International Blues Challenge

(originally published Feb. 2, 2016)
From Ed:
All of us here at Highway 99 want to extend a congratulations to all of the participants of the 2016International Blues Challenge. I feel that when representing on a national/international platform Seattleand Portland represent the Pacific Northwest, with our musicians, promoters, supporters proudly sharing the same backyard. It is with great pride that I congratulate Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons, representing the Washington Blues Society, for snatching up first place in this year's solo/duo category. I'm proud to say that they went at it their own way. They performed their unique style of blues, often touching on current social issues, while paying respect to the origin of the music and as importantly theculture from which it was born. Representing the south side of our backyard, Greg Johnson, known as Slim Lively in certain circles, brought home the, oh so coveted triangular award. That's right folks, we got another "Keeping the Blues Alive" award recipient from the region. Greg represents the Cascade Blues Association as President.




Speaking of Blues on a national/international platform, we got a whole lot of touring goodness coming down the highway for you all. After saving the lease and remodeling the joint, we landed some great acts to kick off the year. Thanks again for continuing to Hit theHighway and support all of the local, regional, and touring musicians that have made our stage such a special piece of the music scene here in Seattle. See ya at the club!!

Some of the great out-of-town stuff on the calendar: Curley Taylor 2/5, Lisa Mann 2/13, Andy Stokes 2/20, Rose City Kings 2/27, John Nemeth 3/3, Ken DeRouchie 3/5, The Lloyd Jones Struggle 3/5, Daniel Castro 3/19; Robbie Laws, Big Monti and Rae Gordon 3/25, the Highway99 debut of Soul Vaccination with special guests Andy Stokes 3/26, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats 4/7, The 44's w/ Calvin Conway 4/8, Kevin Selfe and The Portland All Star Big Band 4/9, Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys 4/16, James Harman's Bamboo Porch Revue w/ Nathan James & Bonedaddy Tempo 5/20, Bruce Katz Band 6/18...