True Blues: Organization aiming to rejuvenate local blues scene

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, April 22, 2004 | 8:24 a.m.

Feeling the blues

Interested in joining the Southern Nevada Blues Association? Here's the scoop on signing up for the nonprofit organization.

Las Vegan Gypsy Young once drove 1,400 miles to Austin, Texas, to see blues legend Buddy Guy.

When Young returned home, she made a startling discovery.

"We drove all the way to Austin to see him, and when we got back we found out he'd played the House of Blues (at Mandalay Bay) while we were gone," Young said. "We didn't even know he was playing in Las Vegas."

That episode reinforced Young's belief that Southern Nevada's blues scene lacked the cohesion of its counterparts in blues-rich cities such as Chicago, New Orleans and Memphis, Tenn.

In November, Young and four friends took a major step toward rectifying that deficiency, founding the Southern Nevada Blues Association, an organization aimed at shining a spotlight on the local blues scene.

"We've lived here a long time, and the blues just haven't been pumped up enough here," Young said. "We realized we needed a blues association to bring more attention to this music."

The group has grown quickly from its humble beginnings, expanding its membership to around 70 in six months. And if Sunday's well-attended organizational meeting and blues jam was any indication, the future could be bright for the blues association.

"I think it's going to do well," said member Brian Spencer, who hosted Sunday's event in his back yard. "You've got people here who are dedicated to supporting for the blues."

Spencer, who goes by the nickname the "Blues Doctor," knows a bit about the genre, having hosted a blues radio show on KUNV 91.5-FM the past six years. His "Nothin' But the Blues" program airs Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"Blues is the backbone of all music," Spencer said. "People think the blues is all slow and down, but it's not like that nowadays. Blues gives you a sense of freedom, and a sense of stability."

The SNBA may also benefit from a recent surge in blues interest. Congress designated 2003 as "The Year of the Blues," and PBS aired the Martin Scorsese-produced seven-part series "The Blues" last fall.

"We're proud and honored to have been established during the 'Year of the Blues,' " SNBA director Phil Iwasaka said. "That was fantastic, and helped a lot more people learn about the blues."

In January the SNBA hosted its first event, the "Winter Blues Bash" at the blues-friendly Sand Dollar Lounge, 3355 Spring Mountain Road. The combination barbecue and concert brought together seven local blues bands.

The SNBA's most recent two membership meetings -- one at Metro CDs (320 N. Nellis Blvd.) and at Spencer's residence -- have also featured live music.

Several members showed up with instruments in tow. After the meeting's conclusion, musicians were invited to the microphone for impromptu jams.

"If you're going to have a blues society, you should cater to the musicians," said vocalist Moody Scott, a member who participated in the first SNBA blues jam. "What I like about (the SNBA) is the fact that they seem to be working together and listening to ideas from people such as myself."

On Sunday Iwasaka unveiled plans for the next two SNBA events: a May 16 pool party with live music at Wild Wild West Hotel (3330 W. Tropicana Ave.) and an Oct. 2 blues festival at Lorenzi Park (3333 W. Washington Ave.). The latter will be co-sponsored by the city of Las Vegas.

"We have a lot of things going," Iwasaka said. "Blues fans in Southern Nevada have shown a lot of interest in coming together."

From 1987 through 1995 Southern Nevada was home to a thriving blues association, the Las Vegas Blues Society. The group attracted approximately 1,500 members and helped organize numerous events, including popular free blues picnics at Sunset Park.

After several years, however, Clark County fenced off the picnic area and began charging admission to the events. Attendance suffered and, following the resignation of longtime president Bill Cherry, the Las Vegas Blues Society folded, leaving Southern Nevada without a unifying blues association.

Then last year Young received a phone call from a representative for blues vocalist Franky Lee, inquiring about local musicians who might be interested in backing Lee for a Las Vegas gig.

"She asked me if I knew anyone who could do it," Young said. "But there was no easy way to get in touch with these people because we didn't have a blues society."

Providing working opportunities for local blues musicians is another goal high on the SNBA's agenda.

That excites Pat Campbell. She and her husband -- well-known blues guitarist and vocalist Little Milton -- call Las Vegas home, and were quick to sign up as SNBA members.

"There are some great local blues musicians here in Las Vegas, but it's a matter of creating support for the blues here so they can find more work," Campbell said.

"So if you're a blues lover, then you need to join this organization, come out, support the blues and let the casinos know this is the music we want to hear."

As Young points out, the Southern Nevada Blues Association also provides a social outlet for blues aficionados, many of whom have lived in the same town for years without getting to know one another.

"We've gone to Boulder Blues (Boulder Station's free Thursday night blues series) every week and we'd see the same faces, but now we're like family," Young said. "We're all fans of this music. It touches our soul."