Billtown Blues Notes - Spring 2021

Spring 2021

VOLUME 25.04

Billtown Blues Notes A

q uar t er l y

pu bl i cat i on

of

t h e

Bi l l t o w n

Bl u es

A sso ci at i on,

I nc.

28th Annual “Billtown Blues Challenge” Festival Audition Concert to be Held Friday June 11,2021 Inside this issue: Billtown Blues Challenge

1

Billtown Blues Festival

1, 9

Raise the Region

2

Blues Music Awards

3, 9

Briggs Farm Blues Festival

3

Blues on the Radio

4

Blues from Main St.

4

Blues Challenge Line Up

6-8

Join the BBA

10

The time has come again for the Billtown Blues Association to hold their 28 th annual “Billtown Blues Challenge” Festival Audition Concert where local and regional musicians compete for the coveted spot on the festival stage along with national and international acts. This year the concert will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021, at the Hughesville Fairgrounds, Hughesville, PA. The competition starts at 3:00 pm and the 31st Annual Billtown Blues Festival will kick off at 6:00 pm. Gate will open at 2:00 pm. Admission is $25 for the Friday night Festival ticket or a 3day bundle pass for $75.

Competition order will be Noaker-Combs Duo, Jason P Yoder, The Cadillac Cats, Kevin Hyatt Band, and Becky Blue and the Brand New Review. This year, as in the past, there is something for everyone. All acts put forth their best effort, making this one of the area’s foremost events. So spread the word, invite, and bring your friends, dust off your dancing shoes and be prepared to have a great evening full of the blues.

Due to the CDC restrictions, this year’s performers will be judged by a select panel of 21 judges.

Votes are tallied as we go, and the winners will be announced between festival acts. The winners will perform on Saturday June 12th.

Performers will be judged in the following categories: Blues Content, Originality, Vocals, Instrumental Talent and Stage Presence per the official rules of the International Blues Challenge.

For more information visit the Blues Foundation website www.blues.org. Remember, acts are not judged against each other but against the ballot.

In addition to performing at the 31st Annual Billtown Blues Festival, audition winners are also eligible to submit to represent the BBA at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in 2022.

This newsletter is a quarterly publication of the Billtown Blues Assoc., Inc. P.O. Box 2, Hughesville, PA 17737 570-584-4480 www.billtownblues.org A non-profit 501(c)3 organization

Celebrating 32 Years of Bringing Live Blues to Central PA

Page 2

Spring 2021

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

Message from the President

Billtown Blue Notes

Phone: 570-322-6237 Email:hoboblues@comcast.net Contact: Tom Butler

I would like to thank everyone for their patience in this difficult time and can assure you that we at the Billtown Blues Association are working diligently to keep the blues alive in Central Pennsylvania. Currently we are working on putting the final touches of bringing together the Auditions and Festival. Our Board and committee members are a dedicated group of people who have devoted their time and energy to bring only the best for the Association, musicians, and fans. We will continue promoting the blues when and however we can. Be sure to keep an eye on the Billtown Blues Association’s Facebook page and billtownblues.org for upcoming events, highlights, and information.

Hope to see you all this coming June.

Publishing Schedule: Spring 2021: Distributed by May 28

Summer 2021:

Distributed by July 15

Fall 2021:

Distributed by September 4

Winter 2021:

Thank you, Tom Butler

Distributed by October 23 See www.billtownblues.org for complete specs and additional information regarding deadlines and submission specifications.

Advertising Rates 1/8 page: $50, 3.5” w x 2” h 1/4 page: $85, 3.5” w x 4.75” h 1/2 page: $160, 7.5” w x 4.75” h or 3.5” w x 9.5” h * * If you are moving * * please contact us with your new address.

The Post Office does not forward Bulk Mail.

Membership to the Billtown Blues Association includes a year’s subscription to the Billtown Blue Notes.

See application on page 10.

Have an Opinion?

Please let us know your ideas, concerns, or suggestions at

www.billtownblues.org

BBA THANKS YOU! We are proud to announce that the BBA received a total of $10,255 plus another $1,100 in prize money.

The Billtown Blues Association would like to thank everyone for their generous donations through Raise The Region. We appreciate the support from all those who recognize the importance of the blues and the hard work the association does to keep this American Art Form alive and well. Your support and contributions help make it possible for the BBA to continually produce quality live music events, educational opportunities focusing on blues history, and inspiring and supporting area musicians that have a dedicated interest in American Roots Music.

This newsletter is published by an all-volunteer staff.

