To the blues faithful, it is hard to imagine life before the annual Local Blues Matter (LBM) fundraiser. But now that it's a fixture on the scene, you can bet the third installment of this event at Billy's Lounge in Eastown will be a night to remember. And since the stars have aligned to make this the first Blues Matter on a Friday night, this is one not to be missed.
Every movement in an art scene has a leader who helps set the pace of excellence in the region. In West Michigan, that leader is Greg Blueben, host of "Friday Night Blues" on WGVU-FM, 88.5 Grand Rapids and 95.3 Muskegon.
According to WGVU's Jim Marcusse, the key to Blueben's success in our region is his "broad mix of blues, from founding fathers to the newer, younger players, all the while maintaining a focus on local blue." Blueben, in addition to spinning music, engages in the audience-building act of educating his listeners as to where local acts are playing as well as providing exhaustive background info on the musicians and their connections to the international world blues stage.
This devoted blues following will crowd the dance floor this Friday night. If you love the blues, then Marcusse promises something special that is clear when you look at the level of talent our region has produced and will feature this weekend.
Hitting Billy's stage will be local favorite The Steve Hilger Band; The West Side Soul Surfers complete with an 8-piece horn section; The Donald Kinsey Band formerly of Chicago's Kinsey Report and the legendary Bob Marley's Band; The Vincent Hayes Project, a local who broke the national scene with his release "Reclamation"; and James Reeser & the Backseat Drivers, a harmonica-driven act from Saugatuck.
The money raised will benefit the radio show, ensuring that the blues and our local artists will continue to have an avenue to share their voice in this movement that is still very much alive and thriving with each passing year. The cost of entry is a low $5 donation at the door, but if you have the means, please support the blues by rounding up. The blues are brighter with a generous benefactor. Be bold, West Michigan.
Admission: $5
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