Many of NYC’s Blues Elite Take the Stage

(New York, NY)

It is not a huge secret that, in recent years, the New York City blues scene has been struggling (a bit) to stay afloat…but it is not for a lack of talent. Unfortunately there just aren’t that many venues left that are willing to exhibit this style of music on a regular basis and most of the city’s “blues clubs” (which are few), arguably are not as supportive of local talent as they could be; featuring a very short (and strict) list of local regulars and a plethora of national talent. Add in the fact that the vast majority of NYC music venues are notorious for not paying musicians and you have a recipe for a slightly dismal and often frustrating local scene; where the bulk of its most talented members are forced to travel to neighboring cities, towns and states just to be able to steadily play their music …and if their lucky, make a buck doing it.

Enter The New York City Blues Society; a (somewhat) recently formed organization completely dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the blues (both nationally and locally known artists) in NYC…not to be mistaken with the more generalized New York Blues & Jazz Society. In an effort to help celebrate those “Mid-Summertime Blues” and in an attempt to bring awareness to the fact that the city has the talent to sustain a strong and fruitful blues community, The New York City Blues Society organized an all-day blues extravaganza called the Six String Showdown, at the legendary Kenny’s Castaways in the heart of Greenwich Village on Sunday July 31st, 2011.

Photo: Johnny Childs & Brother Dave

 Hosted by bluesman and guitar-slinger Johnny Childs, who also performed at the event, the Six String Showdown featured ten hours or extraordinary NYC-based blues talent that included Nasty Ned, Andy Story, Bennett Harris, Michael Packer, Bill Sims Jr., Matt Daniels, Jason Green, Dave Fields, Michael Hill, Chris Bergson, Geoff Hartwell and Dave Coppa…as well as a brilliant house-band made up of Brother Dave (guitar), Billy Blend (Keys), Brendan O’Grady (bass) and Michael Bram (drums).

From the raucous harmonica tones of Nasty Ned and the “down home” sounds of Bill Sims Jr. and Michael Hill, to the spastic showmanship of the always enjoyable Johnny Childs and the jazz-fueled virtuosity of guitarists like Matt Daniels and Jason Green, the Six String Showdown was a feast for the ears and magnificently triumphant in its attempt to showcase the sheer amount and variety of blues talent that calls NYC home.

With a strong audience turnout and almost half a day’s worth of excellent blues music, it is safe to say that The New York City Blues Society knocked their first live event out of the park and the prospect of future shows, like the Six String Showdown, is an exciting one. Let’s hope that the “NYCBS” can keep up the good work.

Photo: Nasty Ned

Photo: Bill Sims Jr.

Photo: Matt Daniels

Photo: Jason Green

If you enjoyed this article you may also enjoy The American Blues News’ CD reviews for both Michael Packer and Bill Sims Jr.

As always, checkout jblakeblues.com for some local NYC blues and J. Blake gig dates…and become a fan of J. Blake’s on Facebook.

Copyright © 2011 – J. Blake. All Rights Reserved.
*Photos taken at The Six String Showdown by Les Opiola