Feeding with the Blues
Please join us during our 22nd Annual Black History Month Blues Series to help fight hunger in Monroe County. We'll feed your soul with free concerts and give you an opportunity to help feed others in the community during these difficult times.
Bring non-perishable food items to any Blues Series program to help fill the cupboards at the Salvation Army for food baskets. We'll also ask you to dig deep in your pockets at The Big Gig! on February 28th at the RRCA, where we'll raise funds and awareness for the community meals program God Works!
2 pianos + 4 pianists + 1 rockin’ house band The Big Piano Gig! Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009- 7pm
Starring:
The Big Gigs! begin at 7:00 pm sharp and, as always, they and all Blues Series events are FREE.
No tickets are required, general admission seating is first-come, first-served and limited to theater capacity. Doors will open at 6:00 pm. For more info, phone the Monroe County Library System at
(734) 241-5277 or (800) 462-2050
Other Blues Events Happening in February:
SAMUEL JAMES
Back by popular demand, one of the hottest young stars in the blues firmament (and a jaw-dropper during last year’s Blues Series!) returns with another showcase of his raw, rootsy acoustic blues featuring his propulsive guitar, distinctive voice and stellar songcraft. Thursday, February 26 - 7pm Navarre Branch Library 1135 E. Second St. - Monroe, MI
Tuesdays are Bluesdaysin February, and the Blues Series features a special FREE, intimate concert in a
different
branch library each and every week. All shows begin at 7:00 pm
“FREEDOM, SLAVERY & THE ROOTS OF AMERICAN MUSIC”
with RAY KAMALAY
Guitarist and scholar Ray Kamalay traces the development of early American music from its links to slavery up to the early jazz age with this unique “musical lecture” featuring spirituals, blues, ragtime and jazz. Tuesday, February 3, 2009 - 7pm Dorsch Memorial Library, 18 E. First St. - Downtown Monroe, MI
HOT CLUB OF DETROIT
Carleton Branch Library, 1444 Kent St. in Carleton, Michigan
More than 7 decades after the innovative “gypsy jazz” popularized by Django Reinhardt, the Motor City’s hottest young combo, led by fast-fingered Reinhardt disciple Evan Perri, offers a fresh take on the tradition with cover versions and originals in the spirit of the masters. Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 7pm Carleton Branch Library, 1444 Kent St. - Carleton, MI
REV. ROBERT B. JONES with BLAIR
Since beginning the Blues Series with his 1988 performance, Detroiter Robert Jones has returned each year to share his unique, engaging approach to roots music from Blues to Gospel. For his first appearance at our Bedford Branch, he’ll be joined by Detroit “Urban Folk, Afro-Punk, Poet, Singer, Songwriter” Blair. Tuesday, February 17, 2009 - 7pm Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Rd. - Temperance, MI
GUY DAVIS
This year’s “Bluesapalooza!” headliner, Guy Davis, previews his day of introducing over 1,200 Monroe County “single-digits” to his talent, wit and charm. Blues Revue said “Like the best early bluesmen, Guy Davis is, at heart, a storyteller. A master at setting intimate, richly nuanced tales to stomping acoustic blues backing, he helped revitalize the state of country blues in the 1990s.” Monday (Yes, the Day Before Tuesday), Feb. 23, 2009- 7pm Ellis Reference & Info Center, 3700 S. Custer Rd. - Monroe, MI
Monroe County’s 22nd Annual Black History Month Blues Series is presented by the Monroe County Library System and made possible with the generous support of Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the:
2009 Blues Coalition of community co-sponsors:
La-Z-Boy Foundation
DTE Energy Foundation
Monroe County Community College
Friends of Bedford
Friends of Carleton
Friends of Dorsch
Friends of Ellis
Friends of Navarre
Detroit Blues Society
Black Swamp Blues Society
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites of Monroe.
