s we all try and keep warm during these winter doldrums, we look for things to do to keep our minds and bodies occupied. My wife, I, and a number of other local fans, have just returned from our annual pilgrimage to Mem phis, TN to be a part of the 40th International Blues Challenge (IBC). Oddly enough, the weather down there was very similar to the weather in our own region. We had 7”of snow in downtown Memphis on Friday, which nearly brought the city to a standstill. City plows out? Nope, not a single plow to be seen. Sidewalk shovels range from grain shovels to street brooms, to squeegees. Clearly, Memphis is unprepared to handle snow of any depth. Fortunately, our hotel was within walking distance of all the music venues so we were able to slowly navigate the snow-covered sidewalks during our stay.
A letter from the president A
youth to show off their talents to a very large group of blues music fans from around the world.
At this time, we have not received enough applicants to host our annual Auditions Concert, typically held at the Genetti Hotel. Unfortunately, we will have to cancel that event for 2025.
The next upcoming event for the Billtown Blues Association will be held at the Side Bar on Market St on Saturday, April 12th with doors opening at 6:30 pm. The event will feature an opening set with the Gabe Stillman Band followed by Chris Cain, a nationally known blues guitarist with numerous awards and nominated by the Blues Music Awards in Memphis for the 2021 Best Contemporary Blues Artist and Best Blues Guitarist of the Year. We were fortunate to grab Chris on his way between gigs on the east coast, thereby offering this highly esteemed event at a very affordable rate. You can check www.billtownblues.org for tickets when available. We certainly hope you take advantage of this unique opportunity and come out and support local live music.
See you around town,
David B Strickler
The Challenge went off as planned and we were especially proud of the performances of our two groups. Despite not making it through to the semi-finals, both the Cadillac Cats and Nick Andrew Staver represented us in a most professional manor. As always, the competition at IBC is very intense and this year was no different. Joce Reyome from Canada won the solo/duo act and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal from the Blues Society of Omaha, NB won the Band act. Dylan Salfer, from the Minnesota Blues Society, won the prestigious Gibson Guitar Award for being the best guitarist at the event. The Solo/ Duo Acts included 65 acts from around the world and the Band Acts included 73 Bands from around the world. They all competed in 13 different music venues along Beale St. There were also 22 Youth Showcase groups that appeared in 8 different music venues on Friday. It is a wonderful opportunity for the
BBA MISSION STATEMENT:
The Billtown Blues Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, an affiliated Member of the Blues Foundation and a recipient of a “Keeping the Blues Alive” award. Our goals are to preserve, promote and present the Blues.
NEWSLETTER STATEMENT:
The Billtown Blue Notes is a quarterly newsletter written by the Billtown Blues Newsletter Committee and published in cooperation with the Sun-Gazette. It is a labor of love written by our member volunteers. The opinions of our writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the BBA or the Sun-Gazette.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For more information or to become a member go to: billtownblues.org
Follow us on Facebook and instagram Newsletter Committee: bbabluenotesnewsletter@gmail.com D. Dixon, newsletter chair
CHRIS CAIN Comes to Williamsport
By BONNIE TALLMAN
My first recollection of Chris Cain was 1990. Charlie and I were walking down Beale St in Memphis after the W.C Handy Awards (now known as the Blues Music Awards) late at night. Strolling towards us is Chris Cain in a stage worthy bright red suit. Chris was at the top of his game having just burst on the blues scene in 1987 with his first release, “Late Night City Blues” which awarded him four W.C. Handy Award nominations, including Blues Guitarist of the year.
Like many blues musicians Chris grew up with blues in the house, favored by his father. As an 8 year old Chris taught himself guitar and was attracted to the styles of the Kings, Albert, B.B. and Freddie and also Albert Collins. By 18 he was playing professionally and expanding his quiver of instruments to include piano, tenor sax and bass guitar.
