King Biscuit Blues Festival 2023 is in the Books! We had a Great Time!

Javi and John at KBBF 2023

Last week I attended the King Biscuit Blues Festival 2023. Eddie and I left Wednesday, October 4 at 6 am and arrived mid-afternoon in Helena, Arkansas. I had a great time with family, friends, and listening to some great music. Missed not having Carrie or Corrie at KBBF, but hopefully we will have them join us next year.

Corn Dog is Lunch

Not only is the KBBF a time for visiting, listening to music, and having fun, but it is also time for eating some great street food. I did not go crazy this year, but I did have some good eats while at KBBF. The picture to the left is of me eating a corn dog that I sent to Carrie and Corrie who were missing out on the good eats. Along with the corn dog, I had a Gryo, tamales plate, fresh cut potatoes, fries with meat and cheese on top, and a variety of other good eats. Those are the ones I can remember. Oh, we also had catfish from the VIP tent that was really good. We had breakfast each day we were there too along with Bloody Mary's which helped to start the day right. Thanks to Amy, Liz, and Michael for getting the various eats for breakfast ready for us each day. 

Selfie with TBo and Javi

You might wonder what we do when we are working the KBBF, well, we carry equipment on/off the main stage. We run errands as needed. Between acts, we are able to enjoy good music and company. To the right is a selfie with Javi and TBo while listening to music. Sipping your favorite drink and enjoying good music, it is a great way to spend the day.

Selfie with Eddie on Main Stage

Snapping pictures of the bands is fun and I meant to do a whole lot more than I did this year, but I did manage to get a number of selfies while at KBBF this year. I realized as I am writing that I neglected to get a selfie with Shi although I did get some pictures of him with others that I will include later in this update. 

We hang around the main stage to help where we can and watch to carry items to and from the main stage. This year I helped a little bit with parking as vehicles came into the parking area and needed to be secured. After getting the musicians on the main stage, we help with positioning equipment needed, amps, and then we make sure they have water for their set.

Selfie with Bart at KBBF

Hanging out in the back of the stage or along the side enjoying things is what we do. It is a good time and we have fun interacting with the acts too. Again, I realized I did not take any pictures with any of the musicians. This is usually something that Carrie does when she attends. For me, I am lucky to get selfies and pictures of some of the acts. 

TBo and Shi Run the Show

The stage is run by Shi (Eddie) and TBo (Tommy). Shi is the stage manager and TBo manages logistics of the stage, parking, beverages, etc. Good news this year I do not recall seeing TBo, or Shi, upset about anything or at least nothing that got to me about something being wrong. Overall, the whole festival ran smooth this year. The picture to the left is of TBo and Shi on the main stage watching over acts and the crowd.

At Leslie's for Breakfast and Drinks

Picture of Crowd at KBBF

See the full photo set from King Biscuit Blues Festival 2023 on my Flickr account.

Looking forward to next year to be back at the King Biscuit Blues Festival. It is hard to believe 2023 is in the books. Until next time, have a great rest of your week!

"9 to 5 The Musical", Solilquy Bar, Preparing for KBBF, and Summary of Prior Week

Sleepy Oliver

It was a busy week for me with a conference I attended in Kansas City Monday - Wednesday. I made the decision to drive in each day instead of getting a hotel room in Kansas City for the conference. Made for long days the first part of this week, but it was a good conference with good connections being made. Tuesday night when I got home from the conference, Oliver was very sleepy and plopped down in his bed to do some serious sleeping. I decided to head to bed early that night too and went to bed at 9:30.

The rest of the week flew by and was catch up for me at work after attending the conference. Short week next week for me as I will be taking personal leave to head to Helena, AR for the King Biscuit Blues Festival. I leave Wednesday and then back the following Sunday. Looking forward to another KBBF and seeing everyone at the festival. Carrie was planning to go but decided she would not make it this year. Javier will be there and we will work the main stage at the KBBF.

Saturday night, Carrie and I went to see 9 to 5 The Musical at Topeka Civic Theater. We had a fun time joining Greg and Erin for the play. Prior to the play, we met at The Pennant for a quick dinner and drinks before heading to the play. It was a fun evening. The musical was good and it was the first play we had been to in a while. It was good to be back at Topeka Civic Theater.

Drink at Solilquy Bar

Following the play, Carrie and I decided to stop by Soliloquy Bar where we sat on the patio and had a few drinks. One of the drinks I ordered came out and was lit on fire. Another drink Carrie and I shared had liquid nitrogen that cooled down the glass, they then threw out the nitrogen which was cool to see the nitrogen hit on the ground. Our server was one of the owners, so we chatted with him for a bit and talked about the cool places to get drinks in Topeka and Lawrence.

