Carnival of Soul

Outdoor shows, drive-ins, virtual broadcasts and new CDs are bringing more life into the blues. A bit of Blues Beat trivia: When I first saw Monterey Pop, over 50 years ago, I thought this is the future of concerts. Then along came MTV and it was close. Now, the future lies ahead.

Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule is taking part in the Twilight Concerts on the Farm at South Farms, Morris, Sept. 12-13. A Grammy Award-winning artist, Haynes has been recognized as a cornerstone of the American music landscape and one of the finest guitar players in the world. Throughout his career as part of three great live groups: the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and the Dead, he has left his mark. His artistry has led to thousands of unforgettable performances and millions of album and track sales. Despite all of the ground Haynes has covered on his musical journey, the impressive thing is that he still has many miles to explore. On his newest solo album, “Ashes & Dust,” he puts forth one of his most gorgeous, musically rich and personal albums to date. It is endlessly exciting to see one of the most brilliant minds in modern music shine an entirely new light on the depths of his creativity.

Fans of jam-band powerhouse Gov’t Mule or the most recent soul-charged incarnation of the Warren Haynes Band; listeners who know Haynes through his 25-year affiliation with the Allman Brothers Band; or those who know his work with various extensions of the Grateful Dead family; have shown their enthusiasm for his show. Due to the overwhelming demand, which resulted in Warren Haynes’ weekend shows at South Farms in Morris selling out instantly, the promoters announced three additional shows, on October 1, 8 and 15. Haynes will be joined by his Gov’t Mule bandmate Danny Louis at all five shows.

The Red Hots are set for Sunday at Baily’s Backyard in Ridgefield. These two talented lead ladies are, backed by four hard-working brothers, who bring to life many classic jazz standards, old blues tunes and feisty originals with their blend of unique vocals ukulele and guitar mix.

Bailey’s Backyard, a new venue to Blues Beat, is an experienced event and catering company. They boast a menu that is local, sustainable and responsibly sourced. The American Farm-To-Table Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Ridgefield.

Starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, the Clubhouse Grille will have Wendy May & George Lesiw Duo. Also on Saturday, Jake Kulak and the LowDown are at Three Belles Marina.

Sunday, the Ridgefield Playhouse has Martin Sexton for two shows. The first is 4-6 p.m., and the second 8-10 p.m. The concerts will be outside, under a tent in the field next to the theater, rain or shine.

Jake Kulak and the LowDown and Six Pack of Blues, along with an host of band and musicians are playing Saturday at this year’s Hartbeat Music Festival. Sponsored by Riverfront Recapture, you can tune in at 4 p.m. for all of the 2020 virtual performances on YouTube and FaceBook.

Head “in a Westerly direction”, if you want to see Martin Sexton presented by The United Theatre live at the Misquamicut Drive-In in Westerly, on Saturday, at 8:30 p.m. The drive-in is transformed into a concert venue for The United Theatre and Knickerbocker Music Center 2020 Summer Music Series, presented in partnership with the Misquamicut Business Association. Music will be played via speakers and will also be broadcast to cars via FM transmitter. Gates open at 7 p.m. The show will begin at 8:30 p,m., with no opening act.

The Breadbox Drive in Concert Series in Willimantic continues through the fall on the Shaboo Stage in Jillson Park, 533 Main Street, Willimantic The shows will be conducted in a Drive-in format every Sunday from Sept. 13-Oct. 18. This Sunday, see Mad Agnes/ Hugh Blumenfeld & Faithful Sky. Showtime is 4 p.m. and all proceeds will go directly to Covenant Soup Kitchen.

A special thank you to David Foster of the Foster Foundation and Shaboo Productions for the complete financial backing of this entire series. Also, a shout out to Windham Parks & Recreation for their support for this endeavor.

Some good news from Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar. They reopened on this past Wednesday. The kitchen is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday; brunch and dinner on Sunday; and closed Monday and Tuesday. No live music for now, but they are delighted to serve their style Southern comfort food once again.

A number of people were wondering about the Connecticut Blues Society Blues Jams at the Pineloft Cafe. In normal times, the Fall would herald the start of a new season. But 2020 is no ordinary year. All CTBS events have been cancelled for the remainder of 2020.

Hopefully, 2021 will bring some change for the better. Meanwhile, musicians (and anybody really) who need to get their groove on can check out some of the jams that continue.

The Brass Horse on Wednesdays has an open jam on the patio from 6 to 10 p.m. It is hosted by Hatch & The Night Riders (Phil D. Diiorio, Jackson LaRose, Steve Hatch and River City Slim).

Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.