| March 7, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 10:00 pm |
First up, what is the Charleston Blues Society?
They promote shows by blues artists, sponsor hands-on workshops for all ages in blues history, such as playing instruments, singing and songwriting. They encourage research, performance and publication of the history of African-American music in West Virginia.
The Charleston Blues Society also has a goal of preserving the rich blues heritage of our area. During the early 20th century, many African-Americans moved here to work in the salt mines, railroads and coalmines.
Saturday, February 28th check out the opening of an exhibition of vintage photographs from Charleston musician Hubert “Rabbit” Jones. Jones provided photos of West Virginia music legends like Winston Walls, Ann Baker, Bricktop and many more. This is the kick-off to the Legacy Gala. The exhibition will be held at Heritage Towers (612 Virginia St. E) from 5:00-7:00pm and is free and open to the public.
The Legacy Gala
It’s NOT an awards ceremony. This is a recognition celebration for music, musicians, past and present, who have played an exceptional role in our culture and they have not been acknowledged and many have gone unrecognized.
The Gala is a huge part of the history project designed to gather photographs, stories, recordings and other materials that will help us see West Virginia’s musical past.
The Gala is March 7, at the Coonskin Park Clubhouse Oak Room, starting at 7:00pm.
The Gala evening includes dinner, performances by Legacy honoree Nat Reese, Bob Redd and blues piano player Barrelhouse Bonni and possibly others.
Tickets ($50 in advance, $60 at the door) can be purchased at Heritage Towers, Clo’s Uptown Eatery (1219 Washington St. E.) and also from the Charleston WV Blues Society at chaswvblues@yahoo.com or by calling 304-590-1042.
To read more about the Charleston Blues Society, check out their events calendar (performance updates) and/or to subscribe to their newsletter, visit them online at www.chaswvblues.org
I believe this event has been postponed until 2010. Check out Fruteland Jackson’s upcoming gig at WV State on March 7th.
I’m a little surprised and hurt that my dad has not been mentioned by any of the jazz players in Charleston. He passed in 1978, at a young 48, but please fellows. Have some respect..lord have mercy.
Winston Walls, Ann Baker, Rabbit, Billy Saunders, all used to drop by our house. Dad played The Greenbrier, The Daniel Boone, Sam’s Gaslight, and all the clubs in Charleston. He played for Gov, Barrons’ parties and most of Charleston’s “elites.”
He was certainly an underacheiver, given his talent. Should’ve stayed out after his US Airforce Stint. Played Vegas and NYC while stationed nearby.. I have a clipping where he won a Boogie Contest in a NYC Club – headline reads “West Virginia Boy Rocks the House.”
Dad was “Born Again” and played Gospel the last 3 months of his life.
He was a Piano Player..not a pianist, if you know what I mean. Could literally play all styles from The Count to Liberace…in the dark – no light.
Played professionally at age 9.
Anyway, thanks for all of your comments.
CREED HALBERT JR ( my dad )