Last October, blues acts from around the state competed in the 18th Annual Black Swamp Blues Society Blues Challenge. The Doug Hart Band and solo artist Pat Lewandowski emerged victorious, and this Sunday, they’ll be performing to raise money to represent Northwest Ohio at another competition.
The Blues Bash to Memphis, hosted by The Black Swamp Blues Society, is an event raising money for the two acts to travel and compete against blues artists from around the world at the International Blues Competition, to be held in Memphis next week. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to see great bands most Toledoans don’t know are right in their backyards.
The combined talents of Doug Hart, Mike Hansfield, Keith Cozart and Mike Jordan topped the Group competition at the Blues Challenge as The Doug Hart Band, a predominant act in the southern Ohio blues scene.
Solo competition winner Pat Lewandowski knows a lot about the Memphis competition; he's attended the event many times after his four previous Blues Challenge wins. Pat has been performing as a blues guitarist for nearly the past 50 years, with groups such as Blue Front Persuaders, Snooz Blues, and even backing Greg Allman of The Allman Brothers.
A handful of other acts will be performing alongside the competition winners. Toledo blues legend Bobby G., who was a part of a big blues concert last year to celebrate his 70th birthday, will be another local act taking the stage.
Two national acts will also lend their support with performances this Sunday. Quoting her website, Motown-native singer Niecie has “soul running through her veins”. Her most recent album Wanted Woman has garnered Grammy nominations in three different categories this year.
Lead by Northwest Ohio bluesman “Blind Dog” Ben Miller, Boogie Boys are a powerhouse blues group whose new album 50 Years of Juke Joints currently holds top spots on blues charts around the country. Boogie Boys will be making their way to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Competition as winners of the Connecticut Blues Society’s Blues Challenge.
Even casual blues lovers will get a kick out of the talent on display at the Blues Bash to Memphis. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15, or $10 with five non-perishable food items as a donation to The Northwest Ohio Food Bank.
2-7pm Sunday, January 18. Laffs, Inc. 3922 Secor Rd. 419-214-0700, laffsinc.com.