Sixteen releases later, with back to back Alligator Records gems, “Raisin’ Cain” (2020), and current, “Good Intentions Gone Bad” (2024), Chris continues to stretch and innovate tastefully blending straight away blues and jazz into his own unique delivery. No matter what he plays or how he plays it, Cain becomes his song, often weeping with emotion.
Industry and public recognition continues thirty eight years later as “Good Intentions Gone Bad” is nominated in four categories for the 2025 Blues Music awards: Song of the Year, “Blues For My Dad”; Contemporary Album of the Year, “Good Intentions Gone Bad”; Contemporary Artist of the Year; Blues Guitar of the Year.
I last saw Chris Cain in Lima NY in 2024 and immediately hoped the opportunity would arise to present him in Williamsport. So it is: This incredible musician, songwriter, singer, award winning guitarist and all around super person will entertain Billtown blues fans on Saturday April 12th at the Sidebar, 345 Market St. Showtime 7pm, Doors 6:30pm. Thirty five seats at a $5 discount are available for BBA members, remaining advance seats are available for $25. All advance tickets are available through EventBrite, https:// ChrisCain.eventbrite.com and walk up sales at the Community Arts Center at the box office 10a to 5pm. Sales at the door will be available for $30. Showtime is 7pm.
Opening for Chris is fellow guitar wizard, songwriter and awarded home town favorite, Gabe Stillman.
The BLUES grind
TBy URIE KLINE
his January marked the second appearance of the Cadillac Cats at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Each member of the band had the honor of representing Williamsport once more at the world’s premier gathering of blues artists, held annually (pandemics notwithstanding) in Memphis, Tennessee. While the Blues Foundation prefers the word “challenge,” it is in some sense a “shonen” tournament, where soloists, duos, or bands do their best 25 minute set in the hopes of advancing.
One of the coolest aspects of the Challenge is the oppor tunity to perform on Beale Street itself, an iconic American landmark that has luckily been preserved (if in tourist trap form). This year, our venue was Rum Boo gies, an eccentric place with a big stage. I had my first inklings that we wouldnt be advancing as soon as the first ensemble—an old-timey string band from Germany— took the stage. This set up a parade of acts, most of which were simply incredible. As a band, we were definitely punching above our weight.
than it has any right to have. Nor is it a slight against the Cats; we take great pride in our musicianship, stage presence, and professionalism. But the best growth happens when you get outside of your comfort zone, and seeing some of the best working blues musicians of the moment up close and personal left us all inspired and eager to continue improving.
Speaking of improvements, the rare opportunity to compare our 2022 and 2025 appearances sheds some perspective on how far weve come, and what some of the lessons are for professional music-makers in the present. Compared to that earlier incarnation, the most recent Cats who appeared in Memphis are far more social media savvy, more comfortable with crowdwork, and more holistic in our understanding of the business side.
Thats no slight against Williamsport or the Susquehanna Valley, a region with more musicians per capita
While the Challenge itself is the main show, and can be a huge springboard for artists who leave an impression, some of the most meaningful work can take place offstage, meeting and networking with other musicians and attendees (many of whom run their local blues societies back home). The fact that we already acquired some new friends in the intervening years (colorful characters like Slim and Billy the Kid) further underscores the value of being a fun hang. We even made some friends in Clarksdale; the flatness of the Delta farmlands seemed to draw out that particular journey, but it was worth it to meet the local players and break the ice with some
of the other adventurous IBC attendees.
A full account of our most recent Memphis adventure goes beyond the scope of this column; I’ve had to leave out some choice episodes too, like our harrowing journey through Kentucky snowstorms (improbably both there and back again), the warmth and hospitality of Rida Abuzaineh at the Peanut Shoppe, or Garrett introducing the whole band to “The Big Lebowski.” Hopefully the impression lands, however incomplete, of a celebration, a competition, and most importantly a vitality to the music. In Williamsport and its hinterland, those of us called to the blues can feel pretty niche. That feeling is less prevalent when you are surrounded by hundreds of fellow enthusiasts, who excite and magnify your own passion. In that environment, for a few magical days, you remember why you love music in the first place, and you return to your homes with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. In that sense, I think the 2025 IBC and its attendees made the world a better place!
