Celebrating the life and music of Norton Buffalo
Published: June 27, 2010
Norton Buffalo, who died last October at age 58 after battling lung and brain cancer, will be remembered in three area tribute concerts, July 1 at the Silver Dollar Saloon in Butte (406-782-7367), July 2 at the Eagles in Kalispell (406-752-7265) and July 3 at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint (208-255-7801).
The harp maestro’s band, The Knockouts, will perform, including killer keyboardist, guitarist and singer Austin de Lone, guitarist Johnny “V” Vernazza, bassist David Brown and drummer Paul Revelli.
During his long career, Buffalo played harmonica with a host of greats, including Bonnie Raitt, the Doobie Brothers and, perhaps most notably, the Steve Miller Band. Miller will pay tribute to Buffalo during a live video feed at both concerts.
In an email interview, guitarist Vernazza remembers working with Buffalo and tells us why the band is offering this tribute.
LT: What did you enjoy about playing with Norton?
V: The energy that he inspired in us was amazing – he brought out the best in everyone. His music was very eclectic, which allowed us to show not only our musical skills, but also our ability to play in any musical genre. We flat out had fun on and off stage and were all very close. We sort of grew up together during our three decades together. Norton was an amazing musician, writer, leader and friend who was always there for everyone at all times.
LT: Why did the band organize a memorial tour?
V: After our first rehearsal for the big memorial for Norton, held Jan. 21-22 in Oakland, we realized how much we enjoyed performing together. It’s a way for Norton’s memory, spirit and artistry to be represented through us and for us to still keep working together as we had in the past years. There is a sense of brotherhood and tradition in continuing our musical journey.
LT: You mention that it's a fundraiser for his family ... can you tell us a little about their plight?
V: The funds are not needed for the family at this point as the concerts arranged by Steve Miller with guests The Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood , Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musslewhite, Roy Rogers and the Knockouts raised enough money to take care of their needs. The funding now is contributing to Norton’s many causes, one being to save the Paradise Performing Arts Center in his home of Paradise, Calif., and to complete the many recordings in his archive, as well as donate to the American Cancer Foundation.
LT: It’ a cancer awareness tour – what aspect of cancer awareness do you hope to bring into focus with your efforts?
V: Prevention, since early detection is the only way to put up a good enough fight against this dreadful disease.
LT: Why are you launching the tour in Montana? What was Norton's connection to the state?
V: Norton was in the movie “Heavens Gate” that was filmed in Montana and he made a lot of friends there. We started going up that way in the early 80s and would play in some towns most bands only passed through. If there was a place to play, we would play it, and we always drew a crowd as his fan base was extensive there.
He still has many close friends that live in Montana and after booking the Waterfront Blues Fest in Portland, Montana seemed like the right place to go while we were up that way.
