The amazing Fountain performs on a limited basis, but the Blind Boys’ energetic show remains strong, with Ben Moore stepping in to continue the incredible tradition. The Grammy-nominated Moore is no slouch, having done more than 50 shows with the Blind Boys, and has a long list of credits, including his work with Otis Redding and James Brown.
Moore and Carter are joined by Bishop Billy Bowers, Joey Williams, Ricky McKinnie, Bobby Butler, and Tracy Pierce. The Boys combine their soulful voices in their mission to spread joy across the globe, in their most entertaining and unique way.
Fueled by the success of their 2005 release Atom Bomb, the Blind Boys have been on a roll and have seen a resurgence in their career over the last few years, most recently receiving The Lifetime Achievement in Music accolade at the 34th Annual Vision Awards in Beverly Hills last month. To add some icing to the cake, that award was presented to the group by Stevie Wonder, who performed his classic hit “Higher Ground” with the Blind Boys, bringing down the house to thunderous applause.
You may have also caught the Blind Boys at the Grammy Awards, where they appeared with Kanye West, and be sure to check out their recent work with Peter Gabriel and Ben Harper. Nope, these boys don’t rest on their laurels, and their ever-evolving sound is timeless.
No stranger to Telluride audiences, The Blind Boys of Alabama have had crowds on their feet at the Sunday morning “gospel jam” during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and fans know that these soulful cats can convert even the most heathen of listeners!
Get up, get down, and get blown away by The Blind Boys of Alabama at the Red, White and Blues Concert this afternoon in Mountain Village. The show is free, with festivities getting underway at 3 p.m.
By the way, the Mountain Village Summer Concert Series features a fabulous line-up this year, with free shows on Wednesday evenings. Next week, funkmaster Leo Nocentelli returns to Telluride in what is sure to be a knock-out funk jam, featuring Little Hercules, Colorado’s own homegrown heavy-hitting funksters. The band sprang out of Minturn in the late 90s, and ended up touring with Liquid Soul in 2000. The powerhouse soon became Nocentelli’s Colorado back-up band, and they continually prove their might, laying down tight, tasty grooves for one of the best in the business.
One might wonder if Nocentelli is taking up a second residence in Telluride, as the Meter’s guitarist recently wowed the audience at Town Park with the New Orleans Social Club for the show-stopping performance at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Nocentelli’s blazing guitar work will kick it down hard at the free show, starting at 6 p.m. one week from today. Funk-tastic!
Fireworks at the Moon
Blues and funk rule at the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon this evening, where The Alex Maryol Band is ready to rage. The young bluesman out of Santa Fe is a regular at the Telluride Blues & Brews Fest, and has been working on new material as of late. Maryol fires off smoking hot blues riffs over the thick, fat and funky jams of his talented band, and he will undoubtedly rock the legendary club for the Fourth of July bash at the Moon tonight. (See more on Maryol in the June 29 Grooview column of The Telluride Watch).
On the way at the Moon, don’t miss Dylan 66 this weekend. The group started when a bunch of heavy-hitting Denver musicians got together at a benefit concert at the Oriental Theatre last year to celebrate Bob Dylan’s 65th birthday, and the “roots” took hold.
Headed up by guitarist and vocalist Dewey Moffit, the idea “just snowballed,” and was so well received that the group is taking it on the road this summer.
Dylan 66 features members of The Dewey Paul Band, Double Parked and Leftover Salmon, so you know this could go anywhere. A great preview of what’s to come with Sir Bob Dylan himself rolling into Telluride in a couple of weeks for the KOTO Doo-Dah.
There could be a couple of surprises at this weekend’s show, so be sure to catch Dylan 66 this Saturday night at the Moon.
Also on tap at the Moon, the Second Stage Musician’s Showcase moves to Sunday night, starting on July 8. The showcase will get underway a little earlier in the evening to allow players a chance to lounge, get on stage and strut their stuff. Bring your axe and jam, man!
Tunes Around Town
Tommy’s continues their great tradition of live music, and tonight, look for the wildly popular open mic to kick off after the fireworks. Musician extraordinaire and super-nice guy Andrew Wynne hosts the open mic, at Tommy’s next to Elk’s Park.
Down the street, bop into the Bubble Lounge this evening for some swingin’ fun with the Telluride Lindy Society holding an open swing dance from 6-8 p.m. Then, get ready to shake your tail feathers and jam, mon, at the Summer Reggae Dance Party at the Bubble Lounge, with DJ Leona and DJ Mark spinning reggae and house all night long.
Also on the way at the Bubble Lounge, check out DJ Jahson & The Solar Sound System on Friday night, and be sure to keep an eye out for live music throughout the weekend at Telluride’s newest hot spot.
Things are heating up at the Noir Bar, too. While there is no scheduled entertainment tonight, Eric Lackey is bartending, and that’s a party all in itself. Thursday night the Noir Bar features the funky jazz stylings of Mike Pale, and Friday it’s DJ Matteo getting down with the disco, baby. By the way, stop by on Sunday for a toast to Myjah, it’s her birthday. Cheers!
Look for the talented Mike Pale to pop up in various forms throughout the weekend, including a couple of solo gigs during Happy Hour at Las Montañas on Thursday and Friday, 4-6 p.m. The Mike Pale Jazz Trio will also be at Las Montañas for the Jazz Brunch on Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring Mike Scherr of Fractalia and Mike Enriques of Rico Blues Project fame. With a mimosa in hand, Jazz Brunch is a perfect cap to the long weekend.
Speaking of our favorite fractal friends, The Sherbino Theatre in Ridgway will host the band in full regalia, when Fractalia takes the stage on Saturday, July 7. You know it, this will be a rager! Stosch, Bailey and the boys have been working on new stuff, and are tighter than ever. I also hear there may be a few special guests, so get thy booty to Ridgway for funky, fractal fun this weekend!
Coming up, get your tickets for Hot Tuna’s acoustic show at the Sheridan Opera House next week. For jazz fans, don’t miss George Winston at the Palm Theatre next Friday night.
Oooh, yeah! We’re just getting warmed up, with The Telluride Cajun Festival ’round the bend. Best wishes for a sizzling Fourth!
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