Artists Descriptions & Links - State Street Blues Stroll

Otis Taylor (Duo w/Cassie) @ Media Theatre Main Stage* (7:30pm to 9:00pm)

- On his sixth CD, Double V, Taylor unleashes intimate tales as he produces an aural excursion inspired by an unconventional childhood - Otis Mark Taylor was born in Chicago in 1948. After his uncle was shot to death, his family moved to Denver where an adolescent's interest in blues and folk was cultivated. Both his parents were big music fans. "I was raised with jazz musicians," Taylor relates, "My dad worked for the railroad and knew a lot of jazz people."

With Otis Taylor, winner of the W.C. Handy Best New Artist Debut award, it's best to expect the unexpected. While his music, an amalgamation of roots styles in their rawest form, discusses heavyweight issues like murder, homelessness, tyranny, and injustice, his personal style is lighthearted. "I'm good at dark, but I'm not a particularly unhappy person," he says. "I'd just like to make enough money to buy a Porsche." Part of Taylor's appeal is his contrasting character traits. But it is precisely this element of surprise that makes him one of the most compelling artists to emerge in recent years. In fact, Guitar Player Magazine writes, "Otis Taylor is arguably the most relevant blues artist of our time." Whether it's his unique instrumentation (he fancies banjo and cello), or it's the sudden sound of a female vocal, or a seemingly upbeat optimistic song takes a turn for the forlorn, what remains consistent is poignant storytelling based in truth and history.

Debbie Davies Band @ Media Theatre Main Stage* (9:20 pm to 11:20 pm)

- The secret of great guitar playing is mastering the three "T"'s: Taste, Tone and Technique. Debbie Davies displays an absolute command of them all. "I am primarily a guitar player," Debbie explains. "But I'm also a singer-songwriter, and for me all of these need to be satisfied." Indeed, the potent doses of rock and soul on her Shanachie CD, 1998's "Round Every Corner", displayed her diversity as a writer and performer. Yet this time, Davies says, "I felt like I wanted to just play the Blues, because that's my first love." Whether performing live or in the studio, Davies takes mentor Albert Collins' legacy into a new century. She's giving the blues everything she's got.

America's Foremost Female Electric Blues Guitarist, W.C. Handy Award winner.

"She pulls out all of the stops. She can play it all: seductive, soulful material, down-home Delta blues or humorous tales of life on the road."_{- Blues Revue}

All I Found, 2005 - Telarc Records ; Key To Love, 2003 - Shanachie Records; Love The Game, 2001 - Shanachie Records; Tales From The Austin Motel, 1999 - Shanachie Records; Homesick For The Road, 1999 - Telarc Records; Grand Union, 1998 - Blueside Records - London/Valley Ent. - U.S.; Round Every Corner, 1998 - Shanachie Records; I Got That Feeling, 1997 - Blind Pig Records; Loose Tonight, 1994 - Blind Pig Records; Picture This, 1993 - Blind Pig Records

Lonnie Shields Band @ Sligo (9:30pm)

- Rooster Records Artist / 1993 Living Blues Critics Award; Media's Bluesman in residence. For inspiration, Lonnie cites the season-to-season survival techniques learned first-hand growing up in the heart of the Delta, in West Helena, Arkansas. He learned the Blues firsthand from Sam Carr's groups, Unforgettable Blues Band and Jelly Roll Kings — featuring legendary harpist Frank Frost and guitarist Big Jack Johnson—in the juke joints of the Delta. An appearance at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena led to Lonnie's work with Rooster Blues Records. Lonnie Shields' career has skyrocketed over the past few years and he is performing all over the world. He was the first Delta artist that Rooster Blues picked up after moving to Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1987. His CD, Portrait, was released in 1992 and reads like a who's who of Delta Blues performers. Since then he has gone on to release more CDs and build an impressive list of songwriter credits.

Steve Guyger Trio @ Plumstead Inn (8:15 pm)

- Steve began playing harp back in the late 60's on a harmonica given to him by his future sister-in-law. Sometime later, his brother turned him on to Paul Butterfield. Steve's passion for the blues harp took him to Chicago to learn at the feet of the masters of the art. Each trip taught him skills that he brought back to the local bands in which he paid his dues. Steve has shared the stage with the greats in Chicago and the contemporary harp players touring the world today, names like Little Sammy Davis, Carey Bell, Little Charlie & The Nightcats and many others. His playing, vocals and stage presence have earned him a place among the best of the players on stage today.

Leroy Hawkes and the Hipnotics @ Joclyn's (9:00 pm)

- Hawkes, whose career began in the church as a gospel singer in Virginia, later moved to Philadelphia where he sang with various local acts. There he developed his musical style, reflecting the influence of singers such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Joe Tex and Wilson Pickett. By the 1980's, Hawkes was appearing with greats like the Temptations and the O'Jays when he became stricken with an affliction which left him temporarily blind. With his recovery comes the rebirth of an exciting vocalist with a band that can truly exemplify his talent. The nucleus of The Hipnotics is assembled around a rhythm section cast in the mold of Memphis' MG's and New Orleans' Meters.