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE BLUES?
1. What famous blues musician was born McKinley Morganfield?
2. What blues singer born in Chester Pennsylvania was nicknamed “Sweet Mama String-bean?”
(Hint: First performer to sing W.C. Handy’s “St Louis Blues” on stage, she was successful on Broadway, television and in Hollywood. She was nominated for both a daytime Emmy and an Academy Award.)
3. What BBA Summer Festival tee shirt con tained the famous Willie Dixon quote, “The blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits?”
A. 1st Summer Festival
B. 12th Annual Summer Festival
C. 29th Annual Festival
D. 34th Annual Festival
4. Which of the fol lowing is NOT a style of blues music?
A. Matterhorn blues
B. Swamp blues
C. Jump blues
D. Hokum blues
5. Billy Price has many fans in Central PA. At which Williamsport venues has he played?
A. Genetti Hotel & Suites
D. All of the above
6. Who famously said, “My audience wants to see me beautifully gowned, and I have spared no expenses or pains…”.
B. Hiawatha Cruise
C. Pajama Factory
B. Ma Rainey
C. Victoria Spivey
D. Etta James
7. Name the left-handed blues musician(s)?
A. Albert King
B. Frank Craig
C. Otis Rush
D. All of the above
8. What does “B.B.” in B.B. King stand for?
9. Which was NOT a name of a Muddy Waters album?
A. Muddy Waters: Folk Singer
B. The Muddy Waters Woodstock album
C. Mud in your Eye
D. Me and My Blues
10. Everyone from Elvis, Ike and Tina Turner, to Joe Bonamassa have made magic with this composer’s song “Reconsider Baby.”
(Hint: Considered one of the most important names in West Coast blues after T. Bone Walker)
M ake sure to check out your N e W, favorite podcast shari N g para N or M al stories fro M a ppalachia a N d beyo N d . h ave a story to share W ith us ? f i N d us W herever you get your podcasts !
Memphis Here I Come!
By NICK ANDREW STAVER
TUESDAY
DAY 1
In the dead of an 18 degree night my wife Maggie and I climbed into the car and set our destination for Memphis TN. The ride was smooth sailing, as hoped for but still a long day behind the wheel. So, as we turned onto Beale St (way) later that day, the energy level immediately spiked. Walking down Beale and entering under the “Home of the Blues” neon sign instantly awakens the senses and reveals the dedication so many have to keeping this amazing music alive for all to enjoy. After dinner and a quick stroll around the neighborhood we went back to the hotel in order to rest so that we could wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy this great city.
WEDNESDAY
DAY 2
Although still quite chilly outside, we were happy to take advantage of some sunshine, take a walk, and do some sightseeing. One non-music stop I really wanted to make was only a few blocks from our hotel, the Lorraine Motel. Standing only a few feet from where Dr King last stood, was a solemn moment and caused much reflection on that beautiful morning.
Later, after joining up with The Cadillac Cats and the BBA crew for a Beale St moment, I made my way to King’s Palace Taproom for my set. I didn’t have to wait long since my set was the second act of the night. Mr David Strickler asked beforehand if I was nervous. Nerves don’t bother me much anymore. But I did have an excited energy and was ready to play. So when the time came, I stepped up to the mic, took a swift but calming breath and got after it!
Without fan support this wouldn’t be possible at all. So it was so nice to see familiar faces from the BBA, The Cadillac Cats and the ever supportive face of my Maggie in the audience. After my performance, we caught The Cadillac Cats set, sounding outstanding as usual, and then made our way to nearby Alfred’s to end the night listening to bands from all over the world share their blues!
