Check out our blog for the latest news:

http://crossroadsbluessociety.blogspot.com/

Walter Trout to Appear at Big Cities Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 8 PM

Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Big Cities Lounge, 905 E State Street, Rockford, IL

Call 815-218-6359 for tickets and info

More MVBF Pictures from June 29-July 1, 2007

Chris Cain at Big Cities 5/19/07

Hamilton Loomis at Big Cities March 15, 2007

Dave Gross and Gina Sicilia at Big Cities March 8, 2007

BITS March 6 and 7, 2007

Community Concert at Just Goods Listening Room

Ann Rabson Gets a Bulldog Mascot at Durand HS

Reverend Raven and Madison Slim at Carlson ES

New Logo

Thanks to Emily Jones, we finally have a new logo for our newsletter and other uses.  She has whipped up some other new ideas, so stay tuned for tee shirts and other new stuff!

Dave Gross Show at Big Cities

Thursday, March 8th, 8 PM at Big Cities Lounge.  $5 cover and there is an added treat- Gina Sicilia!

From Dave Gross' website:

'2007 Blues Music Awards Nominee for "Best New Artist Debut" - At only 22, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Dave Gross leads a band of some of the finest players in the country, with blues roots that branch out in countless directions. Dave’s creativity and love for the original blues and jazz masters bring new life to the music scene, resulting in a hybrid music form that combines blues from the 40’s and 50’s with swing from the 30’s and 40’s. Dave’s musical abilities have been described as being “so amazing, it’s scary.” He is a world-class guitarist who seamlessly moves from Chicago blues to swing to rockabilly to gypsy jazz and beyond. As a singer, he skillfully handles styles from Mississippi Delta blues to standards. As a songwriter, Dave’s interesting melodies surround mature, heartfelt lyrics that belie his age. As a performer, Dave has an electrifying presence that has won him a growing legion of fans who believe that he is one of the top players in the country. Despite his young age, Dave has already shared stages with such national blues artists and legends as Hubert Sumlin, Duke Robillard, Popa Chubby, Debbie Davies, Bettye LaVette, Arthur Neilson, Sax Gordon, Doug “Mr. Low” James, Nick Moss, Willie Kent, Dennis Gruenling & Jumptime, Big Ed Sullivan, Joe Taino, Christine Santelli, Stephane Wrembel, Doña Oxford, among many other notable artists. Dave has been influenced by a wide range of musicians that include T-Bone Walker, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Charlie Christian, BB King, Charles Brown, Arthur Neilson, Wynonie Harris, Django Reinhardt, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Rushing, Ray Charles, Jimmie Vaughan, and Tiny Grimes to name a few. These influences and Dave’s extraordinary talents are showcased in his new album “Take The Gamble”. The new record includes 9 original and 4 cover songs, and truly reveals Dave’s phenomenal growth as an artist. The album showcases Dave’s diverse guitar and writing style, touching upon traditional and contemporary blues, swing, country, jazz and rock. It features special guests, including Duke Robillard, Doug James, Dennis Gruenling, Al Basile, and Doña Oxford. In 2004, at the age of 19, Dave cut his exciting debut album “You Don’t Love Me.” The album was recorded “live” and captures his mature phrasing, sophisticated technical ability, rich tone and tremendous enthusiasm. It has been remarkable to witness the evolution of Dave Gross as an artist. Having accomplished so much, so soon, one can only wonder where Dave’s considerable talents will lead him.

Quotes: “There is one guitar player out of New Jersey. His name is Dave Gross. He can play, man! I mean, that boy can smoke! I sure like to bring him out with me on the road one day!” Hubert Sumlin www.hubertsumlinblues.com

“On this, Dave Gross’ second CD effort, he shows enormous growth as a player, singer and writer. With influences as diverse as T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian, Albert Collins and Danny Gatton, he molds his performances into his own voice, showcasing his impressive improvisational skills and technique on guitar, but never at the expense of the song. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with among contemporary roots and blues guitarists.” Duke Robillard www.dukerobillard.com "

From GIna Sicilia's website:

"Philadelphia's own Gina Sicilia began singing at the age of three and hasn't stopped since. Exposed to music early on by her parents, Gina grew up listening to Doo-Wop and the music of the 50's & 60's. Upon hearing blues legend Bobby Bland for the first time at the age of 14, she was instantly enthralled by the raw emotion and power of blues & soul. After years of polishing her vocal and songwriting skills, she began singing in clubs around the Philadelphia area, and began performing at such acclaimed venues as Warmdaddy's, Steel City Coffee House, AJ's Blue Thursdays, Scotland Yard and the Bluetone Café. More than just a throwback to the great blues & soul vocalists of the 50's & 60's, Gina uniquely separates herself from the pack of current vocalists with a style that is neither forced nor cliché. Now 21, this soulful, passionate blues vocalist and songwriter has just completed her debut album. Entitled "Allow Me To Confess", this project had been a long time in the making. The record is a reflection of Gina's diverse musical talent and tastes, and of the years she spent honing her vocal chops and songwriting skills. The album consists of eleven soul-stirring tracks, eight of which were written by Gina herself. "Allow Me To Confess" was produced by 2007 Blues Music Awards Nominee, Dave Gross, who also lends his own guitar playing to the mix. Backed by a cast of some of the finest in the business, Gina's powerful vocal delivery and range command the attention of the listener throughout the entire album, with a conviction not found in many other artists. Having already shared the stage with such notables as Steve Guyger, Arthur Neilson, Dennis Gruenling and Peter Karp, among many other blues & roots heavyweights, Gina has developed a confidence and competence that belies her age. As a songwriter, Gina has proven herself to have a deep understanding of American roots music, as well as the ability to compose music that perfectly suits her unique persona. Her expertly crafted songs pay homage to the great roots music of the past, which has inspired Gina throughout the years, and now comes full circle to help her create her own distinct voice in this American art form. Gina's potential as a vocalist and songwriter is boundless. She is sure to make her mark among a new generation of blues artists. "

Crossroads Blues Society News Blog

Check out the latest news letter news and other hot off the presses info at our new blog.  The March-April Newsletter info and more is at:

    http://crossroadsbluessociety.blogspot.com/
 

Crossroads Blues Society Music Review Blog

We're trying something new with blogs.  The March-April reviews are up here for now:

    http://crossroadsreviews.blogspot.com/

Spring 2007 Blues in the Schools (BITS) Itinerary

Funding for BITS in part comes from the generous grants we have received from the Rockford Area Arts Council.  Thank you for the wonderful support we have gotten each of the past years!