Thursday night is jam night at the Grand Dell. I have written about it in the past, but let me refresh everyone. On Thursday, musicians flock to the Grand Dell Saloon and sign up to play with whatever band happens to be assembled at their rotational time. In the past as many as 55 muscians have signed up and waited their turn. As time has gone on, more and more "named" blues musicans have stopped in to play for fellow musicians. They have fun, and the big beneficiary is the crowd who sits mostly in wonder of the talent. Last night was the same, Aki Kumar, the brain trust of the event, began by singing and playing his harmonica with the first round of the band. Then, one by one, band members switched out, and tried their stuff on the crowd. It's an entertaining evening, band folks play with one another, enjoy each others company and skills while the crowd listens to some great music.
So, last night the main attraction was to be the arrival of Alvon Johnson, former original member of the Hall of Fame band The Coasters, and great blues guitar player and singer. So, we had a line up of great players before the big arrival. But first, Aki reminded everyone of the Tip Jar, and one of my friends deposited the first contribution.
The local musicans that show up every week are terrific, but the venue also attracts future bands that plan on playing gigs. For example, these guys just below rocked the house and will be playing the Grand Dell on the 17th of this month. They came to show off their stuff and market themselves. Did a great job of it.
And of course, there are always special moments as Jake Nielsen provided last night. He can play like a guitar god, and sings the blues like he grew up in the Delta. I was left speechless after his sets!
And now for the celebrities that seem to come out on Thursday. Alvon Johnson arrived and really burned the house down with his singing and special guitar. He is definitely in a class with the greats of blues.
and he did play with soul. I was personally stunned because I once worked for a guy that looked like his twin brother and to my knowledge he didn't sing or play.
But Thursday night is always the stage for the unexpected. Last night Terry Hanck, Kid Anderson, and a host of other greats stopped in just to talk and play. As always they join each other on stage.
Early on, Terry joins Alvon and magic is in the air.
Terry is a show in himself, and the music shows all over his face whether he is playing, singing or just enjoying another good musician's work.
After I left, Kid Anderson and a host of others joined in the fun. Seems a gang was recording at Kid Anderson's studio and took a break to stop by the Dell and entertain some blues fans. Yes, the Grand Dell Saloon is a cool, special place where folks that love the blues gather. Maybe next Thursday night, you'll join me at the Grand Dell Saloon.
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