Blues-infused party rocks the Magic City
Published: July 20, 2008
Delbert McClinton headlines Friday’s show, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Betty Lavette are Saturday’s featured performers.
McClinton, a Texan who began his storied career more than four decades ago, won his first Grammy in 1991 for a duet with Bonnie Raitt on “Good Man, Good Woman.” He went on to win a Grammy for the album Nothing Personal in 2001 and a nomination for Room to Breathe a year later. According to fan and collaborator Raitt, McClinton “stayed authentic and true to his funkiest roots, while still stretching himself in a really admirable way.” Mighty Lester also perform on the Main Stage Friday, and the Insomniacs, Moreland and Arbuckle and Albert Cummings take turns on the Stillwater Stage.
Saturday’s featured artist, phenomenal blues guitarist Shepherd, made his first album at 17 years old, and cites Stevie Ray Vaughan as his inspiration for picking up the guitar at age seven. He’s since added singing (in a worn voice that reminds some listeners of Lenny Kravitz) to his repertoire.
Bettye Lavette, a 61-year-old soul singer from Detroit, also takes a turn on the Main Stage. “With a devastatingly soulful balance between meticulous control and unhinged abandon, LaVette’s vocals command absolute respect,” writes Blues Revue. Po’ Henry and Tookie and Juke Joint Duo are among Saturday’s Stillwater Stage acts.
Full concessions are available at this 21-and-over only blues-infused party. Tickets are $40 advance or $45 at the gate, and $75 advance for both nights. Call 697-6975 or go to http://www.MagicCityBlues.com.
