Text and Photos by Joseph A. Rosen
In May 2009 I had the privilege of attending and photographing Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Blues for the first time and I was knocked out! I’m blessed to attend many of the best and largest Blues festivals and cruises all over the country, but this event is particularly special.
What makes it so special one might ask?
First is the location. It’s right on the waters of Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis, Maryland. There are spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, sandy beaches and playgrounds nearby, a beautiful full rig professional stage complete with Jumbotron, tons of seating in a grassy lawn surrounded by an array of food, beverage and craft vendors. It’s a wonderful spot!
Obviously, it is special because of the music. The festival always has a totally top notch line up of performers. 2009 was headlined by Los Lonely Boys and Johnny Lang. For 2010, the promoters have flat out out done themselves by bringing in two true legends, Chuck Berry and Buddy Guy, as headliners. In addition there’s a superb supporting line up, including everything from a Mummers parade to string bands to top local and national Blues acts. There are way too many to list here, but check out www:bayblues.org for complete listings and information. It’s a killer line up!
Last and perhaps most important, the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival has a purpose beyond the good times and the great music. It’s all for charity. To my knowledge that makes it unique among large Blues Festivals. It is largely staffed by dedicated volunteers. The promoters contribute the proceeds to Special Olympics, We Care, Camp Face and a new beneficiary this year, Special Love. The festival’s web site has a lot more information about these great organizations.
Now isn’t that special? You bet it is! I suggest that if you possibly can, clear up the weekend of May 22 and 23, get your friends and family on board, get some tickets, go to a great place, have a great time, hear great music for all; the right reasons!
What follows are a selection of photos from the 2009 Festival. I hope that these will give you a sense of the spirit of the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival and that this look back will be a preview of what promises to be an even bigger and better event this year.
Photo Gallery – 2009 Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival
The show opened with the Chesapeake Bay Ladies of the Blues, featuring Deanna Bogart and other ladies of the Blues, including...
Melanie Mason
Nadine Rae
Fans gathered on the grassy lawn...
Blues fans catching some Blues on stage at the festival.
Surrounded by the crafts village and vendors.
Fans enjoyed both the Blues performances and the full array of food and beverages.
Next up was Chicago Harmonica Wizard, Sugar Blue who ignited the crowd with his modern style.
Harp master, Sugar Blue.
The guitar pyrotechnics began with British Blues rocker Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam.
The stage returned to traditional Chicago style Blues when the Lonnie Brooks Band took the stage. First Lonnie’s son, Wayne Baker Brooks (above) warmed up the crowd.
Wayne Baker Brooks
Then Wayne's dad, Lonnie Brooks (above), who will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame by the Blues Foundation in May, came on and shook things up!!!
The great Lonnie Brooks feeling the Blues!
All the while, kites were flying over the Chesapeake Bay.
And at the stage, Sugar Blue was grooving to Lonnie!!!
Amsterdam based, but world renown Blues rocker Ana Popovic fired up the audience with her intense electric style.
All the way from California, vocalist, guitarist and bandleader Scotty Morris fronted the horn laden Big Band stylings of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. They got the crowd on it’s feet, jumping and jiving as they channeled the spirit of Cab Calloway!!!
Los Lonely Boys closed day one with a fiery set of “Texican” Blues flavored Rock and Roll. The three Garza bothers, Henry (guitar), above, JoJo on bass and Ringo all shared the vocals. In addition to playing up a storm, they sang soaring vocals and harmonies as only siblings can!!!
Los Lonely Boys' JoJo Garza.
Los Lonely Boys' Ringo Garza on drums.
Day two kicked off with Albert Cummings getting the crowd in the mood with his intense playing.
Up next was Mississippi born Zac Harmon. Zac played a wildly received set during which he joined his bass player, Mr. Buthel, for a spontaneous strut across the stage.
Zac Harmon and bass man Mr. Buthel liven things up at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival.
Local heroes and national stars the Nighthawks, fronted by vocalist and harmonica ace, Mark Wenner, where joined by guitar legend Hubert Sumlin.
Hubert Sumlin
Hubert Sumlin playing some sweet Blues at the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival. It was Sumlin who added the extraordinary guitar to many of the classic recordings of the legendary Howlin’ Wolf. His style is a direct influence on the likes of Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Bay Area funk and soul stars, Cold Blood, lead by vocalist Lydia Pense brought the crowd to it’s feet with their special groove.
Modern Blues songstress and stylist Shemekia Copeland roused the crowd with her superb vocals, which ran from a whisper to a scream..
Shemekia Copeland
Blood Sweat and Tears, fronted by Rod Papparozzi had the cheering crowd dancing and singing along with their classic hits and new material.
The festival closed with a great set by Johnny Lang, who broke into the business as a 14 year old phenom and soon won a Grammy. He has matured into a seasoned performer who gave the audience his all and had them calling for more!
Jonny Lang
Jonny Lang
Last year’s Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival was a feast for Blues fans and the 2010 Festival, scheduled for next month promises to be every bit as good, or better. So, do your best to make it there and support the Blues, all for a good cause!
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About Joseph A. Rosen:
Joseph A. Rosen is a New York City based professional photographer whose work has appeared in Time,Newsweek, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and more. Corporate clients include JP Morgan/Chase Bank, American Express, Nordstrom, PepsiCo and IBM. He has been a working and exhibiting professional since prior to his graduation from Carnegie-Mellon University with a degree in Photography and Related Studies. His music clients are some of the greatest names in the industry from blues, R&B, soul, rock, Cajun/Zydeco, and jazz, the record companies for whom they record and their management groups. Joe has received the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive in Photography and Art Award for 2002. The award is presented by the Blues Foundation of Memphis to an artist who has created a body of work which has brought the Blues to the public though photography and “made a significant contribution to the blues world.” For more information about Joseph A. Rosen, please visit www.josepharosen.com.
Related Links
Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival 2010
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
All photos in this article – Copyright Joseph A. Rosen 2009.
