I wanted to check in and provide my schedule for the summer. Like usual, check my website for latest information, additions and recordings, pics, etc...
I've been playing a lot more upright with Erin McCawley's Harrison St and also with Kit Kildahl's Blue Earth. It's more to haul around but it sure sounds good.
Speaking of Kit, this new trio is so cool. It currently features two guitars, upright bass, with Kit singing in that deep baritone blues voice. Besides Kit, Mick McCormick is on guitar - a Twin Cities treasure not to be missed - blues with a jazz infusion. If you know Minneapolis music history, Mick was a West Bank fixture, playing a weekly gig at the 400 Bar with the Fabulous Minnesota Barking Ducks back in the day. Kit became the singer in a reformed version of The Ducks with the addition of Steve "Boom Boom" Vonderharr on harmonica. Steve will with Blue Earth from time to time.
This weekend will be busy with Harold Tremblay's Blues All-stars at Shaw's in Northeast on the 29ᵗʰ, Erin and gang at the Hook and Ladder for the Deep Blues Festival in afternoon, then Blue Earth with Boom Boom in the evening on the 30ᵗʰ .
On Labor Day weekend, September 6 an 7, Erin McCawley's Harrison St Band will be at the State Fair for three free shows each day. Sassy blues and a funnel cake, how can you go wrong? Along the way there are regional festivals, fundraisers, club dates and more. It will be a great summer! Hope to see you at a show.
The New Year Has Been Amazing
I’ve been hitting A LOT of jams - Jim Stairs Superjam on Sundays at the VFW, the Monday acoustic night at Jameson’s, the Monday Jam Society at the Minnesota Music Cafe, and Barry Tennenbaum’s Thursday Rosetown Jam. Through those jams, I’ve met so many great players, and some of those folks are rolling into new bands.
I’ve just debuted a new band with Minneapolis blues legends Kit Kildahl and Mick McCormick. These guys go back to the Cedar Riverside hay days as solo artists, sidemen, and members of the Fabulous Minnesota Barking Ducks. As a kid, I remember looking at the City Pages weekly entertainment rag and reading about these gigs. Now I’m playing with them. Dreams do come true. April 9 was our first show to a packed room at the Driftwood Char Bar.
The MN Music Cafe Jam is all over the place stylistically and is a great way to play tunes new to me. I guess I did OK; I’ve subbed for Shane McCullough, the house bassist, when he’s out.
My blues brother, Barry Tennenbaum, hosts the most organized jam. He does a fantastic job organizing different combinations of local blues heavyweights for inspiring and fresh approaches to the blues canon.
Of course, Erin McCawley’s Harrison Street Band continues to play to full houses. We’ve added some new originals that are both new directions stylistically and with a strong message about the current state of affairs.
I’m so lucky to be part of this music community. Thank you all for the warm welcome.
Grand Casino Battle of the Bands
Erin was tipped off by someone at her office about a battle of the bands at the Hinckley Grand Casino. She’s put in the application, and we were accepted even though we didn’t necessarily fit the stylistic vibe that looked more like 90’s rock was the thing to do.
We were playing with six other bands from Duluth, the Twin Cities, and points in between. Well… We Won! The $7,000 prize didn’t hurt either. The other bands were great, and the scoring was REALLY close from what we were told. The camaraderie backstage was why I play music; we just made the hang, no negative feelings, a bunch of misfits ready to play their best. Erin did her thing and drew the crowd to the edge of the stage cheering, dancing, and having a ball.
That’s what we do. Check out all the bands
Hurricane Harold’s Schooner All-stars
#March 14, 8pm Schooners
This my first time jumping on the All-stars band with Harold. Come out for a night of harmonica fun with guests Jimmi Langemo (Jimmi and the Band of Souls), John Franken - guitar virtuoso, Allen Kirk - legendary drummer.
What an honor to hop on the stage with these players.
Lessons: A New Deal
Starting in February I will begin teaching on my own rather than with a school/studio. I needed more scheduling flexibility and the ability to pick up bass, acoustic guitar, violin, mandolin, and ukulele students. I’ll be teaching Minneapolis or visiting students’ homes within a reasonable distance. Lessons on Zoom are also available. I offer the Zoom option for $30 and $50.
Rates will be $35/half hour and $60/hour. Please get in touch with me at jt@johntubbs.com for more info and to get started.
Picking up gigs with The Percolators
It’s always a lot of fun to pick up gigs with a band that is all about making people have a great time. The Percolators are low-key from loving bunch of fellas playing all the good stuff. Check out the bands webpage
The first gigs will on January 30 and 31. See the SHOWS page linked above for more details.
What a Summer!
It’s hard to imagine that in my second summer back in the Twin Cities I had so much work. Between Erin McCawley’s Harrison Street Band, The Swamp Kings, and All Good Company I had over 30 gigs! I put some miles on the car
The highlights were the festivals - St. Peter’s Ambassador, Roots Rock and Deep Blues at the Hook and Ladder, Blues on the Chippewa in Durand, Shallow Water - Deep Friendships on a beautiful lake up north in Warba, and the biggie - The Duluth Bayfront Blues Festival. I got to warm up slot with a Grammy winner and a Grammy nominee, get rained on, cross the Mississippi at least 100 times, and enjoy it all!
June is Half-way Gone
I've got five shows left in the month of June. Some great places, many outdoors along the river. Come on out for a leisurely time.
[https://johntubbs.com/upcomingshows](June (and July) upcoming shows)
Upcoming Shows Page Updated!
The Upcoming Shows page has been updated for June. This includes the Roots, Rock, and Deep Blues Festival on the 7th. There are also many shows at the usual venues along the Mississippi River.
Check out the link above to view the June calendar. There are 111 great shows lined up!
New Band!
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! I’ve joined Erin McCawley’s Harrison Street Band as their bassist!
Erin is an incredible singer with a powerful voice and a unique connection with the audience. It’s an honor to play behind such a talented artist.
Tony Houle on guitar and Bill Whelan on drums complete the rhythm section. They’re both incredible musicians, and I’m having a blast learning their arrangements. These guys groove hard with precision while still keeping it greasy. I’m digging the power trio format.
Most of the songs are originals, which is a rare treat in a blues-oriented band. It’s great to be part of a band that values a unique voice.
I’ll be making my debut at Shaw’s on April 23rd and returning on May 30th. The band then has a great spot warming up for the headliner, Grammy Award winning Cedric Burnside, at the Lake Street – ROOTS, ROCK, & DEEP BLUES XII Music & Arts Festival on June 7th. (I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Burnside’s grandfather, RL Burnside, at the Fort Smith Blues Festival when I was with Paul Black and the Flip Kings.)
Check out the Harrison Street website and calendar at https://harrisonstreetband.com.
and in between…
There are a couple of dates that I won’t be able to make because I’m keeping as many gigs as I can with The Swamp Kings. They’re playing a lot of cool shows along the Mississippi River this summer and fall. Bayou / Cajun / Zydeco is The Swamp Kings’ vibe and it’s so much fun.
Stay in touch with my schedule at johntubbs.com. I’m starting an email list that you can subscribe to to get calendar updates and news. I hope to see you at a show!
