GTCBMS GATHERINGS AND EVENTS OF NOTE
Previous Years Happenings
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002
Forest Laker BBQ & Blues Jam
The Brothers Curtis
Hosted by the Brothers Curtis on Tuesday Nights
The Brothers Curtis will officially kick off their regular Tuesday night jam at the Forest Laker with a "Get Out Of Town" fund raiser on December 2nd starting at 8 pm. Tax-deductible donations collected at this event will be used to help cover expenses for the Brothers Curtis Delta Duet to compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN February 4-7, 2009.
The Forest Laker will offer food and beverage specials for the Tuesday BBQ & Blues Jam nights. The Forest Laker began as The Commercial Hotel in the early 1900's. Located on legendary Highway 61 (Lake St) next to the lake, the building has gone through numerous renovations over the past 100 years. The current owner's vision is "for the ultimate entertainment center situated in the oldest hotel building still standing." Amenmities include an art deco bar, a new game room, sports bar, four-season porch and deck overlooking the lake, lower level '40's style ladies and gentlemen's cocktail lounge, sunken garden patio with waterfall and new "Forest Laker Lakeside Dining Room" added to the main level offering sunrise breakfasts, upscale lunches, and distinctive sunset dinners with fabulous lake views."— from www.forestlaker.com
The Forest Laker (see Blues Venue Map)
131 N Lake Street
Forest Lake, MN
651-464-4647
(11/25/08)
Festival In The Park of Mounds View, Aug. 16-17
Lisa Wenger Band
Lisa Wenger Band & Scottie Miller Band Playing Sunday
The City of Mounds View will be holding their annual "Festival In The Park" August 16-17. Of particular interest to blues fans will be performances on Sunday by the Lisa Wenger Band at 2:00 pm and the Scottie Miller Band at 7:00 pm. Also performing will be Lazy Ike & the Daredevils at 4:30 pm. The Daredevils sound like a fun band from the description on their web site, "a little bit of country... a little bit of rock-n-roll".
Additional events include a "Battle of the Bands" on Saturday from noon until 6:00 pm and a parade on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Add to that a juggler, a magician, a balloon artist and rides in a fire truck bucket; what more could you ask for?
For more information visit: www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us
— Jake Jacobsom
(07/21/08)
Armadillo Jump at 2008 Picnic
Another Perfect Day!!
Members' Appreciation Picnic A Great Success
Please see: The Picnic Slideshow
Thanks to Ken & Marilyn Zieska for hosting this year's picnic at their home in Plymouth. And a big "Thank You" to Armadillo Jump for providing the music throughout the day. Thanks also to Lynn Kelly for preparing the main dishes, pork and chicken.
Monica Louise was a real trooper playing all day with a broken leg. The rest of Armadillo Jump did a great job, too. John Coburn on guitar, Nick Zwack drums, Phil Haire bass and Jordan "Ward" Reed on saxophone and harmonica. Also jamming with the band were Curt "Zee" Zbikowski (harmonica), Rich Brough (guitar), John Franken (guitar), Paul Mayasich (guitar), Bill Goodson (guitar) and Justin Zwack (guitar).
A lot of folks brought side dishes. There were dancers (Doug Spike instigator, of course). All-in-all a great opportunity for the members of the Society to get together for fun and relaxed afternoon.
Text & Photo by Jake Jacobson
Be sure to check out the pictures: The Picnic Slideshow
(07/25/08)
A Little Damp, Great Music
Hambone Blues Jam 2008
June 27 & 28 in Austin, MN
This year's jam is a 2-day event being held at the Holiday Park Golf Course 8 miles west of Austin, MN on Highway I90. The lineup includes: Ronnie Baker Brooks, Mississippi Heat, Chicago Flavor featuring Barbara LeShoure, Big George Jackson, Plan B, King Chubby, Annie Mack and Black Cat Bone. $10/day at the gate on the day of the show, $15 in advance for a 2-day pass. For more info visit: www.hambonebluesjam.com
(05/18/08)
Hambone Review
Daughter/Father bandmates
Sena & Ed Ehrhardt with Plan B
The journey South to Hayward, MN and the Holiday Park Golf Course was well worth the effort despite the high winds and rain. King Chubby and Plan B were able to complete their sets on the big stage before the weather forced the concert under the big top for the remaining acts.
While the weather may not have cooperated I thought the music was great. King Chubby introduced himself before his set and told us a little bit about his journey from Austin, MN to L.A. and back again. King Chubby is not strictly a blues act but I was delighted to hear some old Wishbone Ash and "Black Magic Woman" introduced as a Fleetwood Mac(Peter Green) tune rather than by Santana.
Phil Schmid & Big George Jackson
Under the Big Top
Plan B is a five-piece band based out of Austin, MN featuring Sena Ehrhardt on vocals and, her Dad, Ed on guitar. Ed said they may be getting booked at The Narrows sometime this summer. It would be a show worth catching.
From the Twin Cities, Big George Jackson Band and Chicago Flavor provided more traditional blues performances. Big George and the band had to move their equipment from the outside stage to the tent when it became clear that the rain was not going to let up. They sounded great and brought the dancers to their feet.
Chicago Flavor featured Jimi "Prime Time" Smith and vocalist extrordinare, Barbara LeShoure. Once again audience participation was high with dancing and hand-clapping. If you haven't seen Barbara perform it is really a treat that you shouldn't miss if you get a chance.
Unfortunately as the schedule was running a little bit late and I had an early morning coming up, I left as Mississippi Heat was beginning their set and did not get to hear Ronnie Baker Brooks.
As far as a GTCBMS Meet & Greet event we did pretty well I think. We had two renewals, one new membership and passed out a number of brochures. Hopefully the promoters of Hambone will be encouraged to hold another festival next year. And hopefully the sun will be shining.
— Text & Photos by Jake Jacobson
(06/29/08)
Contact Us
page last updated:
Friday, December 11, 2020
