KJazz Blues Bash
Deanna Pitre

The 2nd annual KJazz Blues Bash rocked the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of Cal State Long Beach on September 3rd. Members, fans and staff of KJazz 88.1FM flocked to hear the greatest in the blues.

Blues singer Sugaray performed outside with his band during the VIP reception before the show. The sun was setting as fans were chowing down on ribs and sipping on cocktails while Sugaray serenaded the audience with his soulful style. Sugaray has a background in gospel, which comes through in his strong and soothing voice that is accompanied with a full band. Sugaray was the first of five acts that night and each one brought something different to the table.


After the courtyard performance the audience filled up the Carpenter Center in anticipation for more blues to begin. The "Wagman" himself, Gary Wagner, walked on the stage to announce Shawn Pittman and then the show began. Shawn Pittman definitely got the crowd going with his sharp southern-style blues. Veteran guitarist and Pittman's mentor Mike Morgan was Shawn's lead guitarist and Mike stole the show, wearing an eye patch, blue steel-toed boots and a western-style shirt, and blowing the audience away with his guitar solos. Pittman's Texas style band got the audience on their feet and singing along to crowd pleaser, "That's the Thing."


Ana Popovic was next and she definitely proved that she could keep up with the boys -- stilettos and all. Ana started her set with her rough and strong guitar sounds along with an organist, drummer and bassist. Her music is very high energy and she incorporated the old style of blues but with a modern twist. Ana danced around the stage, rocking out with her guitar, her sultry voice booming through the theatre and her shiny, glittery silver dress sparkling under the stage lights.


Then it was time for Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, a band that has been playing together for over 20 years. Lil' Ed started his set with his high energy and trademark fez. Lil' Ed entertained the audience with his fast guitar riffs and also with some jokes that made the audience burst with laughter. The Blues Imperials have amazing musical chemistry which made their performance superb. Lil' Ed and his band mates even fell to their knees as they were playing, after being overcome by the music. It just goes to show that after 20 years they still have it.

Then it was time for the main event -- Mr. James Cotton, a legendry harp player who played with Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. His band got his set started with some old fashion blues with strong, loud and harmonizing guitar riffs and a steady beat. James Cotton walked on the stage with harmonica in hand and a giant smile ready to take the audience on a ride. Cotton had a full band -- guitarist, bassist, drummer and a singer --but Cotton is the leader, swaying back and forth as his harmonica croons and the sound flows over the audience. Cotton sticks his arm up in the air symbolizing he is holding the notes and leading his band. After a few songs Robby Krieger, the guitarist from the Doors, joined Cotton on stage and was met with a huge wave of applause from the crowd. Robby has a unique guitar style and he proved this rock star could play the blues- flower pants and all.

This was the 2nd Annual Blues Bash and it seemed to please the audience as well as the musicians. Sugaray explained the importance of playing and attending live blues performances. "With the blues you get what you get," said Sugaray. "It's a music you need to see live. The albums are great but nothing takes place of standing there watching it live, the energy of the crowd is something you need to experience."

There seems to be something magical about the blues and it was captured that night and etched in the memories of the musicians and the fans.

* Don't forget to tune into Nothin' but the Blues with Gary Wagner every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm â?" 7pm.