Welcome to the special Cinco de Mayo issue of BLUES JUNCTION. Actually it is Seis de Mayo. As our loyal readers know the ezine goes up on the first Monday of the month, but since here in May that is the 7^th, I didn’t want to wait that long. Plus the 7^th is my 55^th birthday and I wouldn’t mind taking the day off. Cinco de Mayo is like Saint Patrick’s Day with better food. Heck, even the world’s most interesting man doesn’t drink Guinness.  

Be that as it may, it is May and this just might be my favorite month of the year. Think about it, your favorite baseball team is still in contention except the Padres of course. More importantly to our readers,  blues festival season is in full effect.

May is also the month where the blues world (except yours truly) converges on Memphis for the Blues Music Awards. For those who know me even a little, sitting through an awards show, even when the nominees in many cases are my friends, is just something I can’t do. I however will be there in spirit... oh hell who am I kiddingI don’t give a rat’s ass about such things. I will contradict myself and say however I am pulling for the Mighty Mojo Prophets in the best new artist category. Now I am in big trouble as I am friends with the producer and many of the special guests on the album called Choice Cuts on Delta Groove Music by Big Pete. The winner in this category will be Demetria Taylor. Believe me the Blues Foundation’s infamous ethnocentric and geocentric proclivities will carry the day. If the Prophets stand a chance it will be on the strength of an album that is full of original material.

One of the great joys in my life is finding that band, that artist, that is new fresh and exciting. It is great to hear musicians who come to the genre of blues for the right reasons and understand what it is all about. There is just such a band that I am very excited to share with our readers. They are The Royal Rhythmaires from Fort Worth, Texas. They are the subject of the May Monthly Artist Spotlight feature.

East Coast harmonica ace Dennis Gruenling contributed a biographical essay about one of the most influential and yet often over looked harmonica players in the history of the blues. His name is George “Harmonica” Smith. Enjoy a very informative and well written piece on the man who mentored many of this generation’s harmonica greats. Dennis also is host to one of the best blues radio shows anywhere in the country. See the links page on this site for more information on that terrific program.

Speaking of radio the long time host of the Straight up Blues Show, Art Martel is changing the name of that program later this month to The Same Old Blues Show. It will be at the same time and on the same place on your radio dial. For more info on Art’s great show see our links page. Art is the President of Straight Up Blues Productions and is hosting the official after parties for the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival over Memorial Day Weekend. BLUES JUNCTION Productions and Rip Cat Records are the events underwriting sponsors. Check the tab that reads The After Parties: Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival for more info on these shows.

Not only are we involved with after parties but a very special Pre–Doheny Blues Festival party is taking place at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA, On Thursday May 17^th. The monthly concert series entitled World Class Blues in the O.C. is going international this month. The European all-star blues band based in Stockholm, Sweden, Trickbag is coming to town. It has been said, they sound like a combination of The Blasters and the early Fabulous Thunderbirds. Check out the tab that reads World Class Blues in the O.C. – Coming Attractions for more information on this exciting event.

Enjoy a photo essay by Chris Corbett, Alex Gardner and Mike Lovato from last month’s Tiki Bar show staring Rip Cat Records’ recording artists The 44s along with the Brophy Dale Band and some very special guests.

Alex Gardner also wrote a fine piece and contributed his talents as a world class photographer on a piece that I am very proud to “publish”. Read about a very special event that takes place in downtown Los Angeles in Blues with a Mission.

The Friday before the Tiki Bar show, there was a benefit concert for the mother of The 44s’ front man and guitarist Johnny Main. The event entitled Blues for Brenda was held in Covina, CA. The show was captured by the talented lens of Dewey “Dewzignz”. Thanks Dewey for your contribution to this month’s BLUES JUNCTION.

We have ten more tunes cued up on the Jukebox at the JUNCTION. Check out these selections from some brand new and soon to be released albums.

On Monday April 30^th, there was yet another benefit concert.  It was called Big Love and it was something special.  Read my thoughts on this show and enjoy a photo essay courtesy of Brad Elligood and John Reilly.

Just moments ago, I got off the phone with a very dear friend of mine and BLUES JUNCTION contributor, Billy Wayne Turner.  He was very close to a man he thought of "like a brother".  That man was the beloved Michael Burks who passed away earlier today.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and all the friends and family of this much loved gentle giant.

It has been my observation for many years there is no such thing as a casual blues fan. The folks who enjoy this music do so with a zeal and passion that is often not the case with more mainstream music. It is what makes us who we are and is what makes the camaraderie and sense of family that helps us get through these difficult times. The loyalty and passion of our readers is an inspiration to me. Thanks for all the encouragement. Be well and be in touch.

- David Mac