Music Lovers Weekend

Music Lovers Weekend

featuring

10th Annual Southwest Florida Music Festival

2009 Dates to be announced

Below were the featured musicians in 2008

click on the featured musicians for biographical information

   - Bryan Lee
   - Damon Fowler
   - Janiva Magness
   - Deb & The Dynamics
   - Julie Black
   - Sean Chambers
   - Dog Fish

Gates Open at 12:00 Noon
Music Begins at 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m

at the Pine Island Resort/KOA

located at 5120 Stringfellow Rd. St. James City Florida, (239) 283-2415.

This festival is recognized as one of the Best Blues Festivals in Florida.

The festival is a one day extravaganza.

Admission is $15.00 donation at the gate. Kids 11 and under are free with a paid adult. Campers can stay on site at the Pine Island Resort, (239) 283-2415, with full hook up's. You will find the Pine Island Resort also has a nice selection of Cabins and other accommodations at reasonable prices.

Sponsored by the Matlacha Mariners, for more information visit

www.matlachamariners.org

This Event Benefits Elementary Music Education
Blankets & Chairs are Encouraged
No Coolers or Carry in Beverages.

You can also enjoy a wide variety of music at our island restaurants. From funky to fine, local and touring musicians provide the spirit of our "island style" entertainment.

BRYAN LEE: A New Orleans Blues Institution

Bryan played at the Old Absinthe Bar, (on Bourbon Street NOLA) for 15 years during the 80’ and 90’s . This was a gig that went a long way to establish New Orleans as a blues town as well as the granddaddy of jazz. Guitarist and leader of the Jump Street Five Band at the time, Bryan Lee was faithful to his loyal fans and the music. Today Bryan Lee is still going strong, touring across the US, Canada and Europe playing the blues with the Blues Power Band.

He recently had the honor of performing with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on his newest CD/DVD release Ten Days Out. Along with Kenny, Bryan had the distinct honor and pleasure of being on stage with Pine Top Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Flett , and Willie Big Eyes Smith. Bryan, Kenny and his band were also guests on NBC's Tonight show with Jay Leno on Feb. 14, of 2007. Bryan also had the honor of performing for BB King in 2005 for his birthday.

"People used to ask me why are you working so hard at all these stupid little bars, who cares?" "But hey," Bryan said, "there are people who care. I have to be sincere about it. In all walks of life you search for sincerity and there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of it."

Born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Lee completely lost his eyesight by the age of eight. His avid interest in early rock and blues was fostered through the 1950s by late night listening sessions via the Nashville-based radio station WLAC AM, where he first encountered the sounds of Elmore James, Albert King and Albert Collins.

By his late teens, Lee was playing rhythm guitar in a regional band called The Glaciers that covered Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry material. Through the 1960s, Lee's interest turned to Chicago blues and he soon found himself immersed on that scene, opening for some of his boyhood heroes.

Today Lee continues to perform in New Orleans. He also tours several times a year in the Midwest, Eastern Seaboard, Rocky Mountain States and recently Europe.

Recent Career Highlights: 2005: BB Kings birthday party: personally invited to perform .
2006: “Ten Days Out, Blues from the Back Roads”, with Kenny Wayne Shepard which Featured Bryan and his original tune “Tina Marie”.
2007: Jay Leno Show, Feb 14; performed “Tina Marie” with KWS. - 2007: Won German Record Critics Award.
2008: Tavis Smiley Show (PBS) Feb. 6; performed “Tina Marie” with KWS.
2008: Nominated for 3 Blues Awards: Best Male Artist - Best Blues Band - Best Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, "Katrina Was Her Name."

“One listen to Bryan Lee and you’ll be wondering where this man has been hiding himself. His solid rock guitar lines and his powerhouse vocals are delivered with a refreshing sense wide open control. While there nothing timid about Bryan’s music, there is also never a sense of chaos, no matter what the tempo. Bryan understands that it is the quiet places in the blues that make statements, yet every once in awhile you’ve got to remind people about the pent up energy encased within those moments of silence. Bryan does both like a master storyteller”. - Brett Bonner-Living Blues

“Bryan Lee is one of the best bluesman I have ever heard” - Eric Clapton

“One day too, Bryan, you will be a living legend” - Muddy Waters

“Nobody plays the real blues anymore, but you, me and BB” - Buddy Guy

DAMON FOWLER

Blind Pig Records, has announced the signing of young guitar phenom Damon Fowler.

