The 4th annual SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival on October 2 may have kicked it up a notch this year with headliner Jimmy Vaughn, formerly of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and John Lee Hooker Jr., son of the late blues legend. Also on the bill are Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, and the winner of the Blue Ridge Society’s band competition at the Blue Ridge Blues Fest, Clarence “The Bluesman” Turner.
Event Zone executive director Larry Landolt expects to match or exceed last year’s crowds of 2500, which was attracted by headliner Delbert McClinton and others. “I think there’s no question across the board that this is the strongest lineup,” said Landolt recently. “I think Delbert was terrific last year but if you look at all the acts this year they’re pretty terrific.”
Vaughn, whose brother was the late blues-rocker Stevie Ray Vaughn (they collaborated on the album Double Trouble), has just released an album of old time favorites, “Jimmy Vaughn plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites.” Landolt said Vaughn “has kind of gone back and done favorite [songs],” including “I’m Leavin’ It Up to You” and “Just a Little Bit.”
John Lee Hooker Jr. “has an interesting story,” said Landolt, one that includes substance abuse issues, bankruptcy and time in jail. The younger Hooker performed with his legendary father at the age of 14. “He kind of hit rock bottom but now he’s doing well,” said Landolt. “He can sing about it – in fact all of his music is about that. Tough times seem to be the root of much blues music,” he notes.
James has performed her “New Orleans meets Texas” blues style all over the world, but Landolt said the Big Lick Blues Festival will mark her Virginia debut. “She’s been described as kind of a female Delbert [McClinton],” said Landolt.
In fact, James has been a fixture on McClinton’s Blues Cruise for the past seven years and booking her was in part “to get those Delbert fans back without bringing Delbert back again. This was one way of trying to do that.” Clarence Turner, from the DC area, will open the show at 2 p.m. “and apparently is terrific,” said Landolt.
Five rib vendors will compete for the designation as having the best ribs in town, and the American Cancer Society will be helping out with the People’s Choice portion of the voting. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; ballots available at the organization’s tent will come with a suggested $1 donation to the American Cancer Society. Each rib vendor will have $2 samples for sale.
“It’s going to be a great show,” promises Landolt. Tickets are $28 the day of the festival, $22 ahead of time and $20 for SunTrust customers. Children 12 and under are free. SunTrust locations are selling advance tickets.
(For more information about the 4th Annual SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival see biglickblues.org)
By Gene Marrano [email protected]
