Lew Jetton Solo Acoustic Blues and More

Limited Budget? Small Venue? House Party? Birthday Party?  Special Event? But you still want some LIVE MUSIC? Why not bring in Lew Jetton for a solo-acoustic show!!!  It can include an intimate mix of original songs as heard on XM/Sirius' Bluesville Channel, as well as Classic Rock, Americana, Oldies, crowd favorites and maybe a few tall tales! Lew even has a one hour educational show on the History of The Blues which he has performed at libraries for all ages!

 Lew can customize your playlist to match whatever genre and mood you want! Here's a sample of some of the artists whose music Lew can play for you in the solo acoustic show...

• BB King
• Eric Clapton
• John Prine
• Jimmy Buffet
  
• Allman Bros
• Van Morrison
• Muddy Waters
• Creedence Clearwater Revival
• Chris Stapleton
• The Rolling Stones
• Elvis
• The Eagles
• Tom Petty
• Bruce Springsteen
• Garth Brooks
• and MANY MORE!

 

Back Onstage This Week

Looking forward to returning to some normalcy this week, as we return to playing.  We'll be appearing at the Lowertown Art and Music Festival Friday, May 16th in Paducah, Kentucky.

We'll play at 3PM on the main stage to open the festival, and then again at 6:45PM on the smaller, Harrison Street stage in Paducah's Lowertown Art District.

If you've never been to this festival, it's really unique, with lots of local artist displaying their works (and selling them too) along with very diverse entertainment, and foods!

Road Trip To The 35th Annual Blues Music Awards....

Had a great time at the 35th Annual Blues Awards in Memphis! Haven't been in a few years.  Great to see a lot of old friends and make a few new ones..... (click on the picture for a larger view)

Several remarked to me this Blues Music Awards Week would long be remembered by them as the first one which brought together the 2 top meteorologist/blues guitarist IN THE WORLD: Myself and the great Kevin Selfe, of Delta Groove artist Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes, and The Mannish Boys.  Ok....maybe not as many mentioned it...but it was true.

You know you're in Memphis, when in the hotel lobby, you see a grown man sporting an Elvis tattoo on his calf.

Carlene Roach from North Alabama.  She was raised in Columbus, KY and along with her husband, Robert, were quite possibly the only people at the BMAs who knew where Fulton was!  What a sweet couple!

Some Blues fans are quite particular about proper Blues dress! I noticed this was a blue plaid.

Great crowd for the reception at the Cannon Center in Memphis!

Last time I went to the BMAs, we put Bobby Rush on the phone with my wife, Bridget. She thought we were fooling and said some wild things to Bobby.  It was priceless.  This time, Bobby offered his condolences and prayed with me.  No  wonder, in addition to being one of my favorite artists, he's one of my favorite people.

Packed house at the Cannon Center for the awards show! They didn't want us to go to the stage to take pictures and requested we stay in our seats.  That's why this is the only picture I took inside the hall. It was a great show though!

Scott Holt, a fellow Native Tennessean, is a hoot!  I opened for him years ago at the Jenn Jam in Cairo, IL

My favorite living, left handed guitarist: Tom Holland.  This guy's a MONSTER player.

Your standard, obligatory Beale Street shot.

Still. One of the coolest things we did the past year, was play one of his songs for his granddaughter.

FLASHBACK: October, 2013 with Kala Bland and her lovely mom, Melanie McDaniel

Friday, I decided to do something during the day I hadn't done and check out some of the museums I hadn't been to.  I'd been to Sun Studios, Graceland and the National Civil Rights Museum (all of which I recommend). This time, I went to the Rock and Soul Museum, and found this 1954 Gibson Reissue Scotty Moore model.

Also, this G&L presented to Carl Perkins by Leo Fender! I met Carl several times during my time in Jackson, TN.  Such a nice man, in addition to his legend. Nice!

Back for the dedication of the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame on Main Street in Memphis.

An Elvfie!

Lunch at Blues City Cafe for "wet" ribs.  I love the dry ones at Rendezvous, too.  Truth is, there are dozens of places in Memphis where you can get the "best ribs in town!"

Went through the Gibson guitar factory tour.  No pictures because they are afraid someone would take the pictures and began manufacturing guitars just as good as Gibson, and if there are no pictures, no one will ever know how they are made.....please.  I love you Gibson.  Even play a couple of yours.

This is the coolest toilet seat ever.

Friday afternoon. Went to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.  This may have been be the best museum I visited this day.  Great stuff!

This tape really interested me there.  I remembered it from Tom Dowd's documentary "The Language of Music."  If you haven't seen this documentary, YOU NEED TO!  What a story, about this tape in particular.

This is the tape machine on which it was recorded.

And YES, what Tom Dowd said in the doc was true about the markings....

This is most depressing part of the tour for me.  The part about how Stax Records used to use antiquated typewriters in the 70s.  The I recognized it as EXACTLY the ones we used to produce newscasts at WBBJ-TV in the 80S!!!

Otis Redding's Grammy for "Dock of the Bay"  Pretty cool.