THURSDAY
DAY 3
Life at home with two kids is a nonstop schedule, and as I’ve learned, so is the IBC. I headed out in the afternoon to some workshops, highlighted by an acoustic guitar session from the fantastic Doug MacLeod. I’ll always be a student of music, and it was wonderful to hear stories and ideas about be-
ing a guitar player from such a prolific musician. Shortly after that the music was off and running. My 7:30pm set was right in the middle of the evening so it afforded me the opportunity to not have to wait too long before my chance to play but also gave me some time to take in a few of the other acts. My performance that evening went well. The Cadillac Cats had their set directly after mine (in a different venue) so unfortunately I didn’t get to hear them but I did catch up with them shortly after. Maggie and I soaked in a little more time under the neon lights of Beale before retiring back to the hotel and awaiting the results. I say to myself, control the controllables. The results of an event like the IBC are out of my control. That’s up to the judges. Unfortunately, I wasn’t what they were looking for to advance to the semi-finals. It’s a tough competition for sure. Every act is a heavy hitter. And probably my favorite part, each challenger in my venue had his/her own unique style. No two were the same.
FRIDAY DAY 4
In all of my preparations for Memphis I never had waking up in a winter wonderland on my agenda. Snow everywhere in the morning made it difficult to get around but Maggie and I were able to meet up with some of the BBA crew (David, Rita, Bonnie and Charlie) for lunch. Music is essential in our lives but doesn’t carry as much weight if it’s not connecting us to people. We loved being able to spend time in their company. Later that evening we hit the streets again to take in some of the youth bands. It really inspired confidence that this genre is in good hands going into the future. We knew our departure time was going to be in the middle of the night so we bid farewell to Beale St and got some rest for the next day’s travel.
SATURDAY DAY 5
Our drive home, like the drive down, went smoothly. We were fueled by memories of the week and excitement for what is to come in 2025. We left deep in the night and pulled into the driveway as the sun was dipping below the horizon. Walking through the door to our son and daughter’s excitement and hugs was a great ending to the IBC week. Responses in Memphis were great, the results didn’t come as expected. Control the controllables. It was an honor to represent Billtown Blues and all of its members. However much I am pleased with my performances and the enjoyment Memphis gave me, I will always wish I was able to do more for the BBA that week. Thank you to everyone for your support. I look forward to both performing and being a member of the BBA for years to come. And if the opportunity allows, I’d love to return to Memphis and run it back.
Spotlight on the Artist: Lucille Grace-Ridges A Story from the Road and the Founding of a Blues Society
By JOSEPH S. VOLPE
For this newsletter I had the privilege to interview the talented blues musician, Lucille Grace-Ridges. Coming from a humble Louisiana French/ Cajun heritage, she decided early on that she wanted to be a musician. By the age of seventeen she was touring with bands on the Chitlin Circuit, developing her style while performing and touring with the likes of Little Milton and Albert King. Lucille has played all over the United States and abroad with some of the great Blues and R&B musicians, and was the front person in her band “Lucille”. As a Guitarist and Vocalist she is respected both by the famous musicians she performed with and everyone that is familiar with her music.
1) J.V: What made you decide to become a musician?
L.G.R: I began formal training at the age of 10 on woodwinds. When I turned 11, I knew I wanted a job that would allow me to sleep late every day. At around 13, Dad brought a new acoustic guitar into the house because as a preschooler I left my first one outside all night after I tried to play it, and the Louisiana dew destroyed it. Then my brother-in-law gave me a Western Auto electric guitar with a small 007 amp: the guitar wasn’t much but it was fun to play. When I was 15 my dad bought me a Gibson SG.
2) J.V.: How would you describe the music you play?
L.G.R: I refer to it as “Rockin Blues”. I play soupedup blues with a three piece band.
3) J.V.: What is your guitar of choice?
L.G.R:My 1984 Steinberger. I started playing it after I got mugged in New York City and had my 64 Stratocaster stolen. Vernon Reid from Living Colour turned me on to the Steinberger and I have played it ever since. It travels well, it doesn’t break, and the muggers don’t even know that it is a guitar. Steinberger gave me a partial endorsement when I was touring and promoting the Gary US Bonds album. It’s a great instrument for playing Rockin Blues.
