Blues~n~Groove Weekend at Mount Dora, Florida May 16-18, 2014

contents

blues

Blues Music Awards nominee Ana Popovic is but one of several critically acclaimed artists appearing at the sixth annual Mount Dora Blues~n~Groove Weekend. The three-day music festival will feature the Pat Travers Band, Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, Selwyn Birchwood and Big Bill Morganfield as headliners throughout the weekend, May 16-18. Popovic is nominated for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year as part of the 35th annual Blues Music Awards. It is her fifth nomination by The Blues Foundation. The awards are presented May 8 in Memphis, TN. Currently touring with an all-star lineup as part of the Experience Hendrix Tour '14, Popovic will be the Saturday headliner May 17 in Mount Dora.

Headlining Friday, May 16, is Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, a blues trio consistently acclaimed for their authentic approach to blues and roots rock music. Thackery was featured guitarist 1972-1986 for the legendary Nighthawks before breaking out on his own. He has recorded more than 40 albums, including his early days with the Nighthawks and his time with the Drivers.

Closing out the robust weekend of music will be the Pat Travers Band, featuring the eponymous lead guitarist renowned for such classics as "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)" and "Snortin' Whiskey." He has recorded with a litany of classic rock musicians and has been cited by some of rock music's elite as an influence, including Rush's Alex Lifeson and Metallica's Kirk Hammett.

Winner of the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, Selwyn Birchwood will open for Ana Popovic, Saturday, May 17. Birchwood was also recipient of the title of "Best Guitarist" at the 2013 International Blues Challenge. His band has performed alongside legends such as Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and John Lee Hooker, Jr.

The son of Muddy Waters, William "Big Bill" Morganfield will be featured Friday, May 16. Raised in Florida, Big Bill did not pursue the blues until after his father's death. His passion for music has resulted in a new career that has gained him accolades and resulted in consistent invitations to premier blues festivals.

Winner of the 2013 Orange Blossom Blues Society's Central Florida Blues Challenge, Joel DaSilva & The Midnight Howl will bring their unique brand of Chicago rockabilly blues to Saturday's lineup. The Paul Stott Group, the People's Choice Winner of the Central Florida Blues Challenge, consistently captured regional attention for their brand of classic blues, will be featured on the Friday bill.

Openers for the weekend include Jerry J's Triple Shot, Randie Paul and Jeff Howell. All three acts are regional favorites that enhance the blues and groove flavor of the weekend. The event is held Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, in Elizabeth Evans Park at the southern end of Donnelly Street. The Sunday event, featuring the Pat Travers Band will be held a few blocks north in the Mount Dora Community Building on Baker Street.

The weekend is hosted by Visit Mount Dora, a not-for-profit marketing entity promoting all that Mount Dora has to offer. Ticket and lodging information can be found at bluesandgroove.com.

write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Jazz News :: home page