The opinions of our writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the BBA.

Billtown Blues Association “Like Us” on Facebook

Visit by our Facebook page and “like us” to keep in touch with what is happening in Billtown’s ever-growing music scene. Get up to the minute information on BBA events and other blues events. https://www.facebook.com/billtownblues

“The blues. It runs through all American music. Somebody bending the note. The other is the two-beat groove. It’s in New Orleans music, it’s in jazz, it’s in country music, it’s in gospel.” – Wynton Marsalis

“The blues is the foundation, and it's got to carry the top. The other part of the scene, the rock 'n' roll and the jazz, are the walls of the blues.” — Luther Allison

Spring 2021

Page 3

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

Sunday, June 6, 2021 Memphis, TN The nominees for the 42nd Annual Blues Music Awards represent a prestigious collection of acclaimed performers and rising stars that reflect the breadth and diversity of today’s blues music scene. The Blues Music Awards, which is universally recognized as the top accolade afforded blues musicians, upholds blues’ rich cultural traditions while every year honoring the exceptional achievements in performances, recordings and songwriting.

Confirmed artists scheduled to perform at the 2021Billtown Blues Festival are on the ballot at the 2021 Blues Music Awards. Kat Riggins is nominated for Contemporary Blues Album “Cry Out”. Reverend Peyton is nominated for Blues Rock Artist. Jason Ricci is nominated for Instrumentalist Harmonica. J.P. Soars is nominated for Contemporary Blues Male. Nominated for Traditional Blues Female Artist is Trudy Lynn.

The complete list of nominees can be found on the Blues Foundation’s website, www.blues.org.

FLYING HIGH

ON SALE NOW

Page 4

Spring 2021

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

Blues from Main St. Charlie Lockard 165 E Water St, PO Box 2, Hughesville, PA 17737 570-584-3161 charlie-lockard@comcast.net Sunday Blues Brunch 8 - 10 pm WZXR 99.3FM - S Williamsport, PA WCXR 103.7FM - Lewisburg, PA Sunday, Noon - 2 pm WQSU 88.9 FM - Selinsgrove, PA

PLAYLIST Artist / Album / Label

1.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd / Straight to You – Live/ WDR

2.

Veronica Lewis / You Ain’t Unlucky/ Blue Heart Records

3.

Bill Warton / Peanuts / Swampside Records

4.

Elvin Bishop – Charlie Musselwhite / 100 years of Blues / Alligator

5.

Gabe Stillman / Flying High / Temperamental Recordings

6.

Johnny Iguana / Chicago Spectacular / Delmark

7.

Savoy Brown / Ain’t Done Yet / Quarto Valley

8.

AJ Crawdaddy / Steppin’ Out / Grease Land

9.

Dion / Blues With Friends / Keeping the Blues Alive

10. Duke Robillard / Blues Bash / Stoney Plain 11. Curtis Salgado / Damage Control / Alligator 12. John Nemeth / Stronger Than Strong / Nola Blue 13. New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers / Volume 2 / Stoney Plain 14. JP Williams Blues Band/ JP & Ekat / Self 15. Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters / Rise Up / Stoney Plain 16. The Hungary Williams / Brand New Thing / Rochelle Records 17. Shemika Copeland / Uncivil War / Alligator 18. Various Artists / Backyard Blues - Blues Societyof Central PA– Blue Heart

19.

Nora Jean Wallace / Blueswoman / Severn Records Albert Castiglia photo: Lori Butler 20. David Rotundo / So Much Trouble / Dreams We Share 21. Chris Cain / Raisin’ Cain / Alligator 22. Anthony Geraci / Daydreams in Blue / Shining Stone Records 23. Kat Danser / One Eye Open / Black Hen Music 24. Damon Flower / Alafia Moon / Landslide 25. Vanessa Collier / Heart on the Line / Phenix Fire

...The Doctor is in!

We have got the pedal to the metal and heading down the main stretch! Things are really looking up and the Festival is finally a go. It has been far too long coming! And on another note, our annual Audition Concert will also take place with a little twist this year…first day of the festival before the main acts. Another far too long coming!

As a start of coming back to some sort of “normality” we were able to get out and see The Gabe Stillman Band take the big stage at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport in February with special guest Billy Price. Although there was social distancing, and we were required to wear masks it was a spectacular show to say the least! Gabe, Colin Beatty, and Ray Hangen graced us with a few “oldies” and some great new tunes off his new CD “Flying High” featuring The Nighthawks and recently one of the songs penned by Gabe “Shame Shame” has been nominated for an Independent Blues Award in the "Best Traditional Blues Song" category. And on another note, Gabe has been signed by the VizzTone Label Group! Congratulation!

