Summer Playfest 08

In celebration of a wonderful kick off of our website for Northern California Blues Reviews we held our first annual Summer Playfest party in Vacaville on August 2. A great time was had by all that attended on a warm afternoon / evening. There was a lot of good food, swimming and a well stocked Blues Bar to keep the revelers more than happy. There was a great mix of partiers and a good showing from Willie Brown and several Sacramento Blues Society members.

We started the afternoon early with my best pal Doug and I showcasing our superbly amateur skills and musical capabilities, playing our guitars and covering Dylan’s “Knocking on Heavens’ Door” and our own little Spanish ditty that Doug put together. We had great fun even though we didn’t get to play for the full crowd. I have a sneaky suspicion that the folks didn’t come to see us play anyway. Darn it, if they only knew real blues talent! I did manage to get up later and sing a few of my originals, including my song for the blues girl, “By My Side”, which ended with Jimmy Pailer and I throwing barbs at one another to the tune of the song. It was a lot of fun.

The headline act was Jimmy Pailer and Lew Fratis who played an incredible show for nearly four hours. Though of us who are steady in the Sac Blues scene and know Jimmy and Lew well are very aware of their musical talents and awesome connection when teamed up for a blues show. If you haven’t seen them yet you are missing out on one of the best acoustical blues acts you will ever see. Both are Sacramento blues guitar legends in their right, playing with their own bands as well as others. You can catch them together most Friday evenings from 5 – 7:30 pm at the Torch Club in downtown Sac.

So anyway, they put on a heck of a show, covering all our favorites, including “Old Love”, “Bellbottom Blues” and “Crosscut Saw” to keep the Clapton fans happy. The blues girl of course got to hear her favorite Sam Cooke tunes with Lew singing his nice medley of “Cupid” and “Chain Gang”. Their set list went on and on, including of course Jimmy’s excellent version of the Hendrix classic “Red House”. They played a nice cover of Elvis Costello’s “Allison” as well as a ton of other excellent blues tunes. These guys are so well connected and provide a seamless and exciting show. Both are incredible guitar talents in their own right and each has a distinct vocal style. They share the wealth and the work load on every set. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show. They closed with a well known Jimmy and Lew tradition, playing that long rockin’ version of “Voodoo Chile” where both guys go off the deep end with the guitar riffs. I’ve seen them play it many times and always get goose bumps when they are banging away on the axes at the finally. Tonight was no exception, they were again fantastic.

The party ended with a lot of smiling faces and everyone getting home safely. Thanks to all those who helped make this party blazing success. We are already in the planning stages for next years “playfest” at a bigger venue where we can grow.

Lew plays with his Band “The New Lewminators” every Tuesday night at the Torch Club in downtown Sac. Lew also does a lot of work with the Blues in the Schools program, helping youngsters in learning appreciation for the Blues traditions. Jimmy plays with his band, “Jimmy Pailer and the Prophets” every Wednesday night at the Torch Club as well as playing lead guitar for “Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers” all over the Sacramento area.

"Keep your eyes and ears open, the Blues are alive in Northern California!"

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