On the Patio at Solilquy Bar

Beautiful evening Saturday night to sit on the patio which was nice. The patio was busy when we arrived around 10:30 and then by the time I took the picture to the left, it had cleared out. The owner told us that they have a soft close of midnight which was something Carrie and I were wondering about as we sat on the patio listening to music and how the neighbors next door react to the traffic, music, etc.

It is now Sunday as I finish up this update and I am sitting here watching football. Both of my fantasy football teams are not off to very good starts. Hoping to get two wins this week with my two teams and bounce back. Also out there are my fantasy baseball teams which are not doing well either. Still, it is fun to follow players and make changes to try and win each week.

That is about all for today. Have a great week and I will talk to you next time.

King Biscuit Blues Festival Returns and It Was Memorable for 2022

King Biscuit Blues Festival Main Stage

After two years of not having the King Biscuit Blues Festival (KBBF), it was sure good to be back at The Biscuit! It will go down as one of the most memorial festivals in my memory of attending. Days were beautiful and yes I had some favorite acts too.

It was so good to see many of our friends that we would normally see every year at KBBF. Eddie, Carrie, and I got down to Helena, AR Wednesday afternoon. Much earlier than we usually arrive as we wanted to make it by mid-afternoon to help with some stage items that were happening for a tribute to Bubba who passed since the last time we had a festival. We had a fun night.

Delta Dirt Distillery

Carrie and I decided to stop by Delta Dirt Wednesday afternoon as we figured it might be our only time to be able to stop by there to see. As it turned out, Carrie and Javier were able to go there the later in the week. Carrie and I thought the place was going to be so busy would not be able to get into try it out. It was really good! I want to go back and try it when they are not limited on their drink selections. We sat at the bar and enjoyed our drinks. Yes, we could have had more because they were so good, but we wanted to get back to help out at the stage.

Drinks at Delta Dirt

Good way to start out the festival. Normally on Wednesday when we arrive at the festival, we go out to eat some place. This night, we were down around the stage helping out where needed and really having a good time catching up with everyone.

Once again this year, I did not take as many pictures as I had planned. I took a few Wednesday and a few more on Thursday. That was about it. I had also planned to record notes and information for each day from the various acts, but instead I only worked, drank, and ate. So, I had a good time and enjoyed myself.

Carrie and I with Friends

We spend a lot of time down in the "Next Act Only" area. This is where the crew hangs out, watching, talking, and laughing. As acts pull up to the area, we help them carry their equipment to the stage. Between acts, we help prepare acts for their set.

For Thursday, the first band started at 11 am. The rest of the days, the first act was at noon. So, it is not too bad and drinking cold beer throughout the day helps.

Corrie Posing in Carrie’s Hat

Eddie, Corrie, and Carrie Selfie

Tommy and Carrie Selfie

Aunt Carol and Carrie Selfie

Bart and John Selfie on Main Stage

Javier and Carrie at Delta Dirt

 See the full album from Carrie and I on Flickr Album Kings Biscuit Blues Festival 2022.

Great to be back at The Biscuit! Fun to see everyone. This will certainly go down as one of my most memorable festivals. Long break since the last festival and then everyone got together and it was as if never had a break.

Until next time, have a great week!

Hamilton Loomis Saturday Night in Topeka Kansas

Wow! What a show! Hamilton Loomis put on a great show! He went on stage around 8:45 and played three sets. We left the place around 1:30 in the morning after he finished his last set. It was a great time!

Hamilton and his band had great sound as well as a good feel with the audience. At one point walking out into the audience standing on the tables and playing his guitar.

If they can get him to the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in October, I think he would be a great fit. A Friday act would work out great for him and the festival. His interaction with the crowd was like a seasoned veteran of the stage. He wore a wireless mic and would definitely be a "walker" at the festival.

He played three sets and everyone enjoyed the performance. The drummer was really good too! Fun to watch and definitely did a great job on the drums.

The band was recommended by Uncle Tommy from Texas and I know why he likes Hamilton Loomis so much... Uncle Tommy use to be a drummer and this drummer was good!

Going back to the "walker" comment. This is one of my favorite parts about working the festival. I have worked the festival the past two years and typically there are at least a couple of the musicians than like to walk through the crowd. Thus, I get to guide them through the crowd making sure that they get through safely and then return them back to the stage. I can definitely see Hamilton wanting to walk the crowd.