Friday night: Hit the road for Clarksdale, MS

Haven't seen Candye Kane perform in 20 years.  Bridget was with me last time, in Nashville, where she played a show with Marcia Ball and Kim Wilson.

Great show.  Great voice. Great entertainer.  Laura Chavez rocked it on guitar, too.

Late night snack in the Delta.

Saturday.  Back home on the bluff. Overlooking the Mississippi Delta.

On Chicago's WGN Radio Wednesday Night

Good fun! Playing/singing a bluesy birthday song for Scott Miller on the Pete McMurray show on WGN Wednesday night!  http://wgnradio.com/2014/05/01/happy-birthday-from-the-president-of-the-tribune-mr-larry-wert/

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

Raise The Roof Show to benefit Brookport Tornado Victims

Thursday, December 5th, Harrah's Metropolis will host a special show to benefit the Brookport, Illinois tornado victims.  The show starts at 7pm and runs until ? and admission in the Grand Event Center is simply a donation to the relief fund.  The show will also be broadcast live 7-9pm on The Heartland CW, channel 49, and on radio on Willie 102.1FM. Come on out, listen to some great music, and help us "Raise The Roof" to help the tornado victims!

Four bands have been slated for the event. First off, Darling Parade, an up and coming alternative rock band out of Nashville, but with strong Southern Illinois ties.  They're fantastic! Have a look.


My band, 61 South and I will also perform!

One of Paducah's hottest alternative rock bands, Oh Yeah Dakota.

And the acoustic act, Skylyne Drive. It should be a great night of music for a great cause, so come on out and help us "Raise the Roof" to help victims of the devastating Brookport tornado. 100% of ALL proceeds will go to the victims!

Telethon Night Memories

Saturday night/Sunday morning, we're honored to be taking part in our 24th Telethon of Stars on WPSD-TV.  For us, it's part charity and part family reunion as we see so many friends.  For some of them, it's the only time we see them all year, so there's lots of catching up to do.

I was trying to think of my favorite telethon memories over the years and there are many:

Several years ago, I was playing next to the "big stars" and really smoked a song. The show went to a break before country singer Michelle Wright was to sing.  She motioned me over and whispered in my ear, "I don't want to follow you anymore!"  She was really sweet.

My favorite "soap star" ever was Robin Mattson! She was a real hoot and even donated a big chunk of her talent fee back to the telethon!  Before her years on the soaps, she was a B-movie actress.  I think my favorite B-Movie of hers was "Return to Macon County."  One weird thing I noticed over the years while working the telethon is that a lot of times, the "bitch" or "evil" characters on the soaps turn out to the nicest in person.

One of my favorite bands ever on the telethon was Hank Flamingo.  They were about the time that BR-549 was burning it up with the retro county sound too,  and they were great.  I especially loved "Gooseneck Trailer."  Too bad Hank Flamingo was so short lived.  I think they only put out that one album before disbanding.

I'm not really big on Bluegrass, but I really do like Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.  We had a great time swapping out songs with them and one of her band members donated a $20 to the telethon after he yelled to us during a spot break to request an Albert King song!  The other cool part was and now is again, that my local music buddy Josh Williams was playing in her band.  Josh is a MONSTER player.

It might have been my very first telethon in 1989 when we wandered into the old Time Out Lounge at the Executive Inn to kill some time before our slot when we went to see an obscure singer performing there.  He said he was going to play his upcoming single.  We thought it was so goofy, we were giggling and laughing!   Well to show you how much I know.....the singer was Billy Ray Cyrus and the song was "Achy Breaky Heart" which only made umpteen million dollars for him when it became a hit months later.

If you'd like to see us this year, you'll need to stay up late, or set your DVR!  We're scheduled to play at 2:26AM and 3;35AM Sunday morning!  It'll be so much fun, just like it always is!  This will be the last time the full band plays this year, although I'm probably going to play some accoustic duo shows of Christmas music for the assisted living centers which I do each year!

Circles of Hope Telethon, Jackson, TN: Tuny, Carl, Wes and more...

Sunday, we traveled to Jackson, TN to play at the 30th Annual Circles of Hope Telethon in Jackson, Tennessee to benefit the Exchange Club-Carl Perkins Centers for Prevention of Child Abuse.  Hard to believe, but I worked as an emcee at the very FIRST telethon, years ago, while I was working at WBBJ-TV in Jackson.  I worked the telethon for several years with Carl Perkins himself, and local TV legend Doris Freeman....aka Cousin Tuny!  I love Tuny.  Hard to believe, but I first me her in the early 60s when I appeared on her show!  I was only 5 or 6 years old, I think.  Tuny's persona was part Minnie Pearl, and part Speck Rhodes and she was GREAT, and a wonderfull person off camera as well!  Unfortunately, I think this was the first telethon she wasn't able to attend due to her health.  She's on up in years.  I hated to miss her but everyone told me she's still as warm, wonderful and caring as ever!

 Some of my fondest memories of this telethon were sitting backstage, shooting the breeze with Carl Perkins and listening to his priceless stories.  I never got enough of that!  Carl was one of the most genuine, wonderful persons you'd ever want to meet!  He made me laugh so hard with his stories about everything from working with Dave Edmonds, etc, to everyday stuff, like working in his beloved flowers.

