The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, which just took place in Gahanna, Ohio – just east of Columbus – has rather unexpectedly established itself as the premier Blues festival in Central Ohio. The Columbus Blues Alliance books the festival’s blues stage on behalf of the City of Gahanna and they do a fantastic job of taking care of visiting artists like Sonny Moorman, Stacy Mitchart, Deanna Bogart, Michael Hill and Cleveland Fats.
This year – in what is hopefully a temporary measure – the electric and acoustic stages were combined and solo performers played while bands did their best to set up quietly and respectfully behind them. It worked surprisingly well because the backline was of good quality gear and production workers were on the ball.
Unfortunately, I missed the festival and Cleveland Fats’ show on Friday… I’m also ashamed to admit that I missed Little Charlie & The Night Cats on Thursday night at The Thirsty Ear. I heard from Columbus Blues Alliance President Kevin Gregory, that Fats played a strong set
and made lots of new fans. I understand that Fats is in the regular rotation at The Thirsty Ear and Central Ohio Blues lovers can look forward to seeing Fats on a semi-regular basis.
I did make it to the festival on Saturday afternoon to catch a set from a band that features two of my uncles – Dan West (vocals) and Dave West (drums) – The Delta Sheiks. In addition, the band features Sam Williams on bass (who goes ALL the way back in my story), Bill Bostwick on guitar and Jim Biersdorf on harp. The Sheiks laid down a solid groove that showcased great tune selection and characteristic maturity and Cincinnati guitarist Sonny Moorman played a great set of interesting variety and depth.
Colin John and his excellent band put n a great show that saw the sun coming down, backing New York Bluesman Michael Hill, who was in great form. Deb Landolt and I jumped up on the stage at one point for a hot jam before the young guitarist from Double Barrel also made a strong guest appearance.
Sunday was something of a homecoming for me as The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival’s headlining blues act. There was a great vibe in the air thanks to my friends in Aces High who kicked of Sunday’s live blues at noon before heading back to Granville for another gig – there’s nothing like keeping busy!
We had a great set – new bassist David Bow is working out great, locking in with drummer Eric Blume and Chuck Moore played tenor saxophone and John Popovich on piano.
Our friend and former Joint Rocker Jim Godin joined us on trumpet for a fired up closing tune. Our friend Ray “Hound Dog” Fuller played a fine set of country blues before our set that
was as downhome as the blues you’d hear anywhere in the country.
It is good to be home.
