My life has changed so much, for the better, since I began this blog (as a printed newsletter). In the old days I wasn't married, did not have a soon to be teen-age son, and I did not have to consider anyone else's feelings or concerns. (Sometimes I chose to do so.) Now I have all of those pluses and minuses. I am reminded of all the changes whenever I attend the Russell City Blues festival.
Back in the day I would have gotten up early enough to get a front row seat, walked to BART, and headed up to Cal State Hayward (where it was once held). I would have spent the day drinking decent beer, dancing, and reflecting on the good fortune of living in the Bay Area, having the opportunity to listen to the greatest Blues performers in the world for a few dollars. I lived a blessed life.
Contrast that with the life I live now. It was Saturday of a Blues festival day. Naturally I married a man who appreciated both Blues and Baseball. He got extra points for being introduced by our mutual friend Country Pete McGill as his "homeboy". I was even more impressed by his baseball knowledge. He was able to describe an at bat pitch by pitch. We have a wonderful son whom I have raised to experience both Blues and Baseball. Yet problems exist. After years of being together my husband was working rather than attending the Russell City Blues festival. (I try not to be judgmental, but I have always scheduled work around the Blues Festivals and Baseball.) That left me the choice of leaving our son at home with his computers, or taking him with me. You may wonder why this involved a decision at all. Of course I firmly believe that all children, especially African American children, should be educated about the Blues. It is just that I know what it takes to get my "tween" moving, or away from the computer. I would be lucky to arrive by 3:00 P.M.when my goal was 10:00 A.M. Another sacrifice for motherhood. I was still going to get to hear my Blues, just with limitations.
To make a long story not too long, we got there in time to witness Birdlegg's return to the Bay Area Blues stage. He still possesses the same energetic harp style and hyperactive interaction with the crowd that have made him so popular. He did and acknowledged a Carroll Peery song. This had the usual effect of getting people up and dancing while enjoying they enjoyed the lyrics. It was a great way to get my Blues fix. I wanted to hear "Meet Me On the Corner", but it was not to be. I got in a dance or two while my son ate the chicken, fish, shrimp, and funnel cake that made up two of his three dinners for the day. It was then time for Felton Crews & the Chicago Blues Kings.
I had not heard Felton Crews before. I was looking forward to seeing which version of Chicago style Blues this was. The description in the program hinted that it was post-Muddy Waters era. That is not my idea of Chicago style Blues. There were some good moments. They were skilled musicians and showmen and the music was good, but it felt more like jazz than Chicago style Blues. It was good music for line dancing so I got some exercise.
Finally it was time for Grady Champion. He is the young brother I had discovered (in the Columbus discovered America sense) at the festivals two years ago. It was great to see and hear him continuing the Blues tradition. He did a mixture of traditional Blues and his own original songs. I enjoyed a song from his soon to be released new CD before I was rewarded with his hit "Make That Monkey Jump". It is always good to hear young brothers play the harp. His voice, song writing, and down-to-earth means of interacting with the audience have added him to the short list of not to be missed performers. I can imagine myself in twenty years, when he is legendary, being able to say I knew him when. I suggest you take any opportunity presented to see this talented young man.
Russell City was a great show as always. The T-shirt this year features an artistic representation of the old club. I asked, since it is a little before my time, and it is accurate. I thought about Aunt Georgette (former owner) and missed her as always. I visited briefly with old friends. I had the pleasure of checking in with Ronnie and Birdlegg, and felt the presence of those who are no longer with us. As I took my son's picture with Alabama Mike and Country Pete I realized I had been attending the Russell City Blues festival for the entire fifteen years of its existence. I have been following the Blues my entire adult life. I now have the family with whom to share the experience. Unfortunately this year that meant missing Country Pete and Alabama Mike. I am consoling myself with the fact that I can see Alabama the third Sunday of the month at the Lakeside Club in Oakland.. I know I missed great shows. Back in the day, I would not have missed them. I did see some parts of a great show. I shared the experience with my son and long time friends. My life is still blessed.
Rev. Adwoa
