Long Island’s Blues Elite at Brightwaters Inn

BRIGHTWATERS, NY -- It's gonna be a hot time at the Brightwaters Inn Saturday when the Long Island Blues Society hosts its final fundraiser to send local musicians off to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge.

The show, starting at 2 p.m. at 200 Orinoco Drive in Brightwaters, features a number of smokin' Long Island bands, including Harmonica Bill and Marked Deck, the Long Island representatives in the band category, and the Hoodoo Loungers, whose self-produced CD "Head & Heart & Hips" made it to the semifinal round in the international competition this year.

“This is going to be a great, fun show and anyone who comes out will not be disappointed.," said "Harmonica" Bill Lifford. "If you're a blues fan, this is the place to be on Saturday. We have some of the best blues talent that Long Island has ever had playing that day."

Also on the bill will be the Piano Matt Quintet, which will represent the area in the international youth competition when the local musicians descend on Memphis beginning Jan. 22. Lee Taylor, one half of the winning duo Friluchawill also be on hand.

Joining the winners in rocking the house on Saturday will be local bands Midnight Crisis, Red Eye Blues Band and The Hideaways.

All this for 10 bucks at the door. All money raised helps offset the bands' costs to truck on down to Beale Street and take on challengers from around the world.

The event will feature a raffle in which two lucky winners will go home with signed guitars. Winners need not be present, but it would be nice.

First prize is an electric axe signed by national blues acts and second is a resonator autographed by local players.

Throughout the day LIBS members will be encouraged to submit nominations for the presidency and other open board member positions. At 1:30, the LIBS will officially "open" the meeting and it will not close until the end of the event.

Throughout the day LIBS board members will also be signing up new members, selling merchandise and answering any questions about the society or the blues challenge.

""The amazing show features the CD semifinalist in the international blues challenge as part of the kickoff for our mission to promote the blues as a living art form," said LIBS President Jim Kolman." This event is a milestone of nominations to help move the society forward."

To buy a raffle ticket before the show, please e-mail emily@libs.org.

Click here to join the Long Island Blues Society.