Born and raised in Brandon Florida just outside of Tampa, Damon first picked up the guitar at the age of 12. After being shown a few chords, it was apparent that he was a natural. While his friends were listening to the music flavor of the month, Damon was digging into the Blues, and was soon playing small clubs in and around the Tampa Bay area. Years later with thousands of shows behind him, you've got one of the most unique and seasoned acts on the national circuit.

Damon has been invited to many major festivals, and has graced the stage with the best in the business. He has three successful CD's under his belt, and is currently working on a fourth.

His playing, writing, and vocal ability has brought him many accolades. His latest include Creative Loafing magazines "Best Guitarist, Best Lap-Steel player, Best Do-Bro player, & Best Slide player", all rolled into one tight package. Damon has been touring the country since November 2004, and has built a dedicated fan base throughout. Current lineup is Damon on guitar and vocals, Chuck Riley on bass, and Scott Key on drums.

Reviewing a performance last month in Illinois, Juke Joint Soul said, "Fowler's heavy helping of swamp rock and slide guitar blues conjured up a huge lightning storm. Having full command of his voice as an equal instrument to his guitar, Fowler can easily croon you to sleep as he could belt out a jump blues or a Creedence-like swamper. This kid has got the tools to take on the big stage.

Fowler's guitar work has been compared to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar has a hint of the late Duane Allman. He can play fiery guitar runs with the best of them, but it's his lyrical work on lap steel and Dobro that makes him stand out among a legion of guitar players.

THE DAMON FOWLER BAND, has performed with and /or opened for:

B.B. King, Barnard Allison, Bo Diddley, Bob Margolin, Buddy Guy, Chris Duarte, Coco Montoya,

Delbert McClinton, Derek Trucks, Edgar Winter,

Greg Allman (Allman Brothers), Hard Rock Cafe Allstar Band,

 Hootie & The Blowfish, Hubert Sumlin, JeffBeck,

Jeff Healy, Jimmy Vaughn, Joe Bonnamassa, Johnny Winter,

Junior Brown, Kim Simmons of Savoy Brown, Larry Coreyell, Leroy

Parnell, Little Feat, Medeski, Martin, & Wood, Michael Burks, Molly Hatchet,

Pat Travers, The Radiators, Rick Derringer, Rick

Neilsen of Cheap Trick, Robin Trower, Shameka Copeland,

Simple Plan, Smokin' Joe Kubeck, Son Seals, Tab Benoit, Tinsley Ellis,

Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith.

BEST GUITARIST - SLIDE GUITARIST - LAP STEEL PLAYER - AND DOBRO PLAYER: Best of Tampa 2007 Critics' Pick

JANIVA MAGNESS

The story of award-winning vocalist Janiva Magness’ rise to the top of the blues world and beyond is a testament to the redemptive power of music and the human spirit. Possessing a rich, soulful voice and absolute command over her material, Magness is an incredibly gifted performer who can lead her audience through a range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to overwhelming joy. A survivor of an impossibly rough childhood, Magness’ life experience informs her music in a way that is brutally honest, emotionally moving and, above all, spiritually healing. Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year, Magness has seven solo recordings to her credit and has made guest appearances on CDs by R.L. Burnside and many others. Her presence on stage is legendary, as she performs 200 nights a year at clubs, festivals, and concert halls all over the world. And, in April 2008, she traveled to Iraq and Kuwait co-headlining Bluzapalooza, the first-ever blues concert tour to perform for American troops. The story continues with her Alligator Records debut CD, What Love Will Do.

What Love Will Do, co-produced by Magness along with Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Meredith Brooks, Dan Hicks), features 13 powerful songs, each imbued with Magness’ expressive emotional depth. Magness reaches heights only hinted at in her previous recordings, interpreting new material written especially for her and songs from Little Milton, Tina Turner, Bill Withers, Al Green, Candi Staton, Dorothy Moore and Marvin Gaye. Her impassioned singing takes each song from deep within her being and projects it out directly into the heart and soul of her audience, making What Love Will Do essential listening for blues, roots, rock and soul music lovers everywhere.

According to Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, signing Magness was a natural move for the label. “I’ve been watching Janiva over the last few years and seeing her mature into a major artist. Her deep, subtle understanding of blues and R&B music is obvious in every note she sings. Plus, her live performances simply captivate the audience. She’s a wonderful addition to the Alligator roster, and will prove to be one of today’s and tomorrow’s crucial roots music voices.”

Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year.
2008 Nominee for Blues Music Award, "B.B. King Entertainer of the Year."

"A Superb, powerhouse R&B singer who delivers blues and soul with show-stopping authority. – Los Angeles Daily News

"Seeing Janiva Magness live for the first time was exhilarating and refreshing.
These days it's rare to see a performer put their "all" into their performance, as Janiva does." - Bettye LaVette

"Janiva Magness always knocks me out because she has such style and poise on stage and she hits every note she sings just right, perfect every time." - Charlie Musselwhite

"Janiva sings with a rare conviction. She will not be denied." - Delbert McClinton

"Magness is in possession of a supreme set of pipes and is arguably one of the more talented female vocalists to emerge of late, an opinion shared by more than a few."
"She rocks with a sexual vitality and power not heard in years. Honest, soulful and seductive." - BluesWax

"Janiva Magness contains some of the most powerful and mature vocal chords I’ve heard in my reviewing days. Her voice is sultry, smoky, and strong with jazz, blues, and soul textures enveloping it." - Singer Magazine

DEB and THE DYNAMICS

Deb Salyer, a Connecticut born musician was raised in a music loving family, she says can't remember when she wasn't singing or playing music. Deb was putting bands together at the age of twelve and at the age of sixteen she was introduced to the music that would put a hold on her for the next twenty five years "The Blues".

"The Blues Finds You, You Don't Find It", she explains, "It's Like Falling In Love".

Inspired by musicians like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, she fronted her own band at the age of sixteen, "The Blues Messengers".
At eighteen with the help of a Hartford Ct. agency, Deb went on the road with a band that toured from Maine to Texas, it was an all woman show band called "Sugar". Just out of high school it was a chance to make a steady salary playing music and get some road experience.

Deb said good by to that part of her life and soon met her husband to be. While living in Michigan with her new husband, Deb organized another band and decided to headed back out on the road. It was in Virginia that she came across another all woman all original band, "MOXXIE" in this band Deb would be the lead singer and lay down her Bass for a few years.

She was able to collaborate on the originals. They put a lot of time into their songs and on their second gig, they opened for Rock Great's, "Emmerson Lake and Palmer" at the Hampton Coliseum. Her next project put her and guitarist Deborah Coleman from "MOXXIE" in a power trio named, "Mis' Behaven" a group that set the audience's on fire, winning showcases for major labels and opening for acts like Delbert McClinton and KoKo Taylor. They had a ball for about three years and eventually went their separate ways.

Deb then started her own nine piece R & B Band, "The R & B All-stars", playing that old stax stuff and music from the Temps and Otis, she couldn't help but learn how to lay the pocket down. This band would have her doing shows with The Beach Boys, The Spinners, Huey Lweis and The News and Percy Sledge. Four years later and after playing with what she calls some of the soulfulist people she ever met, the band splits up. More than eight years later, they still get together on special occasions to play.

After moving to Florida Deb got a call from her friend Deborah Coleman asking her to go on tour, Coleman had gotten a contract with Blind Pig Records and now eight years later she was playing Bass again with Coleman. Playing sold out shows not only in the USA but Europe and Japan, Deb toured with Coleman for four years and is on her last two albums "Living on Love" and "The Life in California Soul Be It".

Deb & The Dynamics are a high energy blues, soul, and “goodtime music” band. Bassist and lead vocalist Deb Salyer brings years of big stage, concert, and international tour experience to their live shows. Drawing from her vintage blues influences like Big Mama Thornton, Muddy Waters and many others Deb's powerful, expressive voice and driving bass lines are the catalyst for every Deb & The Dynamics concert.

Co-founders of the band Graham (spider) Fineout (drums, guitar, vocals) and Newt Cole (sax & vocals) bring years of top level blues, jazz and rock pedigree to the mix and combine to give the Dynamics their vintage blues & soul sound. In addition to his classic and relentless grooves Fineout also enjoys a stellar reputation as an amazing guitarist and front man. Cole who anchored the horn sections in several of the Detroit areas most celebrated R&B bands adds the necessary spice and overall punch to the Dynamics sound.

Rounding out the group are Rick Russell (keyboards, harp & vocals) who weaves funky counter rhythms inside and under the grooves, while adding growling harmonica solos throughout the show, and Mike Schvenski (guitar & vocals), a dynamic, six string powerhouse who has been wowing crowds in Southwest Florida for years with Cobalt Blues, Cleanhead, and The Mambo Brothers.

