Evolution of the Blues: Joanie Cere, Michael Matison, Linda Piper

35th Annual Music Under the Stars | Saturdays: Jazz & Blues
Curated by vocalists Joanie Cere and Michael Matison, "Evolution of the Blues" is a brief narrative and song-drenched look at how the blues has evolved from the early part of the 20th century until the present. Featuring writer and storyteller Linda Piper (aka "Grandma Griot”), the program is in three parts. Part One, Foundations, speaks to the music’s origins, structure, and instrumentation as well as African, Scottish and other influences, and features Male Fainke on guitar; Joe Daddy Warner on acoustic bass; John Griffin, harmonica; Thomas Blues, harmonica; Sid Fendley, piano; and Joe Warner, Joanie Cere & Michael Matison, vocals. Part Two, The Great Migration, is about the movement of the music out of the south and around the country where musicians and singers expressed themselves, their joy and pain, in venues from juke joints to concert halls, and features a full band with Joe Warner and Dimi DiSanti, guitar; Maud Beenhouwer, bass; Keith Robertson, drums; Sid Fendley, keyboards; Thomas Blues, harmonica; and Keith Robertson, Michael Matison, and Joanie Cere, vocals. Part Three, Bringing it Home is how we view the blues today, it's presence in rock, jazz, and country music is undeniable and can be easily recognized and features Michael Gregg and Lisa Litman, guitars; Maud Beenhouwer, bass; Sid Fendley, keyboards; Keith Robertson, drums; Thomas Blues, harmonica; and Keith Robertson, Michael Matison and Joanie Cere, vocals. As is said, "if you can't dig the blues, you've got a hole in your soul!" Music in the Lobby will feature acoustic guitarist Dan Dowling.