4) J.V.: Can you share some of the interesting moments in your musical career?
L.G.R:I was hired as lead guitarist for Little Milton: he taught me how to play the real blues. At the time I was inspired by Albert King who was more Rockin. Once as we were passing through Mississippi we hooked up with BB King and did a few shows with him. I was standing around backstage and Little Milton told BB that I had my own “Lucille” (guitar nickname) and BB responded, “I like your Lucille better”. Another time right before we played the Memphis Coliseum, we
performed at a local juke joint in North Mississippi outside of Memphis, and while performing on stage Little Milton turned around with a disapproving face and told me to “stop playing like BB”. I responded by telling him to “turn back around and let me do my job.” After that we became good friends.
While staying at Roberts Motel on the South Side of Chicago, a motel where all the blues and R&B bands were staying at the time, I met Albert King and other legendary blues and R&B players like Tyrone Davis and Bobby Blue Bland. When we went to breakfast together, I twisted the arm of Albert King’s guitarist to show me all of Albert’s licks and he did. Albert and I got to know each other well.
I also toured with Memphis Slim who took me to Europe for the first time (he was then living in Paris), and I met Muddy Waters during the tour. Since Memphis Slim knew many legendary blues players and it wasn’t uncommon for famous blues players to jump on stage and jam together, I had the great pleasure of jamming with Willie Dixon and Matt Guitar Murphy from the Blues Brothers, just to name a couple. When Memphis Slim was living abroad and had a gig to play in New York, he would ask me to put a band together for him when he came to New York to perform.
5) J.V.: Would you like to mention any other musicians that you have played or recorded with?
L.G.R: Gary US Bonds, Dr. John, Garland Jeffries, Albert King, Dorothy Moore, Fingers Taylor, Dr. John, R.L. Burnsides, Kenny Brown, Johnny Woods.
6) J.V: What was your inspiration for founding the Vicksberg Blues Society?
L.G.R:The original name was the Willie Dixon Vicksberg Blues Society. Willie’s wife, Marie, and two of their children flew down from Chicago to Vicksberg, Mississippi and gave us their blessing. Not long after they got involved, Marie tragically lost those two children, her son Butch and daughter Shirli. It was a huge loss. We eventually shortened the name of the organization, and I later turned the Society over to Shirley Warren who has done an incredible job of keeping it alive.
7) J.V: Can you share the names of some of your recordings?
L.G.R:My album “Lucille” is on the Blues Works label. I did the soundtrack for “The Last of the Mississippi Jukes,” a Robert Mugge movie starring Morgan Freeman. I played on the Gary US Bonds album “Standing in the Line of Fire,” produced by Little Steven. I produced and sang backup on my Cajun mom, Lillian’s CD, “Blues Highway.” I played in Richard Belzer HBO Comedy Special, “Conspiracy.” There is a screenplay in the works about my adventures while being on tour with Little Milton.
In 2011 I was diagnosed with cancer
when my son was three years old. My priorities changed and I wanted to spend my time watching him grow up. My son is now 17, and I am planning to focus on my music again. I have enough songs in the can for about three CD’s. I will finish mixing my songs and then who knows… I am also writing my memoirs.
8) J.V.: What advice would you give a young person starting out on a blues music career?
L.G.R: Expect brick walls, dead ends, and selfdoubt, but never give up! When you have self-doubts, you must realize this self-doubt will make you practice harder. I call it “the Tunnel” because each time I doubted my talent, I’d enter the tunnel and I always came out of it a better guitarist.
9) J.V.: Finally, Lucille, what does your Harley mean to you?
L.G.R: Everything! It’s pure Zen to ride on the open road. I see the beauty around me as I ride, it clears my head: very much like meditating. A lot of good song ideas come to me on the road!