Don Hulgas is the newest member to join the Dynamics. He has proved to be a wonderful addition, playing shimmering sax solos, solid percussion all the while projecting wonderfully exuberant stage presence.

Together Deb & The Dynamics have consistently delivered high energy shows to enthusiastic audiences for the last four years, wherever they play in the Southwest Florida area.

JULIE BLACK .... aka "Angel for Blues"

is one of the most exciting new female performers in the Blues & Jazz genres. She's a dynamic vocalist, commanding your attention with deep & powerful tones one minute, then seducing you with velvety steam-soaked sounds the next. Julie's also an extremely talented songwriter who delivers her tales with power, finesse and passion! Her songs reflect a passion for Blues while incorporating flavors of other musical genres. The result is a signature sound all her own.

Now a resident of the Tampa Bay Area, she has been singing since she was a small child growing up in the rural area of Illinois. Her musical taste was defined early in life, when she fell in love with Solomon Burke's 45 record Cry To Me. By the age of twelve she was crafting her own songs, a skill that flourished into adulthood.

Julie is an artist in every sense of the word. She is a prolific songwriter who finds inspiration everywhere. Julie has written well over 500 songs and continues to write more each day. She's also a painter & sculptor and loves to explore other forms of creative expression.

Julie performs with her band of talented musicians; each of them artists in their own right. Creativity abounds accented by their diverse musical backgrounds. Band members include; Michael Johnn -keys, Dave Eichenberger -guitar & vocals, "Jungle Denny" McCarthy -drums & vocals, and "Father Bill" Spicuglia -bass.

Year 2007 marked the release of Julie Black's debut album: Call Me Angel for Blues, released by indie label BOJA. Truly a creative feat, it features all original music and art by Julie. The CD was produced, mixed & engineered by Bob Langford and mastered by Rodney Mills, both music veterans who have worked with a multitude of legendary artists.

Julie Black has appeared on NBC & CBS television, radio & print media. She has performed at many Blues & Jazz Festivals, Art Exhibitions, Specialty Events and Quality Music Venues. Call Me Angel for Blues is receiving national and international airplay and has earned great reviews! Julie's music snatches up your soul, pulls at your heart and leaves you shaken. This is music you can feel...

“... she has strong natural talents (both as a singer and a writer)…

I’m an unabashed fan of Angel for Blues…” -George Willett- Twelve Bar Rag/ Suncoast Blues Society

“I have not heard your style in such a classy way in so many years. Your music is very strong, your vocals are incredible…the band is just fabulous!” -Dave Nemeth/ NBC Daytime

“Call Me Angel for Blues… announces a major singing and songwriting talent in Florida's Julie Black…. The players and arrangements are excellent, and Black is a confident, expressive singer. Angel is beautiful.” -Blues Revue Magazine

“Call Me Angel for Blues” has to be the debut of the year…” - Blues Critic Media

“... I LOVE it. You are a rare talent, not only with your voice, but the heart of your soul shines in the songs you write and that make you a treasure indeed! Your songs are so welcome in a genre where most of the great stuff we hear are deranged covers. You have one of the freshest, unique sounds I have heard in a long time. Thanks for keeping the Blues alive with your distinct style!" -- Joy Craig/ Baton Rouge Blues Society

SEAN CHAMBERS

Sean Burns up the fret board like few can, playing with power and intensity that has earned him comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter and Billy Gibbons among others. Chambers grew up listening to blues guitar legends such as Freddie and Albert King, BB King, Howlin Wolf, Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters to name a few. Today those influences come through in Sean's style of play and stage performance both instrumentally and vocally.

In 1998 Chambers was asked to fill in as Hubert Sumlin's guitarist at The "Bluesstock" Festival in Memphis, TN. The two hit it off amazingly well and had a unique and obvious chemistry together. Chambers would find himself acting as Sumlin's guitarist and band leader for the next four years, performing at festivals and clubs in most of the major markets around the U.S. as well as touring overseas with Sumlin. After his time with Hubert, ("His school" as he calls it) guitarist Sean Chambers headed out on his own, releasing two critically acclaimed cd's and garnering recognition as one of the top blues rock guitar players in the country. In 2001, Britain's Guitarist Magazine named Sean as one of the 50 Greatest Blues Guitarists of all time. Pretty heady for someone still in his early thirties! If you like your blues blazin hot, this trio will definitely light your fire!

