Frederick County Va, They are awesome and fun to work with and its a fantastic cause.
Q. Who will be peforming at Blues House 2010?
A. Grammy winner Anders Osborne, Bruce Ewan Band, Kelly Bell Band, Paul Pfau and The Smooth Cat Burglars, The Reddan Brothers Band, and other talented local Blues Bands .
Q. Where is this years Blues House being held?
A. At the Eagles Club Outdoor Pavillion on 700 Baker Ln. Winchester, Virginia.
Q. Where can I buy tickets for the event?
A. Advance tickets are available at the following Winchester locations, Total Image Workingmans Store, The Backseat Bar and Grill, Full House Cycles, Blind Faith Enterprises, Harvest Moon Natural Foods at Creekside and Online at winchesterblueshouse.eventbrite.com
Cost for advance tickets are $10.00 and at the gate $15.00 , Card carrying Eagle members admitted FREE.
Q. What can I bring to the Blues House?
A. No coolers allowed, beverages and food will be sold on site, but please bring your own chairs/ blanket to sit on. NO Lounge chairs.
This is such a great event and so close to all living here in the Shenandoah Valley that to miss it would just be a crying shame, so I hope to everyone can make this one!
I hope to see ya around the stage! ~
Jojo
Resources:
www.winchesterblueshouse/millertec.com
www.winchesterblueshouse/Facebook
www.andersosborne.com
www.myspace.com/thekellybellband
www.myspace.com/johnreddan
www.myspace.com/paulpfau |
