"Putting bread on the table" became a challenge for many career musicians during the covid pandemic, this concert series is focused on providing some direct relief.

The first artist that came to mind for this series is John Long, a tall 70+ year old road-wise always dapper gentleman/troubadour of great virtuosity. John has shared stages and billings with the likes of Muddy Waters, Brownie McGhee (as a stand-in for Sonny Terry), Big Mama Thornton, Sammy Mayfield, Robert Cray, Phoebe Snow, Howlin' Wolf, The Mama's & The Papas, John Lee Hooker, BB King, John Hammond, Willie Dixon, Stephen Stills, and many more.

Mentored in his youth by the likes of Homesick James, Tampa Red, Big Walter Horton and Roosevelt Sykes, John lives and breathes this music and it's traditions. A distinguished past nominee for the W.C. Handy Award, and a decade later for a BMA, John's deeply resonant voice, finely honed guitar skills and rack harmonica chops are always a treat! He is coming as a solo act (my favorite way to see him ply his trade, the undiluted essence), but says he might bring up a surprise guest in a spot or two.

Come meet, hear and SUPPORT this authentic national treasure, one of the dwindling few living links to so many past greats of the blues, folk and gospel communities... the Q&A session alone will be worth the ticket price. A bonafide legend in his own rite as well... but by nature too modest to say much about that.

We'll be hangin' out for several hours of music, food and storytelling. Bring your own food/beverage and use the grill, or enjoy the provided brats, burgers and libations for a suggested donation. Clean infrared gas grill, utensils, disposable plates etc provided. Also a Webber kettle if you're jonesin' to display your BBQ prowess. (host gets a "cut") I'm open to however the food part evolves the day of. I have some outdoor chairs, but not near enough for 30+ attendees, bring something to sit on.

Tickets are $45, or 2 for $80 for established couples/family members. Limited to around 35 attendees. (I can stuff only so many people inside if the weather doesn't cooperate) No paid staff (myself included), proceeds after expenses go to John and his eminently likeable wife/manager Carrie.

The date is now locked-in, with maybe an August encore at a discount for previous attendees.

Buy tickets now as a unique gift... Fathers Day conveniently falls on the week just before this show. Advance purchase is recommended to avoid missing John due to the seating limit. It also will help me to prepare for the expected crowd size, and to pull the proper permit for the event. Cash, Paypal or Credit Card are all ok the day of the show, although cash is preferred to avoid the associated fees... would rather give those funds to John & Carrie than to a bank. Tickets fully refundable if John were unable to fulfill his commitment. Currently both he and Carrie are quite healthy, and very enthusiastic about doing this show in particular.

I have an obligation to all of my guests and artists, therefore due to the still remaining threat of Covid-19, all attendees must provide proof of full vaccination prior to admission, so I don't need to provide and monitor separate seating for those not vaccinated. With that in place there will be no mask requirement UNLESS the CDC or state health officials revise the current mandates. I encourage you to wear one if you are more comfortable that way, mask friendly household. No arguments please regarding these reasonable (and still fluid) safety requirements.

Click the STORE tab at page top if you want advance tickets. Again, fully refundable in the unlikely event that John is unable to make this date. We can work out a way to prove vaccination which doesn't involve info like SS numbers. All ages welcome

Regards,

Christopher Richards