 

At the telethon, I was so glad to see my former co-worker Brenda Dewberry. I found out she had continued to work every telethon, even after leaving WBBJ...so this was her 30th Telethon! Amazing! As I went to plug in, I found my 335 had a short in a switch or pot, so I was in TROUBLE.  I had only brought one guitar! Luckily, my old friend, Wes Henley was working sound and had two great guitars onstage.  I grabbed one of them and it played like a dream!  Wes is one of the finest if not THE finest guitar players I've ever known, so I was honored to play his Gibson Gold Top for the show!  I just hope he forgives me for sweating on the strings....

I also saw several other old broadcast and Jackson friends, including Ernest Harper, Julie Cook, Mark Brooks, Jerry Gay, Steve Bowers, Tom Britt and more!  It was a nice day, and a GREAT cause!

Our Song On The Today Show!

This was a big thrill for us!  Part of our song, "Hushpuppies" was featured on the Today Show in a feature by reporter Mike Leonard.  Also a big thrill when we emailed with Leonard and he told us how he found our song (iTunes) and we found out although he's a great reporter, he's even a nicer person!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Buzzard Rock and Jackson, TN

After a 20 hour round trip to Lexington, KY Saturday, ready for some rest but we're back at Buzzard Rock Friday night, August 9th.  One of our most fun places to play!  It's located near Kuttawa, KY....actually probably closer to Sewanee, at the Buzzard Rock Marina!  Always a good time.

Sunday afternoon will be a special one.  We'll travel to Jackson, TN to play at the Civic Center for the Carl Perkins Circles of Hope Telethon.  The telethon raises money for the Carl Perkins' Center for Child Abuse Prevention.  The telethon is broadcast live on WBBJ-TV out of Jackson, TN.  We're scheduled to play between 3-4PM.  You can also come down to the Civic Center and see the show live in person!  When I lived in Jackson years ago, I used to work the telethon with Carl when he was alive.  That was always such a treat for me.  I also learned firsthand just how near and dear to his heart the center is.  Carl was a good guy.

GEAR: Still enjoying the Blackstar Club 40 amp although I'm looking at some options for updating my pedalboard.  I've been using a old Johnson zip up pedalboard but looking into some powered ones which could double as a back up for the amp.  Main three guitars remain the Lower Broadcaster Strat, Custom Tele and modified Epiphone 335.

Buzzard Rock Resort

One of our favorite places to play each summer is Buzzard Rock Resort on Lake Barkley near Kuttawa, KY.  Always a nice crowd ready to have a good time and we try to do our part to help!  Had a great time lat night, once again!

My pedal board this night.  I change it up some from time to time but here's what I used this night: Arion Stage Tuner into Boss Tremolo, Boss Chorus, Boss Digital Delay, old Ibanez Tube Screamer, Box of Rock into amp (Blackstar Club 40).  Played both the custom made Tele and the Lower Broad Caster Custom Made Strat tonight.

Buzzard Rock Friday Night!

The weather should be perfect Friday night as we play at Buzzard Rock Resort on beautiful Lake Barkley, near Kuttawa, KY! Buzzard Rock has quickly become one of our favorite places to play because of the laid back atmosphere and the folks there are the best! 

We usually play our originals mixed with an eclectic range of songs which the guest request!  If you've never caught one of our shows at Buzzard Rock, you've missed a real treat!

Also, want to remind you, you can download our songs on our website!  Just click here!  You can download by the song, or by the CD.  You can also have our CD in hardcopy and mailed to you!

God Bless,
Lew

Cool Shows Coming Up In Tennessee and Kentucky

We're so pleased to announce some really cool gigs coming up!  Friday, July 26th we return to Buzzard Rock Resort in Kuttawa, KY, and then Sunday, August 11th, we'll return to Jackson, TN to play at the Carl Perkins/ Exchange Club Circles Hope Telethon to benefit the Carl Perkins Center For The Prevention of Child Abuse.

We'll be playing the telethon at 3PM at the Jackson Civic Center and the telethon will be broadcast LIVE on WBBJ-TV, Channel 7 out of Jackson.  (Where I worked from 1983-1989)  Should be a lot of fun for a GREAT cause!  If you can't be there in person, be sure to watch, and pledge your support to Carl's Cener, which was so close to his heart.

Show At Four RIvers Harley Davidson

We had a great time at Four Rivers Harley Davidson in Paducah, KY Saturday for their Celebrate America Event!  They had a huge crowd.  Some for us, and some for an arm wrestling tournament they had which proved to be a big hit.  A big hit for me was the fan I started using for these outdoor gigs.  I don't know why I never got one before. Makes a world of difference.

LOVE looking at all the bikes, even though I don't ride myself anymore.

R to L, Arion Runer, Boss Tremolo, Boss Delay, Ibanez Tube Screamer, and YES, SHOP FAN!

I've known Walt for years.  He and his late wife used to come see us every year at the Hot August Blues Festival.  He's been riding Harleys since probably before I was born or close to it.  He's still riding! Good guy!

I wouldn't try to take on these gals in an arm wrestling contest, that's for sure!