Fort Myers Beach was my home for almost two years, as I took a sabbatical from music a couple of years back to pursue an interest in journalism that lead to a position as reporter at The Island Sand Paper.
Interestingly, that connection began through music at The Fatback Blues Festival, presented by The Island Arts Foundation, back in May of 2004 with Gene Walker, Winston Walls, Teeny Tucker and Bo Diddley, Jr.
The Editor/Publisher of The Island Sand Paper, Carl Conley, has become a dear friend since our meeting back in 2004 and he has continued to support The Sean Carney Band’s efforts – it was Carl who secured our sponsorship from the historic and opulent Peabody Hotel during the IBC in Memphis!
The Island Sand Paper covers our activities and since Eric and I arrived on the Beach, I’ve been stopped by a number of great folks on the street who read the piece in this week’s paper, detailing our trip to The Blues Music Awards and upcoming Auzon
de Blues concert in the South of France, which I have recently learned will be broadcast by CBR, a network of 40 blues radio shows across France.
After enjoying the night off on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon we played a relaxed set at The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery before an appreciative and intimate crowd. Bill Freeman, the owner of S.O.B.’s always provides us with a gig when we’re in town, even though he doesn’t normally book bands. Bill digs the blues and the vibe at S.O.B.’s is just right because the band is right up amidst the crowd – the final song on “Life of Ease” was recorded at S.O.B.’s back in February of 2006. Bill really hooked us up this time because we’ll perform there twice this time – again tomorrow night!
The conch chowder at S.O.B.’s is the best you’ll find anywhere.
On Friday night, Carl hosted an intimate “living room party” where we performed and caught up with friends
in a setting overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
The anchor concert was actually just yesterday at A Taste of The Beach – presented by The Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce – featuring live blues from The Sean Carney Band. It was the second time the Chamber invited us to perform at this event and we had a great time sampling all of the great food available at the event.
In the past, our Beach farewell show has always been the best, so we look forward to a great time at S.O.B.’s tomorrow night before flying back to Ohio!