Chambers continues to develop his powerful style on his October 2005 CD release "Humble Spirits", which showcases his musical evolution beyond the standard blues idiom. Produced by industry veteran Bud Snyder (Allman Brothers / Gov't Mule), the album features several notable musicians including Bernard Allison, Frankie & Danny Toler (Allman Brothers), Bobby T. Torello (Johnny Winter), along with Greg Allman Band alumnus Bruce Waibel. Sadly, Bruce unexpectedly passed away while still recording the sessions with Sean, and Humble Spirits is dedicated in Bruce's memory.

Here are some other artists Sean has shared the stage with: BB King, Buddy Guy, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Feat, Double Trouble, Otis Rush, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Govt Mule, Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Simmons, Tab Benoit, Jimmy Thackery, Jeff Healey, Derek Trucks, Bernard Allison, (also appears on Seans latest release "Humble Spirits") Ronnie Baker Brooks, North American Allstars, Stone Temple Piolts, Leslie West, Georgia Sattelites, Rick Derringer, Pat Travers, David Allen Coe, Mitch Rider & The Detroit wheels, Little Milton, James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Willie Big eyes Smith, Kim Wilson, Hubert Sumlin, Bobby Blue Bland, Chris Duarte, Walter Trout, Big Bill Morganfield, Koko Taylor, Ike Turner, Magic Slim, Bo Diddley, Robert Cray.

Sean doesn't merely play the guitar as much as he boldly attacks the instrument with a fluid ferocity and attitude that makes one stop dead in their tracks! "The most impressive Blues debut since SRV's Texas Flood." - Europe's Total Guitar

Britain's Guitarist Magazine, named Sean as one of the 50 Greatest Blues Guitarists of all time.

DOG FISH

If you step out on any given weekend to catch some live music, chances are you'll find DOGFISH, one of the best bands to emerge out of the hot music scene on Pine Island.

Whether its a packed Friday night at Froggie’s, an afternoon show at the The Ragged Ass Saloon, or a mellow sunset show at the Olde’ Fish House Marina in Matlacha, DOGFISH plays a unique blend of blues and rock that appeals to all ages.

Founder TJ Brown, is the heart and soul of DOGFISH. The self described “oldest 30 year old on Pine Island”, Brown is the band’s front man and creative leader. Whether it’s a tune right off the charts, or one of his many original blues compositions, TJ proves to be one of the most talented singers on the Island.

The “old guy” of the band is Les Szigethy, bassist and keyboards. An experienced professional musician with a graduate degree in music, Les brings with him years of experience that has taken him from the casinos of Atlantic City, to symphony orchestras, and various nightclubs around the country.

Benny Daidone is without a doubt the hardest working drummer on Pine Island. An experienced musician with years of performing under his belt, Benny drives DOGFISH with an energy that that is obvious the moment you first watch him play.

Greg Koza brings a roots based edge to their music as an accomplished blues harpist. “Dr. Koza”, who teaches science during the day, has sat in and played with most of the bands who play the Pine Island music scene. He can always be counted on to add his wailing harmonica leads that are the heart of the blues.

The band is augmented at various times from the pool of talented musicians on Pine Island. Joining Dogfish for the show is John Swaiko, tenor sax, and Brad Rodgers, keyboards.

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to DOGFISH before, this will be a perfect occasion to hear them at their best. This is a band that may very well be one of the best upcoming bands in the area. They bring a solid blues and soulful sound to each performance, you can rest assured these guys aim to please.

Music Lovers Weekend is the first of

Florida's Creative Coast Weekends

Beginning on Friday our local

Our Galleries and Specialty Shops

showcase new art, live music and share delicious treats

from 2:00 - 9:00 pm

Visit all of the area galleries in

Matlacha, Bokeelia, and St. James City

Matlacha	Bokeelia
Bert's Pine Bay Gallery	Crossed Palms Gallery
Bonnies Art Gallery	Florida Gallery
Elena's	Koucky Gallery & Gardens
Julia's Arts
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens	St James City
Sea Star Boutique & Gallery	St James City
Seaweed Gallery	Berreitter Photography & Gallery
Trader's Hitching Post	Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery
WildChild Art Gallery	Paisley Parrot

Home Weekend Getaways Accommodations Location About Pine Island

MangoMania Paddling Festival Music Lovers' Weekend Arts & Authors Weekend

Register to Win

For more information contact us at the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Office
P.O. Box 525
Matlacha FL 33993

239-283-0888

This site updated June 06, 2009 Site design by NRK designs