The man in front of you at the grocery store seems ordinary enough. Tapping his foot, he hums to a song inside his head no one else can hear. He will not appear on the cover of People magazine or detail a seven-bathroom home and luxury cars on MTV’s next episode of “Cribs,” but his presence in the music industry will remain long after those celebrities have gone. He is a local blues hero. Tabby Thomas, Deacon John, Bobby Campo, Herman Jackson and Buddy Flett have left their marks in the music books of Louisiana history. These blues giants will come together to promote the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation on Thursday night at 7:30. with performances at Phil Brady’s Bar and Grill located at 4848 Government St. Admission is $20, and the show is smoke-free. It will be hosted by Tab Benoit, a young yet accomplished blues icon. The aim of both the performance and the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation is to educate and promote the study and appreciation of blues music in the Baton Rouge community. The Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, founded in 2002, encourages music education in East Baton Rouge Parish and acts as a musical network for blues musicians, young and old. As the brainchild of Johnny Palazzotto, local music producer and blues enthusiast, the organization has achieved vast success in showcasing the talents of musicians in Baton Rouge. The program’s attempt at educational outreach benefits both the history connoisseur and soon-to-be musical prodigy. “The reason for the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation is music education. It’s a given that the blues is America’s music. Everyone from REM to Van Morrison to Led Zeppelin can trace their musical beginnings to a love for the blues,” Palazzotto said. The underground blues music scene remains steady after several generations of accomplished vocalists, drummers, pianists and guitarists. Some of these local favorites will perform at Phil Brady’s. The show even includes a surprise guest. Their combined work includes participating in groups with or performing with artists such as the Neville Brothers, Robert Cray, Le Roux, the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, OutKast, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart and more. Bobby Campo, founding member of Le Roux that sang “New Orleans Ladies,” will perform at the event and said he believes the group provides not only entertainment but also a service to young people in Baton Rouge. “Sure, the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation is about the blues music. It’s the most fun you can have while playing. At the same time, we really support music education in schools. I play at several schools throughout the parish and demonstrate the importance in our schools,” Campo said. Many young people recognize the blues in modern music through its influence in rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, soul, gospel and jazz. Though the genre of blues will never be flamboyant or ritzy, people are continually drawn to the memorable lyrics and soulful tunes that have transcended variations in culture and time. “If you play the blues, you will always have a job,” Tabby Thomas said. Palazzotto sees just that – a blues that will remain in the nooks and crannies of Baton Rouge, the place where much of the genre began. “The blues will never be commercial, but it’s always going to be there, underground,” Palazzotto said. “No matter what happens, blues will always be the hippest music around.”
—–Contact Ellen Carmichael at [email protected]