GLADSTONE SUMMERTIME BLUES FEST
Brenda Haskins
The Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce and eight generous local sponsors came through again June 19-20 for area blues lovers and blues bands. Kenny Taylor books this free event each year and continues to make the Gladstone Summertime Blues Fest a destination well worth the trip. Back stage hospitality was provided by Red Hot Records' Suzanne Colbert. And the sound crew (Steve and JT) have proved they have the experience that makes the performers sound great!
This year Friday night featured national acts Little Brian Terry and the Zydeco Travelers and the Sweetheart of Zydeco — Rosie Ledet. Two Kansas City veterans, the Bon Ton Soul Accordion Band and KC Brass and Electric, warmed the crowd up for the headliners. Aaiiiee! Let those good times roll!
Saturday's list of local bands included many of my favorite KC blues bands. Some featured special guests — Lawrence Wright featured Duck Warner on trumpet, and Everette DeVann (whose recent CD East of the Sun featured his B-3 and vocals, and is doing well) appeared with Johnny C and the Automatics.
John Paul Drum, Bill Dye, Todd Gillette and Joe Letoumeau (who recently worked as bass man with Little Mike and the Tornadoes) turned in a set that was crowd-pleaser.
For the second time in two years, Mother Nature decided that Saturday night's headliner, Jimmy Thackery, would not play in Gladstone. About 7:30 p.m. the sky darkened, and the winds began blowing festival guests and performers sideways where they stood.
Acoustic guitarist and vocalist Patrick Sweeney from Eureka Springs had shown his stuff to the relaxing crowd, but A. J. Croce and Jimmy Thackery and their bands were heading back to the hotel instead of toward the stage after the Gladstone Public Safety Officers wisely insisted that everyone clear the park.
Poor Jimmy is getting a reputation for being hexed in outdoor venues — rumor is there have been at least three major rainouts and even a snow storm when he was to play Hawaii! Hang in there, Jimmy! You know that the blues outside on a summer night is worth waiting for! Hopefully A. J. and Jimmy will be rescheduled for next year.
Thanks again to the Chamber of Commerce in Gladstone for keeping the blues alive in the Northland. If you want to call or write them yourself, it's 816-436-4523, 6504 N. Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, Mo. 64118
Webmaster: Gil T. Wilson
Last Modified 5 August '98