I would highly recommend if you get the chance to check out Hamilton Loomis. Great songs, great performer, and a great time!

Today I find myself relaxing watching movie, playing on the Internet, and trying to get over a hang over from the night before. To check out all pictures from Hamilton Loomis, check out my Flickr page.

Saturday Night Music and Basketball

On this cold winter day, I will be spending time relaxing and enjoying television, the computer, and possibly a nap or two. This is a three day weekend for me with Washburn being closed on Monday. Tonight a group of us are going to see Hamilton Loomis. It should be a good show! I am listening to him now as I write this blog.

As mentioned in a previous posting, Hamilton will probably be at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival in October. I have worked the main stage the past two years. It is a lot of fun! I carry equipment on and off the main stage. I have a chance to meet blues legends! The best part is that while I work I get to drink beer which is provided free from Budweiser. Nice!

Anyway, Hamilton is probably going to be at the Blues Fest this year. Uncle Tommy in Texas who helps to get some of the performers contacted me back in November to let me know that Hamilton was going to be in Topeka on January 19. He said he had seen him a few times and that he puts on a great show. So, we are going to go see him tonight. My father-in-law has been a huge part of the Blues festival in Arkansas during the past 20 plus years. He is going to see Hamilton tonight with us. It would be cool if we could talk to Hamilton for a bit either before or after he plays.

The other even that I will be doing today is to watch the Missouri/Kansas basketball game. The game is at 7 pm CST, so I will definitely be watching that and hopefully it ends before we have to head to see Loomis. Go Jayhawks!

Everyone have a great weekend and be safe!

Hamilton Loomis Playing in Topeka Possible Festival Musician

Hamilton Loomis will be playing at the Ramada Inn in Topeka, KS January 19. Hamilton is being considered to play at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival in October 2008. He has a good sound and has been recommended by others. I have been listening to him on Rhapsody (http://www.rhapsody.com/hamiltonloomis).

I like the sound he has and I think he would put on a good show. If you get a chance, listen to his music. Hopefully he will be able to make it to the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival 2008 (http://www.bluesandheritage.com/).

Arkansas Blues and Hertiage Festival 2008

It is that time again to begin thinking about the dates for the Arkansas Blues and Hertiage Festival 2008. I have already thinking about the dates which appear they will be October 9 - 11, 2008. The dates have already been reserved for my third annual visit to Helena, Arkansas.

If you have never been, make it a point to attend this year. Information about the venue as well as scheduled acts is available at http://www.bluesandheritage.com/. It is definitely worth the visit!

Arkansas Blues and Festival Sampler

This is a sampler of some of the acts that was at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival which took place October 5 - 7, 2006. I worked the main stage and carried equipment on/off for some of these acts. Great times! Pictures to follow....

Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival Sampler:

1. Tuff Enuff - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
2. Wrap It Up - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
3. Powerful Stuff (O.S.T.) - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
4. Harder Knock - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
5. Got To Get Out - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
6. Painted On - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
7. Stagger Lee - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
8. I Can Tell - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
9. My Babe - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
10. She's Tough - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
11. Stand Back - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
12. Feeling My Way Around - The Fabulous Thunderbirds
13. One More Chance - Michael Burks
14. All Your Affection Is Gone - Michael Burks
15. I Smell Smoke - Michael Burks
16. Got A Way With Women - Michael Burks
17. Make It Rain - Michael Burks
18. Beggin' Business - Michael Burks
19. Hit The Ground Running - Michael Burks
20. Let The Door Knob Hit You - Michael Burks
21. Miss Mercy - Michael Burks
22. Thank God For Fools - Michael Burks
23. Mean Old Lady - Michael Burks
24. Willing To Crawl - Michael Burks
25. Take A Little Walk With Me - Robert Lockwood, Jr.
26. Mean Black Spider - Robert Lockwood, Jr.
27. Love In Vain - Robert Jr. Lockwood
28. Little Queen Of Spades - Robert Jr. Lockwood
29. Icicles In My Meatloaf - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
30. Golden Rule - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
31. Pet Cream Man - Lil' Ed And The Blue Imperials
32. Travellin' Life - Lil'

If you get a chance check out some of the music above. If you are a Rhapsody subscriber you can listen to all of these people. The full list of acts and the web site is located at http://www.bluesandheritage.com/2k6lineup.htm. I will be back next year!!!!!