2008 BluesFest Line-up
3rd Degree
http://www.myspace.com/3ddegree
3rd Degree features premier slide guitarist Stan Budzynski, bassist Ron Bretz, drummer Dan Mead, and keyboardist Greg “Biff” Hodge. Two-time winners of the Capital Area Blues Society’s annual Blues Brawl, the band will represent Lansing in January at the National Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis. 3rd Degree formed in 1997 and has since become one of the most recognizable names in blues throughout Lansing’s music scene. Their early influences, like Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, along with modern talents including Sonny Landreth and Robben Ford, have helped to expand the band's repertoire and provide a foundation for growth. Listen for them at the Barn Tavern in Grand Ledge, the Green Door Blues Bar & Grill in Lansing, the 2009 Okemos Music in the Park Series, and on the radio on WLNZ 89.7FM and Impact 89FM.
everlovingmind
http://www.mattbliton.com
everlovingmind is a band of five musicians from the Lansing area with diverse musical backgrounds. Their primary influences are blues, jazz and folk, but they also have a certain inclination toward funk. everlovingmind offers original music, thoughtful lyrics and creative covers of vintage pieces, with juicy improvisations and tasteful harmonies. Guitarist Jim Green recently appeared on the debut album of Linda Abar, while guitarist and bassist David Meeder played formerly with Thom Jayne’s Nomads. Nate Bliton, keyboardist for the MSU Salsa Band, is a graduate student studying music composition. Matt Bliton’s strong vocals add depth and emotion to the group’s music, which is further enhanced by drummer and vocalist Steve Stringer’s versatility and consistency. The group has been together for years under an assortment of names, yet they remain accessible to music enthusiasts everywhere.
Kenny Neal
http://www.kennyneal.net
Born in the Mecca of jazz, New Orleans, Kenny Neal was given his first harmonica at age three. Under the instruction of his father Raful Neal, Jr. and family friends such as Lazy Lester, Buddy Guy and Slim Harpo, he mastered not only harmonica but also bass, trumpet, piano and guitar. At 13, he joined his father’s band and began paying his musical dues. Four years later, he toured as Buddy Guy’s bassist, then joined his brothers in Toronto to form the Neal Brothers Band. Kenny Neal has either shared the stage or worked with a who’s who list of blues and R&B greats, including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Aaron Neville, and John Lee Hooker. The Chicago Tribune has called him “one of a mere handful of truly inventive young contemporary guitarists,” and he is the recipient of several notable accolades, including the Big Bill Broonzy Blues Award in Paris, the Slim Harpo Award in Baton Rouge, and the Junior Wells Harmonica Award in Memphis.
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