Deb Callahan Band @ Picasso (9:30 pm)

- Blues and soul drenched vocalist and songwriter, Deb Callahan has been fronting her Philadelphia based band with passion and conviction since 1997. During that time she and her band have gained a reputation in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC area for an exciting live show featuring a mixture of blues, soul, rock, folk and jazz music. Deb hails from Boston, MA but has been living in Philadelphia for the past 12 years. She is most often compared to singers such as Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi and Lydia Pense from the late 60's San Francisco group Cold Blood. She cites her biggest vocal influences as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Rickie Lee Jones, Bessie Smith, Joan Osborne, Ray Charles, Al Green and Mavis Staples. During the past few years, Deb has focused on writing original material that retains the flavor of the music she loves, while mixing in contemporary experiences and sounds. Her newly released CD "If the Blues had Wings" is the result of this effort.

Dukes of Destiny @ Iron Hill Brewery (9:30 pm)

- It was a rambling three story house on the edge of the woods in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The year was 1984 and four young musicians lived in that house, spending hour upon hour jamming on old blues songs. They decided to take the act out as The Dukes of Destiny, a name they got from a matchbook cover urging the reader to "Be the Captain of Your Own Destiny." At first they played house parties in Germantown, generating word of mouth interest. A gig at the now-defunct Taker's Cafe in Germantown launched their public career, and 20 years later they are still playing some of the hottest, most danceable blues and R'n'B in the Philadelphia area. The Dukes of Destiny reign as one of Philadelphia's longest lived blues act.

Mike Guldin & Rollin' & Tumblin' @ Brodeur's on State Street (9:30 pm)

- "By not only keeping the blues alive but also expanding its boundaries, Mike and the boys prove night after night that they deserved to be two-time fi nalists at the IBC in Memphis. I'm proud to know this crew of hard core, blues-lovin', rib-eatin' miscreants. Third time's the charm!" - Beardo, Senior Contributing Editor of 2004 KBA Winner, Blueswax and Bandana Blues Radio Host.

Mike started playing guitar and singing at age 16, inspired and influenced by blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Albert Collins, B.B. King as well as more contemporary artists such as the Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Rolling Stones. Also heavily influenced by R&B/Soul icons such as Sam & Dave, Booker T. and the MGs and the Stax sound, along with the southern-fried sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws and a slew of country artists. Having honed his craft playing in roadhouses, clubs, and bars for the last 20 years, his approach is that of a journeyman. Stinging guitar and soulful vocals are second nature for Guldin who has had the opportunity to open for such acts as Sam and Dave, Molly Hatchet and Roy Buchanan. Mike has also shared the stage with Delbert McClinton, Levon Helm, the Nighthawks, Little Milton, Shemekia Copeland, Son Seals, Debbie Davies, EG Kight, Saffire the Uppity Blues Women, Michael Hill and his Blues Mob, John Sebastian and Jimmy Vivino. All of these influences and experiences come together in the original tunes of his first release "Caught Between the Blues and a Heartache". The new release, "Roadhouse Rhythm," takes it all to the next level. Combined with the raucous backing sounds of Rollin' & Tumblin', these inspirations are fully realized.

Mark Baker & the Barbreakers w/ Pucci @ John's Grille (8:00 pm)

- Pucci Talbert has a special talent to sing the Blues. In her appearance at this year's Blues Stroll, she will be fronting the much experienced local trio of Mark Baker on guitar, Sam Chicks on bass, and drummer Dave Indevero. Pucci hails from nearby Sharon Hill and, over the years, has given some legendary performances with the likes of The Hipnotics, Roger Girke & the Funky Twisters, and the late great Red Shank and his Shakin' Souls. She and the Barbreakers entertain frequently at CJ's Blues Bar in Glenolden.

Melissa Martin & the Mighty Rhythm Kings @ Stephen's Prime (9:15 pm)

- " 'On The Mark' comes from Pennsylvania jump purveyors Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rhythm Kings. The focus on upbeat numbers works well for the band, with its solid rhythms, concise guitar from Neil Taylor and David Sagherian. and the rippling ivories of Paul Matecki, who steps to the microphone on the boogie-woogie barnburner, 'Lovin' Machine'. Martin's husky delivery is ideal for shouting tunes such as 'Get On The Right Track' and 'You Don't Move Me No More'; even her '24 Hours A Day' is sultry. When things slow down on 'Want Me Some Love' everything falls into place - rich vocals, a sublime groove, beautiful guitar and piano breaks." - Blues Revue magazine, Aug./Sept. 2004.

Frank DiNunzio Band @ "Quotation's" (8:30 pm)

- A powerhouse blues band, featuring DiNunzio on guitar, Andy Lalasis on bass, drummer Dave Palamar, Tommy "T-Bone" Stinson on piano & B-3, and blues harpist Barry Dwier. Joining Frank on vocals is Michele Butler.

