So it's been a little stretch since I've blogged about anything at all. Let's remedy that, shall we? For almost three months we lived in limbo, waiting in Memphis surrounded by boxes, in and out of hotel rooms and storage lockers, until finally we moved into our new home here in rural Tennessee. For all of that time, I didnt really think much about Viva Las Vegas (which I missed this year) or about The Nashville Boogie, focusing instead on getting my family settled in. Now, we are starting to approach a quieter state and the excitement for the Boogie has really started to creep into my daily routine. Of course I'm excited for the Fashion Show, the shopping, the Car Show, and all of the luxury fun at the Opryland Hotel...but more than anything else, I'm looking forward to enjoying some of the great great music this year's event has to offer!
Most of you know and love some of the major acts...Wanda Jackson, Lee Rocker, The Sonics, The Blasters, Asleep at the Wheel etc. Deke Dickerson and Big Sandy are VLV Staples and Rockabilly enthusiasts wouldn't find any music event complete without them. But I thought I'd share here some of the artists I MOST look forward to at the upcoming Weekender and a few words as to why.
First and foremost...the act I'm most looking forward to-the one I've been anxiously awaiting for a few years now- is The Country Side of Harmonica Sam. There is something insanely surreal about the Swedes and their grasp of Americana music; I've said this before (The Green Line Travelers are another very talented Swedish band playing the event). But I feel like this project of Harmonica Sam's (hitherto known to me only as a Blues/Boogie Woogie artist in the vein of Jerry Lee Lewis) is one of the most successful endeavors of its type in many moons. It is so spontaneously brilliant, so achingly authentic, so wonderfully contagious...I just can't get enough. So yeah, I'd say this is the number one draw for me this year.
I've already mentioned Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, and yeah-I never feel cheated when I see them live. But this time will be a special occasion since Big Sandy is going to be performing alternatively as 'The Country Side of Big Sandy'. Having seen him so many times, it will be refreshing to see this different and exciting approach!
Jittery Jack is another 'can't-miss' for me. An enthusiastic blend of blues and Rockabilly, he typically plays the VERY late night spot at VLV, so I sometimes miss his set due to one unforeseen occurrence or another. Not this year. I will be front-row-center for his high energy performance!
If you, like me, are a fan of 1960's era garage rock, The Woggles will be right up your alley! I am slightly worried about the venue where they're playing since last year there were a few sound issues. But I am definitely not hesitant enough to pass them up. 7pm Saturday, that's where I'll be!
Anyone who has followed my Youtube channel for any length of time knows that I absolutely LOVE The Planet Rockers! They're legendary musicians and performers that I do NOT miss if they play anywhere around. So it's a no-brainer that I will be at the Nashville Palace to enjoy their Thursday set! They also happen to be my six year old daughter's favorite band, so yeah-I'm gonna sneak her in too.
Gizzelle is an artist I've been following since VLV 10, when her song 'For You' was on the compilation album of that year. I fell for her immediately and bought everything I could find by her at the time. After using her music in a few of my videos, I received countless questions asking me who this phenomenal voice belonged to and WHERE it could be found to purchase! She has only gotten better over the years and a live performance of her's will stay with you for a long while.
Yes, that's my list. And no, it's not a long one. There are many other acts I plan to see, make no mistake. I don't miss Hillbilly Casino, Jack Rabbit Slim, or Joshua Headley when I have a chance to see them. The Psycho Devilles and the Rhythm Shakers always deliver as well. But there are a few performances, namely the ones above, that I feel especially excited to see. So I thought they deserved a little blog-time of their own. Even if you can't make the Boogie, definitely consider catching any of these acts when they visit your town or hey, just make yourself a playlist on YouTube. I'm sure you'll end up just as much a fan as I am.
Til Next Time,
So Long, Dearies!!
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