August Tour…2008

This year we kicked off the Wheeling West Virginia festival and folks were really there at the git-go and ready to party! Imagine 5:00 on a Friday and the whole venue is packed and after a tune or two, they are jammin’ the dance floor and bellying up to the stage! Wow! Of course it didn’t hurt that it was to die for –gorgeous weather, as compared to other years when it can be brutally hot and humid there on the river.

So, next up on stage were my old pals Anson Funderburgh with James Harmon fronting the Rockets. People were really rushing up to Anson as he pulled up in his ride…he is so beloved and missed! Toward the end of our set, the boys called me onstage and we had what felt like “old home week” on stage that included lots of smiles, laughter, and plenty of blue notes.

From Wheeling we made our way down to Richmond VA. for a special performance at the Capital Ale House. I took this opportunity to call upon another former Icebreaker, Chuck Williams, to join us on saxaphone for this show. Since Albert’s passing, Chuck has continued his career and always keeps his chops up. For those of you who were fans of the Icebreakers, you will remember Chuck as the dude who often blew two saxes simultaneously! So on stage, we immediately kicked each other into high gear and channeled the energy of Albert Collins throughout the night. I don’t think this will be the last time Chuck and I do some playin’ together. Long live the memory and music of the Iceman.