Carnival of Soul

This week has some national acts coming through the state. Even better is that the week’s schedule offers the opportunity to catch some of the local bands that keep the blues an active part of the state’s landscape.

In addition to the clubs, outdoor concerts are taking place around the state.

The Balkun Brothers, who have a real active travel schedule, are in the state for a couple of shows. Known for their explosive live shows that go from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye, they grew up studying blues icons including Son House, Johnny Winter, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Then they put together the sounds that attract the younger crowd.

What you have is an act, a powerful Power Duo, that crosses lines and borders. Friday, they will be at BRYAC. A Tuesday show has them playing noontime at The Old State House.

Friday, Robert Randolph & the Family Band are joined by Donna the Buffalo at the FTC Warehouse. Randolph, who just brings joy to the concert, has area favorite Donna the Buffalo.

Sunday, Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood along with Michael Allman will be playing at the 3rd annual Music on the Farm (4:30 p.m.) in Bristol. The doors open at noon and a number of live musical acts will be featured including The Jon Bates Band and Ray Bator from Cajun Ray and the Steamers.

The setting for the event is a teaching farm of the 280 acre Indian Rock Nature Preserve. This event is rain or shine. Proceeds from this event will benefit Environmental Learning Centers of CT: Indian Rock Nature Preserve and Barnes Nature Center. For information on the event, visit www.elcct.org or call 860-583-1234. ELCCT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit environmental education and learning center.

Saturday, it is An Evening with Jeff Pitchell at Revolutions Bowling and Lounge in South Windsor.

Friday, Gracie Curran & the High Falutin’ Band are at Black-eyed Sally’s. Curran has earned her reputation for stunning blues and soul. In blues clubs and juke joints from Boston to Beale Street her name draws raves. In the five years since the release of her debut album “Proof of Love,” the singer has been packing venues across the country and around the world, wowing audiences with her voice and soul-shaking delivery. Curran is a Blues Music Award nominee, Boston Music Award winner and served as the house band at the world-famous Rum Boogie Cafe on Beale Street in Memphis. She has a contagious enthusiasm, incredibly fun live show, and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting entertainers on the scene today. Her highly anticipated sophomore release, “Come Undone,” is due out soon.

If you are ready to visit the outdoors, a number of occasions many attract you.

Friday, the Kathy Thompson Band plays the Harbor Lights Summer Concert Series at Fowler Field Rotary Pavilion behind Milford Public Library. Then Monday the Kathy Thompson Band travels to the New Britain Summer Concerts Series at Walnut Hill Park.

Friday, Washington Park in Groton will host the F & Blues Band.

Tuesday, Jake Kulak plays in the Stratford Summer Concerts at Paradise Green Park. Wednesday, TSC Acoustic journeys to Ferry Park in Rocky Hill for a 5 p.m. concert. Also on Wednesday, Creamery Station takes part in the Sharon Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. on Veterans Field Lions Club Pavilion. Thursday, The Coffee Grinders will be at Davis Park in Danielson at 6 p.m.

Blue Monday continues at Mystic River Park with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones with guest Duke Robillard.

Saturday, Howie and the Soul Potatoes with Paul Gabriel are part of the Bohemian High Good Vibes Festival from noon to 10 p.m. in Milford.

The Falcon and The Falcon Underground have a nice doubleheader on Thursday. Slam Allen is doing a solo performance at the Underground. If it is some keyboard you like, then hear Bruce Katz Band & Solo Piano at the Falcon.

Some other shows of note include Dave Fields at Daddy Jack’s on Friday. Saturday, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy plays The Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, get your dancing shoes on. The Bobby Torello Band is at the State House.

The Connecticut Blues Society announced the schedule for its monthly jam. Once again they will be held at the Pine Loft Café. Start date is Oct. 6 and the jam starts at 1 p.m. Get there early. The Solo Duo dates are Sept. 22 and 29 and Oct. 13 and 20. The website is now accepting applications.

Don’t forget the breweries and vineyards for their shows. They are a good spot for solo/duo acts.

Mark Your Calendar: The good times are on tap for next weekend. Friday, Sarah Grace & the Soul are with Ryan Hartt’s Blues All-Stars at PWOP studios. Saturday, the Stafford Springs Blues Fest is on again.

As schedules and times change, it is good practice to call the club and confirm.

Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.wordpress.com.

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