It so nice to know these guys and watching them rise to stardom!

In the light of the COVID restriction lightening up slightly as we move into the warmer season, we have a bit more freedom to get out there and enjoy some of the things we grew so accustomed to in our everyday routines. At this moment we are at the mercy of time. We can do nothing but wait and see what the near future brings and I for one am hoping for the best, that all restrictions are removed, and that life can proceed as before, crowded festivals and that big hug we all love and need!

I am really looking forward to this year’s Audition Concert. I cannot wait to see how well all the acts perform on the festival stage instead of the Genetti stage. This should really bring out the best in all of them. As a few of you already know some of the acts have competed at the Genetti in the past and did a great job entertaining us all, just wait until you hear them on the festival platform, I can almost guarantee they will be at the top of their game! This should definitely be a great show for sure!

What more can I say but you all are in for one the most memorable festivals in the history of Billtown! Another outstanding lineup this year you definitely do not want to miss! It is going to be great from the first note on Friday to the last note Sunday!

Be sure to keep an eye on the BBA Facebook page that highlights the artists and sponsors. Note that this year there are no walkup ticket outlets. Tickets are available online at billtownblues.org and can be purchased at the gate each day of the festival, visit the website for more information.

Please help support this great American art form, the blues, and all those amazing and talented people who keep bringing it to us. Become a member of the Billtown Blues Association and help us to keep bringing the blues to you. You can find a membership application on our website at billtownblues.org and on the back of this newsletter. And as always, remember when you are out there supporting the music to have fun and be safe!

Hope to see you out around town or wherever the blues may bring us together!

Keepin’ the Blues Alive, Dr. Tom

Spring 2021

Gabe Stillman, Ray Hangen, Colin Beatty

Gabe Stillman

The Gabe Stillman Band with Billy Price

Page 5

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

Gabe Stillman

Gabe Stillman

Colin Beatty

Gabe Stillman

Colin Beatty and Billy Price

photos by Tom Butler

Page 66 Page

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

Spring Spring 2021 2021

2021 Billtown Blues Challenge

Noaker-Combs Duo

Bryan Noaker’s musical career spans nearly 40 years. From an early age, he began playing the guitar and singing in area bands. During the early 1980s, he fronted the 3-piece power trio known as Fantasy that performed in the tri-state area.

Throughout the 90’s and 2000s, he was a fixture on the acoustic scene with partner Kimbo Reichley specializing in acoustic blues. Most recently, he has been the guitarist for The Ann Kerstetter Band. Bryan’s guitar work is a combination of electric riffs, slide work, and aggressive/explosive acoustic guitar work. His vocals range from soulful to raspy, blistering whiskey tones. Bryan has been a lifelong player with a love and passion for singing and playing the blues. Recently, Bryan has started sharing his passion for blues music with Allan Combs II in a blues acoustic guitar duo.

Allan Combs II is a Singer/Songwriter Guitarist from Bloomsburg, PA. Allan started playing blues guitar at the age of 13 and never looked back. His mix of Blues, Soul, Funk, and Rock n’ Roll is extremely unique. Drawing on inspiration from his musical heroes, Combs channels the Motown and Rock n’ Roll from years past into his own original compositions. Allan has been traveling and playing music full time for the past 5 years. In any given week, you can find Allan performing locally as well as working in the studio as a session musician. He plays with his group Soul Medicine and is currently recording an album slated for a March 2020 release.

Recently, Allan and Bryan sat down and started picking the Blues together. The rest is history!

Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore. – B. B. King Blues ain’t never going anywhere. It can get slow, but it ain’t going nowhere. – David Edwards

photo: Chris Rider

Jason P Yoder

Jason P Yoder is an American Blues Performing Songwriter.

His finger-style guitar technique blends moving rhythms, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Jason's love for the Blues shows in his music, but he does not limit his sound to the traditional. Country, Rock and Jazz influences can be heard peeking through his music as well.

While Jason prefers the acoustic guitar, he is not shy when it comes to playing other instruments. The first instrument Jason learned, other than voice, was the Trumpet. While Jason’s most recent album “Disassembled Memories” is only a guitar and voice, he can be heard on his other various albums and photo: Jeff Solomon singles playing the piano, bass guitar, trumpet, mandolin, lead guitar, banjo, percussion, and whatnot.

