Living Blues Comeback Artist of the Year is....

Ironing Board Sam named Living Blues Comeback Artist of the Year! Living Blues has given Ironing Board Sam the honor of "Comeback Artist of the Year" in their Critic's Poll. We are so proud that the magazine has recognized Sam for his hard work this past year - with the assistance of Music Maker he was able to record and release his album, "Going Up," secured regular gigs in the Chapel Hill, NC area, where he now lives, and performed at festivals nationwide. But it was Sam's amazing return to a packed Blues Tent at Jazzfest in April 2012 that caught eyes of music lovers all across the nation. Sam is definitely "back," with gigs in Switzerland and the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise coming up. He has come a long way since 2010, when he told Tim Duffy he had given up on music. Tonight, Sam begins a weekly gig at "The Crunkleton" in Chapel Hill. Gary Crunkleton is a great supporter of MM, and when he found out Sam was in the area he knew he wanted Sam to play regularly at his bar. If you're in Chapel Hill check Sam out tonight and every Thursday from 7:30 - 10pm at The Crunkleton! Neal Pattman, Cootie Stark and Beverly "Guitar" Watkins by Pam Francis Quick Links: Website Merch Music Captain Luke's car returned! Earlier this summer Captain Luke's car was stolen from outside his home in Winston-Salem, NC. Music Maker ensured that the Captain had rides to gigs and appointments, as we awaited news of his car from the police. In July, when we had almost given up hope, Captain Luke called and told us the police had recovered his car in Salisbury, NC. Interns Mike and Jeremy went to help Captain Luke retrieve his car - when asked how it felt to get his ride back, the Captain said "feels like a new car!" Captain Luke's car was driveable, aside from some minor damages, and the perpetrators of the crime have been charged. We are so happy the Captain is back in action! Listen: Alabama Slim - Children Go Where I Send Thee Diggin': "Going Upstairs" photo by Gregg Roth Alabama Slim is goin' upstairs to bring down all his clothes. If anybody asks about him, just tell 'em that he walked outdoors. Slim issues a proclamation to his lady in "Going Upstairs" in that characteristically smooth, cool style of his: If you don't want me anymore, then I'm leaving. With only the rhythmic pulse of his electric guitar to back him, Slim delivers a few determined verses and doesn't look back. He begins and ends the tune with a haunting, high-pitched moan, reminiscent of Howlin' Wolf's. Slim occasionally lets himself slip back into an emotionally vulnerable falsetto, speaking directly to the woman who is driving him out and bringing the listener a little closer to his pain. By the tune's last howl, we're all well aware that Slim is down the road and gone. Listen to "Going Upstairs" above; it can be found on The Mighty Flood, Slim's 2005 collaboration with Little Freddie King. --- Matt Matt Dailey is a Music Maker intern assisting with the audio archive while completing his Masters in Library Science at UNC Chapel Hill.

Upcoming Shows: Click here for more info on upcoming events 8/11-8/12 - Tulali - La Casita, Lincoln Center Out of Doors New York, NY 8/12 - Pura Fé Trio - Lincoln Center Out of Doors New York, NY 8/13 - Ironing Board Sam - The Depot, Hillsborough, NC 8/15 - Boo Hanks and Dom Flemons - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA 8/16 - Boo Hanks and Dom Flemons - Joe's Pub, New York, NY 8/18 - Boo Hanks and Dom Flemons - Blue Ridge Music Center, Galax, VA 8/19 - Boo Hanks and Dom Flemons - The Hamilton, Washington, DC 8/25 - Ironing Board Sam - The Whiskey, Durham, NC 8/31 - 9/2 - Ironing Board Sam - Blues To Bop in Lugano, Switzerland 10/13 - Ironing Board Sam, L.C. Ulmer, Ben Peyton, Drew Young Band - Music Maker Stage, Southern Mississippi Roots Festival, Hattiesburg, MS Music Maker Relief Foundation, Inc. helps the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern music gain recognition and meet their day to day needs. We present these musical traditions to the world so American culture will flourish and be preserved for future generations.