I honestly think the best part of putting on a Blues Festival is listening to all the amazing songs our bands have recorded. The worst part is explaining to my husband why I spent $78.00 on ITunes in one evening. Okay – in my defense, some of these bands have U-tube recordings which then gives suggestions on OTHER bands, which then, I totally have to listen to because while it’s just a suggestion, it IS research for future festivals. WHEW – did you get that? Well, apparently husbands are quite as understanding. But I have one FABULOUS playlist. Unfortunately, I don’t have the heart to tell him my IPOD crashed. OH MY!
While I was researching our bands – which I have to say, I can’t believe I got these guys!!!! I mean who gets this kind of talent for a first year festival? We have 3 Arizona Blues Hall of Fame inductees playing at this festival! THREE!!! We’ve got Chuck Hall, Tommy Dukes and Jimmy Mack!! Oh and that’s just the Arizona bands!
When I signed Tommy Castro and the PainKillers, I was thrilled because I’ve always enjoyed Tommy Castro’s music. Being the non-professional entertainment purveyor I am, I tried to sign the people who played music I loved and didn’t look too far into their background. So……. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Tommy’s song and title track of his acclaimed album Hard Believer won the Best Song in the Blues Category for the 2011 International Songwriting Competition! Oh, but wait – there’s more! The Album won Album of the year at the Blues Music Association Awards, Tommy won songwriter of the year, they won Band of the Year and here’s the BIG ONE: Tommy Castro is a two time winner of the Blues Music Association’s B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award – the highest award for Blues Artists! Not once – but TWICE!!!!
If any blues fans out there miss this festival – you’re a total dork! We have a lineup that is so fantastic; it could only have come together out of beginner’s luck. Now that I’m over the shock of how great I did putting together this year’s music – I believe I’m just going to turn down the lights, grab my hubby, and let him experience $78.00 worth of songs.
Deb