While Jason usually performs solo, from Nashville to Manhattan he has shared the stage with many great musicians. He opened for the hard rock band CKY at their Christmas show in 2011. at a show in Lebanon, Pennsylvania Jason shreds the stage with Stephen A Love (Ricky Nelson & New Riders of the Purple Sage), Chaz DePaolo (New York State Blues Hall of Fame Artist) and Garry Cogdell (Taught George Thorogood guitar and opened for Muddy Waters).

Fingerstyle blues runs deep in Jason’s blood. With every note he plays, Jason continues to share the art of acoustic blues with those who will listen.

Spring 2021

Page 7

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

in many regional and international competitions. You can also catch him with his own band, Dirty Mojo.

"This is a great group of musicians who I feel very fortunate to have in my band," Mitcheltree said. "We have a great time playing together and that reflects in our shows. People who come to see us are going to have a good time."

Learn more about the Cadillac Cats on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/kgcadillaccats

The Cadillac Cats

The Cadillac Cats are a Williamsport PA-based five-piece band that has been playing an eclectic blend of blues-based music throughout northcentral Pennsylvania since 2013.

The music is diverse, drawing on R&B, rock and country.

Blues is at the forefront of this high energy combo, however, and that is due to founder and guitarist Blair Mitcheltree.

His earliest influence was his grandfather Howard Webber, who played in country and rock and roll bands in the Williamsport area during Mitcheltree's childhood.

"Then I found the blues in my teens," he said. "I was drawn to the blues by the guitar solos and emotional expression of the music."

In addition to his grandfather, Mitcheltree counts Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Albert King and Eric Clapton as his main influences. This shows in his guitar playing, which pays tribute to all those great bluesmen.

Mitcheltree has been in numerous Williamsport area bands over the years: R-Way, the Nobody's, Riverside Blues Band, and KG+3. His vision for the Cadillac Cats came in early 2013 while returning from Memphis after competing in the International Blues Challenge with acoustic duo R-Way. "I wanted to start a band that played good-time, rockin' blues and played it the way it's supposed to be played," Mitcheltree said. "With the Cadillac Cats, I got exactly what I wanted."

The band's current lineup is Mitcheltree (guitar), Becky Wool (vocals), Garrett Gaetano (bass), Urie Kline (drums), and Shawn Strickland (harmonica).

The rhythm section, Gaetano and Kline, have experience well outside the blues genre. Kline counts jazz pioneer Papa Jo Jones, Steve Gadd, Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain and Latin percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, among those who inspire his playing. Gaetano is the band’s newest member. His influences range from Allman Brothers bassist Berry Oakley to the Meters George Porter Jr., and jazz heavyweight Marcus Miller.

Wool sang in country bands for much of her career, including All-Most County, and the Corral. She loves the blues and she can sing it with the best of them, however. Her influences include Patsy Cline, Koko Taylor, Ray Charles, Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin.

Shawn come from a musical family that has entertained the area for the last hundred-plus years. Endorsed as a harmonica player by Seydel Harmonicas, Shawn is also an accomplished guitar player, vocalist, and songwriter competing and placing

Kevin Hyatt Band

The band members are Kevin Hyatt, guitar and vocals of Mansfield PA, David Loomis, percussion and vocals of Troy PA and Jamie DeWolf, bass of Canton PA. The band was originally formed in 2010 by Kevin. David Loomis joined the band in 2012 as the band’s full-time drummer. Jamie DeWolf joined the band in 2018 as the band's new bass player.

The band's style of blues is based on contemporary and progressive elements combined with traditional blues.

ON SALE NOW

Page 8

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

Spring 2021

Expressive and electrifying, Aaron Rice leads on guitar.

Currently attending Berklee, he brings his love of playing to the band. Aaron is a passionate player of blues and rock.

Playing in churches and with a gospel background, Justin Aurand brings revival to the band with his keys and organ. In addition to playing with the band Justin performs solo and with Zing Productions. His music can be purchased on iTunes and he can be found on Facebook at Justin’s Piano.

The band is backed by the solid rhythm section of Scott Myers and Car Gatty. Scott has performed in the area with various projects across many genres and is no stranger to Billtown. His diverse and unique playing is stand out and he is always smiling with a smooth blue groove.

On drums Car brings years of experience to the kit. Becky and Car met years ago at Steve Mitchell’s weekly musical Mash Up. There the two of them performed jazz and blues together leading to being in a band together. Car is involved in our local music scene and is a percussionist for Zing Productions.