Carol Moog & Don Evans @ Towne House Stag Bar (8:00 pm)

- Harmonica player Carol Moog is known to be a "huge sound in a small package." Moog played for many years before launching and performing with the No Alibi Blues band. With vocalist Zan Gardner, the band quickly developed a loyal following at some of the area's top music venues. Beginning in 1987, Moog continued to play with what became the original Zan Gardner Blues Band. The high energy blues and funk band appeared with such legends as John Lee Hooker, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Rogers, Leon Russell/Edgar Winter, John Mayall and Roy Buchanan.

- Don Evans, guitarist and engineer, formerly with Billy Joel, Eric Burdon and a list of performers that reads like a who's who of rock, is currently playing with Carol Moog, Dirk Hamilton, the Blues Mercenaries and Big LeRoy Foster. His eclectic career has taken him many places musically, but he now focuses on the blues which inspired him to begin with.

Ari Eisinger @ Margaret Kuo's Media* (7:30 pm to 12:00 am) (Dinner seating only)

- Ari teaches and tours extensively, playing The Blues from the golden age in the Northeast, the Midwest and the South.

"Musical styles come and go. Some manage to survive by changing with the times. The Blues can be traced back to the late 1800's and since then the blues have meant different things to different people and the guitar has been the instrument of choice for many of its masters. Today, there is one guitarist who fell in love with Blues music from the 1920s and 30s and has made it his mission to preserve the songs and artists of that era through his own music. That guitarist is Ari Eisinger." _{- Dave Rogers of Borders Books and Music in Greensboro, NC}

"I'm amazed at how many people don't even know this great music exists even today, when the early blues is so often touted as being the source of today's musical styles like rock and modern electric blues. In my opinion, this music is great not so much because of the music that it gave rise to, but because it's great in itself. The masters of the 1920s and 1930s like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Blind Blake and Rev. Gary Davis were so advanced that they're just untouchable in terms of technique and style. However, all too often they seem to get stereotyped as being primitive by people who haven't listened to them. I want to get a lot more people to go back to these incredible old recordings which have been an inspiration to me. Almost all of the surviving blues recordings from the 1920s and 1930s are now available on CD on labels like Yazoo and Document." _{- A.E.}

Johnny B & Irving Street Blues and Special Guests
@ Main Line Today/Bud Light Stage (Veterans' Square & State Street)* (7:00 pm to 10:30pm)

- Johnny "Hammond B" Bickel, age 14, Hammond Organ, vocals: Johnny's sound is stylized after the great Jimmy Smith of Norristown and Memphis' Booker T for that soulful edge. Doug "The Rhythm Master" DiFilippo, age 17 on drums: a solid energetic percussionist with a funky grove. Ian "Iceman" Hoper, age 17, electric guitar: a mastery usually found in players with decades more experience. Patrick "Bluesman" Bickel, age 18, on bass: Patrick, also of the Roger Girke Band, has an expertise reflecting his love of the classic Motown / Funk Bros./James Jamerson's sound.

Go for Broke, The Birch Brothers, John Lee, Tom Mullian, Nonprophets & more . . .
@ Keystone Bank/Seven Stones Café/Plum Street Mall "Local Stage"* (5:00 pm to 10:30 pm)

Go for Broke - Their line-up includes Penny McDonald, drums; Fred Powell, guitar; Julia Vaughters, piano and bass; Sly Cuff, keyboards; and Greg Taylor, bass. Hosts of tonite's First Keystone Bank Local Stage.

The Birch Brothers - Richie, Robbie and their cohorts crank up the Geetars and Rock the House at the First Keystone Stage. Beware: they could introduce Stroll peoples to the rather strange inner workings of Chester Burnett, MacKinley Morganfield, Son House and the like. Some say rock; some roll. But it all starts with da blues.

John Lee - Media's own, one John Lee, began playing clubs at 16. In the intervening years he has studied, played and taught blues, jazz, and classical guitar. Mr. Lee is most at home in intimate settings, but, like most musicians, he loves kicking it out at a good festival.

Tom Mullian & Friends - Versatile guitarist Mullian enlists Alex Uskaratis, Dave Beaver, Ed Fitzgerald, and The Right Rev. Willie (some of the band Decibel) to get right with the Blues tonight. Tom's most recent release is "Six Strings Against The War".

Nonprophets - Veteran eclectic musicians from the Philly music scene play their blues thing at the First Keystone Local Stage at 6:45pm: Bob Gallo, Dave Bennett, Doug Yingling, and Lane Blavier.

(*All ages Stages) (Performers line-up subject to change)

Pat Panther will be playing at Kreutz Creek Winery, 300 W. State St. from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday June 10th. The Winery is new to Media and we want to welcome them.

Pat Panther plays finger-pick style acoustic guitar blues, folk and old-time country music. Her life has been influenced by all kinds of music since she was a young child and the love of music has defined her life ever since. Some of her major influences are early rock & roll, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Mississippi John Hurt, Willie McTell, the Carter Family and Bob Dylan. In addition to performing solo, Pat currently performs with the Deep Run String Band and with a Shane MacGowan tribute band.