American Blues News - "Dedicated to the promotion and celebration of the Blues."

(Washington DC) I have received EMails from readers asking me where the good shows are this summer in the area, where the good venues are, dates and times etc. This listing won't be a complete listing of course, but It will give readers a good idea of what is happening this summer in the DC area.

It's going to be a great summer for the blues. If you're a fan of Ana Popovic (pictured here), think about heading out to Moondog's in Pittsburgh June 18th. I know you're saying, wait a minute Bluesman said this was about the DC area! Well, it is, but it is definitely worth the trek into Pittsburg to see Ana perform at this small, intimate club. Showtime is 9 PM. Get there early because the house will be rockin'.

Chuck Brown, "King of Go-Go" will be performing with legendary blues guitarist Bobby Parker at the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia on June 10th at 8:00PM. Featured artists will be Miss Nadine Rae & Band. Head out to Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, Virginia to catch local great Patty Reese and Band. Her vocal styles led to 7 Wammies (DC area awards) this year. See http://www.pattyreese.com/Home.html for details on this and other Patty Reese shows.


Sonny Landreth and Tom Principato will be headling at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on May 29th. Show time starts at 7:30PM, and tickets are $25.00. The great Leo Kottke will also be playing The Birchmere on June 9th. Show time is 7:30PM, and tickets are $35.00. If you're looking for something a little different, check out Chubby Checker and the Wildcats at The Birchmere on June 11th at 7:30PM. Tickets for Chubby Checker are $49.50.



Peter Wolf (J Geils Band) will be playing at The State Theater on May 30th. Show time is 6:00PM, and tickets are $20.00. I'm not sure about this show, but my curiouslty is up for it. He was a major force in the music scene at one time. Does he still have it ...who knows, but I think I will be at that show myself. Coco Montoya will play The State Theater June 20th. Showtime is 6:00PM and tickets are $20.00. Coco Montoya is a can't miss in my blues book. Blues great Albert Lee will be at The State Theater June 23rd. Showtime for Me Lee is 7:30PM, and tickets are $25.00. If you're looking for a blast from the past, go to the State Theater on June 18th to see the legendary Hot Tuna. I would have to also classify this show as a can't miss show.



If you don't mind a short drive to Lewisburg, West Virginia, you can enjoy future legend Janiva Magness playing at one of four Carnegie Halls in the world. The show is June 26th and showtime is 5:30PM. This should be a special show and tickets are only $20.00. Also appearing at the same venue at 3:30PM the same day will be legendary musician John Hammond. The $20.00 ticket price for Janiva also includes the John Hammond show!



This is looking like a big summer for the blues in the DC area as the shows on this page indicate. There are so many other shows coming to the area of course, but the shows I listed here are ones that are easily accessible to the public. You don't have to wait in line for hours, the prices are reasonable, and the venues are small enough that you can see major blues musicians up close and personal. Enjoy the summer, and I hope to see some of you at a show.

I can be reached directly at virginiabluesman@gmail.com ... If you have any questions or comments about this or any other article on this web site, feel free to EMail me anytime. You will get a quick response.

Enjoy the summer!!!
Bluesman