Becky Blue and The Brand New Revue recently released the single, Drive That Nail, from their new album and it is gaining traction across the oceans. A collision of raw blues emotion and rock the Drive That Nail can be purchased on iTunes.

The accompanying video can be viewed on YouTube.

Becky Blue and the Brand New Revue play a variety of venues throughout our area. In our central pa towns as part of the Downtown Concert Series. Union County’s Fourth Of July celebration. Vineyards. The Cherry Festival. Or the barn at Colonel Ricketts Cidery to name a few.

Follow the adventures of the band on Facebook at Becky Blue. For bookings and info please email slickjoplin@gmail.com “I’m grateful for the energy the audience brings to our shows. In that way we live our blues together. One song at a time,” said Blue. “I’m on a journey and I just want to sing while I’m on it.”

Becky Blue & the Brand New Review

Becky Blue is an explosive vocalist known for her raw, energy packed live performances. Born and raised in central Pa, Becky began singing years ago as a way to cope with the ups and downs of living. And she has not stopped.

Her journey has led her to opening for Great White and performing with Winger. And has led her many miles south to Muscle Shoals Alabama three times. It was there at Fame Studios that her first EP, Just South Of Florence, was recorded.

Get It While You Can is a standout on the EP. A bluesy and emotional take on a Howard Tate tune, the listener can hear the very Wurlitzer played on many Fame recordings capturing a bit of that Muscle Shoals sound. “Many of my favorites recorded there. Duane Allman. Aretha. Etta James. Wilson Pickett. I was covered in goose bumps in the vocal booth. Still am. And I am grateful for the experience,” said Blue. Just South Of Florence can be purchased on iTunes.

Locally Becky has performed as part of Billtown’s Fall Into The Blues and attended the Uptown Music Collective. There she sang with the adult blues workshop, River City Blues Band, and played drums.

Today Becky Blue performs and records with a full band of uniquely talented musicians known as The Brand New Revue.

Together with Becky Blue they have hit their stride delivering rock blues and original music to the valley. photo: Lori Butler

The blues is like a planet. It's an enormous topic. You can't ignore the impact that it has had and continues to have on the whole musical culture. It's a tree that everyone is swinging from. Without it, I don't know where I would be. It's indelible and indispensable.—Tom Waits

You play a 'lowdown dirty shame slow and lonesome, my mama dead, my papa across the sea I ain't dead but I'm just supposed to be' blues. You can take that same blues, make it uptempo, a shuffle blues, that's what rock n' roll did with it. So blues ain't going nowhere. Ain't goin' nowhere.—David Edwards

The blues is the foundation for a lot of things. Things have branched off. It's cool how music grows, but the foundation is always there. It's not going anywhere. The blues is always going to be relevant.—Gary Clark Jr

Spring 2021

Page 9

BILLTOWN BLUE NOTES

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN THE BLUES WORLD SAYS GOODBYE TO TWO MORE GREAT BLUESMEN

Paul Oscher April 5, 1950 - April 18, 2021

James Harman June 8, 1946 - May 19, 2021

Billtown Blues Association, Inc. P. O. Box 2 Hughesville, PA 17737

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Williamsport, PA 17701

PERMIT NO. 33

If your expiration date above your name is not 07/01/21 or later, your membership has expired. Membership renewal form is below.

Mark Your Calendars!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Please join us in Keepin’ the Blues Alive by submitting this application and annual membership of $15 to: BILLTOWN BLUES ASSOCIATION, INC. PO BOX 2 HUGHESVILLE, PA 17737 Ph: 570-584-4480 Fax: 570-584-4608

www.billtownblues.org

“Billtown Blues Challenge” Festival Audition Concert

Friday, June, 11 2021

31st Annual

Billtown Blues Festival June, 11, 12, 13 2021

A 501-3(c) non-profit organization and affiliated member of The Blues Foundation ___ New

___ Renewal Date:_________________________ Name: Address: City/St/Zip: Phone: E-Mail Address: Blues Interests: Officers

Tom Butler, Pres.; Jared Mondell, Vice-Pres.; Charlie Lockard, Treasurer; Patty Robbins, Secretary; Dave Strickler, Co-Exec Dir; Bernie Strosser, Co Exec Dir; Bonnie Tallman, Event Producer

If you are already a member, thank you for your support. Current members have 7/21 or later under “exp. date” on their card. (You can also check the mailing label on this newsletter above your name). Yearly renewal date is July 1. A good renewal time is at our Festival in June.