Photo Shoot And You Won't Believe Where!

We're so excited about an upcoming photo shoot.  

We've needed updated pictures of the band and gifted photographer Gross Magee has agreed to the shoot.  We thought long and hard about where to do it, but I think we've found the perfect place.  Of course it was right under our nose the whole time but I can't imagine a more perfect location, steeped in Blues and local history: The Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah.  

So many music greats came through these doors over the years, from Billie Holiday to Louis Armstrong to BB King and more.  Click on the link above to learn more!

No date for the shoot as we want the weather to get better, but the folks at the Hotel Metropolitan have agreed and we couldn't be more thrilled! We'll post as soon as it takes place and we hope that's SOON!

About Playing The Bars...

Had a great show last night at Mr J's Bar and Grill in Murray, KY last night.  Great crowd, great food, lot's of fun!  I even did something I've NEVER done before.  I played the entire 3 hour plus show without taking a break.  Whew.  I don't know how Springsteen does it...

I don't play as many bars as I used to.  I don't think anyone does!  Part of the reason behind that is there just aren't as many bars anymore, and even less that feature live music, but thank goodness some still do!

A few things I've noticed about the patrons in bars these days, as it relates to live bands.

1. If the crowd hanging out there is older than 35, they tip better.  Much better.  They tips the bands, they tip the waitresses and bartenders.  Maybe that's because younger people haven't picked up on the habit of tipping. Maybe that's because younger people just don't have as much money.  I even had a 20-something guy tell me once while heading out the door, "Sorry, but I spent all my money on booze!"  The older crowd also tends to do less binge drinking but then again there are always exceptions.

2. Older patrons tend to be quieter and pay more attention to the bands than younger ones. With the younger crowd, many times, it's more about socializing and less about being entertained.  A fellow musician friend of mine who frequently tours Europe says the bar scene there is totally different.  The crowd, both young and old, are usually really into the music and listen intently.

3. Alcohol seems to amplify who people really are.  Sweet people tend to get sweeter.  Mean people tend to get meaner.  As for me?  I don't drink at all while I'm playing.  I want to make sure I give the folks the best show I can, and I can't do that unless I'm sober.  I'm STILL having fun though! Rest assured!

Booking for 2014!

Would you like us to play at your club, event or festival in 2014?  Here's your chance! We're actively booking for the entire 2014 year RIGHT NOW!  If things go as they usually do, our calendar will be filled up for the most part by the end of February, so DON'T DELAY! email us ASAP at booking@61south.com and make your Blues Festival, Community Festival, Private Party, Wedding, Bar Mitzvah or Hog Killing the ENVY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD!  E-mail BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

On Chicago's Very Own WGN Monday Night

We had a great time on the Pete McMurray Show on Chicago's Very Own WGN Radio Monday Night! They wanted a funny blues song about the cold weather in Chicago and we were more than happy to oblige! Heres a link to the opening of the show at 10PM....featuring our song 20 Below Zero....

http://wgnradio.com/2014/01/07/new-start-time-weather-and-interns