Local Blues

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Rochester NY isn't exactly synonymous with blues but believe it or not there is a good local blues scene. In this section we'll keep you up to date on local blues bands and what venues usually have live blues. Also make sure to use the search feature to find out who's playing in town and where. We hope this will come in handy not only for those in the area but also to those passing through town.

Blues Bands

Joe Beard: A Rochester legend who's finally getting some national recognition. Joe's recorded three cd's including last year's "For Real" with Duke Robillard and Jerry Portnoy.

Chris Beard: Joe Beard's son who recorded his debut, "Barwalkin'", for JSP in 1997. He was nominated for a Handy award in 1998.

The Nightstalkers: The Nightstalkers have two cd's under their belts. You can find out more by going to their website at http://www.adinet.net/nightstalkers/.

The Coupe De Villes: The Coupes have recorded two cd's. "Blues for You" is their latest. Find out more about the Coupes at http://dynrec.com/coupes/.

The John Cole Blues Band: Joe Beard's ex guitarist out on his own.

Fred Vine: Acoustic bluesman. Wrote the theme song for Bad Dog Blues.

Roosevelt Dean and the Spellbinders: Syracuse bluesman who's recorded two cd's and plays Rochester often. Find out more at http://www.cnyrc.org/~lantingl/rosie.html.

The Lowriders: Play a variety of blues and blues rock. Find out more about The Lowriders at http://members.aol.com/lowrydrz.

Steve Grills and the Roadmasters: Hard drivin' Chicago style blues.

Rockin' Roz: Blues with a touch of soul and R&B.

Redline: Harmonica driven blues.

Texas Son: Guitar driven electric blues.

Rockin' Red: One of Rochester's premiere harp players.

John Dubuc: Ex harp player from Joe Beard's band.

Dan Schimdt and the Shadows: One of Rochester's hardest working blues bands.

Campbell Brothers: Pedal steel gospel. Highly acclaimed release on Arhoolie called "Pass Me Not". Check them out at http://www.campbellbrothers.com/.

Brown Brothers: Accapella gospel in a Jubilee style.

Chanka Chank: Rust belt cajun/zydeco. Find out more about Chanka Chank at http://www.ggw.org/chankachank/.

Shinbone Alley: Play a variety of blues and blues rock. Check them out at http://www.busi-net.net/shinbonealley/.

Blues Clubs

Dinosaur-Bar-B-Que : 99 Court St., 325-7090. Free open blues jam every Monday. Live blues Tuesday-Saturday. Call for cover. Check them out at http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/.

Beale Street Cafe: 689 South Ave., 271-4650. Call for cover.

Milestones: 170 East Ave., 325-5880 or 325-6490. Every Sunday free open blues jam with the Nightstalkers. Call for cover.

Richmonds: 21 Richmond St., 454-4612. Call for cover.

Salingers: 107 East Ave., 546-6880. No cover.

Smokin' Joe's Bar and Grill: 425 Lyell Ave, 647-1540. Open blues jam every Thursday.

C.C.Riders: 1129 Empire Blvd. at Irondequoit Bay, Irondequoit. Call for cover.

Shep's Paradise: 293 Clarissa St., 232-2506. Jazz and Blues. Call for cover.

The Centers Sports Bar: 60 Brown's Race, 423-0000. Occasional blues on Fridays and Saturdays. Call for cover.

Harry's Bar and Grill: 151 St. Paul St., 232-1080. Jazz and blues on weekends. Call for cover.

12 Corners Coffeehouse: Fellowship Hall, Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Winton Road, Brighton. 654-6289. National acoustic folk and blues artists.

Empire Brew Company: 300 State St., 454-beer. Local brew pub occasionally has national zydeco bands. Check out their website at http://www.empirebrewco.com/.

Blues in Town

Find out what's happening in town by using the Pollstar database:

Also check out these local sites:

Rochester Goes Out: From Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle.

Freetime: Rochester's Freetime magazine.

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