What Did You Miss This Week? (Week 138 #182)

Not a Note!

The Old Town School was closed yesterday for the Labor Day Holiday. Hope you had some blues and BBQ somewhere! Classes resume next Monday, September 14.

Don't Miss the Filisko & Noden CD Release Party!

Joe and Eric release their new CD, "I.C. Special", on September 12th at Martyrs, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL. The show starts at 7:00pm.

Awesome Jim Liban Videos!

Still unsure who Jim Liban is? Wondering why you should get tickets to the upcoming Chicago Blues Harp Bash? Check out these videos of Filisko's "favorite player" thanks to B1's in-house video master, Big Alex Cuevas:

• Jim Liban playing Won't Be Coming Back (with a Shoji Naito guitar solo!)
• Jim Liban and Joe Filisko playing Walter's Boogie

The Chicago Blues Harp Bash showcases five local harp players: Andrew Diehl, Buzz Krantz, Brad Rodger, Grant Kessler and Tim Spahn, all backed by the amazing Billy Flynn Band. Following their performances will be our headliner, Jim Liban! Don't miss this show.

Talking Blues Contest News -- Date Change!

Turns out Joe will be spreading the big-tone, tongue-blocking, blues-scale gospel in Brazil October 5th, so the talking blues contest is going to be rescheduled and a new date will be announced soon. Joe has the "winner" and "honorable mention" prizes ready so keep working up your tune:

• Contest is open to all Level III and Level IV students as well as private lesson students.
• The song should be harmonica-driven.
• Some singing is ok, but the idea is to do a talking blues so everyone can participate.
• Produce an entertaining performance.
• Bonus for originality.
• You should make use of the B1 band -- know how to communicate to them what you want.
• Remember, you are competing with yourself. Joe is looking for a winning performance that shows you've pushed yourself and grown. Find your inner showmanship and put on a memorable performance!

Class Notes

• Get your Chicago Blues Harp Bash tickets before they sell out! Seats may not be available if you buy at the door, so be sure to pre-order them at the Bash website. Patron and Platinum reserved seating are also available. Get yours soon so you don't miss this great show!

Newsletter News!

The newsletter and more is always online! Check it out for more details on newsletter items, a calendar of local gigs and birthdays, archives, links, videos and special features.

We welcome your input. If you're inspired to write a review of a live show, CD, DVD or book, please submit it to us for consideration.

- Grant Kessler, B1 Blues Crew