The library will be jumping with blues music when Newton Public Library partners with the South Skunk Blues Society to present Blues Under the Blue Roof every Monday in February at 6:30p.m.
On Monday, February 2nd, Freight Train Frank Strong and John Lee-Egan will be playing in the library meeting room. “Freight Train” Frank Strong is a guitarist, vocalist, and harmonica player who has been performing for over 30 years. Frank performs blues, folk, country, and Americana music. Frank has performed in all kinds of venues including schools colleges coffee houses and music festivals. John Lee-Egan is a bass guitarist who has been playing for over 35 years. He has performed a variety of musical genres including rock and roll, railroad/old time, bluegrass, and blues music. He is currently playing bass in four bands.
February 9th will bring Matt Woods to the library at 6:30pm. Matt Woods is both a native of Iowa, and a longstanding purveyor of its diverse blues scene. As a seasoned performer of many local, regional and national clubs and venues, Matt has developed a distinct style while staying true to his love of traditional American roots music. Woods is well-versed in the many shapes this music can take; from traditional delta, hill country and urban electric blues, to gospel, country and folk music. A consummate live performer, Woods performs original music as well as many rare, once-forgotten covers with passion.
February 16th brings the music of Joe and Vicki Price to the library. Heralded as, “This is low-down, stompin', moonshinin', hollerin', backcreek blues with mangrove grit and blind faith, the sort of simple . . . class blues that grabs you by the seat of the pants and sets up a hominy hipshake. ...” by the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange. Joe is an Iowa native who met Vicki in Iowa City, married in 1987 and have been touring together for over 32 years. Joe is a member of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, The Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in 2008. They won the Independent Music Award for Best Blues CD 2010. The couple was awarded an official showcase at the Far West Folk Alliance Music Conference 2011. Stop in to listen to true troubadours of the Blues!
Monday, February 23rd brings back Rob Lumbard to the Newton Public Library. Rob last played under the Blue Roof in February of 2013. Rob received his musical education in the bars on Forest Avenue in Des Moines. His music has appeared in several Public Television projects, which have received EMMY, and other awards. Rob is an honorary member of the Central Iowa Blues Society and has participated in their Blues in the Schools program. His songwriting has been heavily influenced by the Texas songwriters and is laced with self-deprecating humor. Rob is working on his next CD, Blues in a Bottle, that will be coming out in early 2015!
All programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Newton Public Library. Blues Under the Blue Roof is sponsored by the Newton Public Library Foundation, Arts Connection, and the South Skunk Blues Society. If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-792-4108 in advance.
