Hey Blues Fans,
We are happy to report sign-ups are going well for the TCBBS. Some of the great venues that have joined include The Exchange, a premier downtown Corpus Christi venue; The Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass, also known as the South Texas Blues Epicenter; Dorado’s, at Conn Brown Harbor; and Newlin’s in Austin. We also have picked up some great bands. Among the first to join was the power blues Rock trio, Mantle Jennings. Holy smokes, those guys can rock the house! The Steve Ondrechen Band, or S.O.B as it is otherwise known, was founded by Steve who relocated here from Austin. He is a phenomenal guitarist and bassist and does commercial and studio work. Be on the lookout for his pro blues band at our upcoming events.
As lead guitarist for the FBI Blues Band, I’d like to introduce you to some of the great musicians in our band. JJ Robertson is our drummer, a highly sought after hired gun and plays with pro bands all the time. Otis Terrell, who can sing and play most instruments like he invented them, is the nephew of none other than the Iceman, Albert Collins. “Hambone” Mario Lopez, the local blues radio celebrity, can really get down on blues harp. Other bandmembers include Ross Dominus, a great sax player that can’t be confined to the stage; K.D. Logan, the Showman, also on sax; Joel Jackson, who tears it up on second guitar; and the very talented Archie Holcomb on bass and vocals. And finally, our very own Antoinette Tozer who can “sang the bluez!” Some people say a young lady could not possibly sing the blues, but she definitely can. The FBI has been invited back this year to the Texas Jazz Festival on Oct 19th. Stop by the South Stage at midnight, when we headline the second night of the festival!
Moving on, we have also added Chris Ivory as a Band Liaison. Chris is known in the Coastal Bend as a very talented pianist and keys player. He tours quite a bit and has played on Grammy winning albums.
Recently, I had the privilege to present a new member with his TCBBS ID card while he was playing at the Catfish Blues Jam at the Rialto Theater and got to strap on a borrowed Strat and play with him. Welcome Herbert Puryear!
A big shout out to Bruce Newlin, a promoter of the blues up in Austin with membership in the TCBBS as both an individual and a venue. He is helping the TCBBS coordinate a blues festival up north with his friends in the Austin Blues Society. Stay tuned for details once we have it dialed in. He also presented us with a great piece of Stevie Ray Vaughn artwork that is now hanging at the Rialto Theater, the brick and mortar home of the TCBBS.
On the administrative front, Celeste Trevino has stepped up to the plate to fill the vacancy as Board Secretary. She is also the Director of the Jak Payne Scholarship Fund. The fund is building as pledges are becoming deposits into that account. Speaking of which, while you are here on the website, it would only take a couple of minutes to join or donate (hint, hint). Thanks to all supporting us as we enter our third month. 😊
Finally, we are hosting the Aransas Pass Music Festival which consists of 10+ bands inside the air-conditioned Rialto Theater on Sept 7. If you would like to help us out and volunteer to work the membership booth just let us know! They have a great bar and great food too, so once you walk in, you can stay 12 hours and not sweat a drop or see a single mosquito! The festival is a fundraiser for the Rialto, which is a historic icon in the area that was built in 1937. It takes a lot of time and money to keep that building in great condition for events. Your attendance will help us keep the blues going in that great theater.
Frank Butler/ President