WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL “BEST PERFORMER” TO WOW FANS AT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL IN CANYONVILLE                           

Got the blues?  This year, Canyonville will showcase top headline performers from prestigious blues festivals across the Pacific Northwest as part of the 5^th Annual Pumpkin & Music Celebration.  The lineup includes a female blues vocalist named “Best Performer” this year at Portlands’ Waterfront Blues Festival. Another group legendary James Brown called “the real deal” after opening for Brown at the Britt Festival.  Both groups have shared the stage with icon greats such as Peter Frampton, Robert Cray, Tower of Power, and many others.  Best of all, the concerts are FREE!

KAREN LOVLEY

“BEST PERFORMER”

“I honestly think she is the most talented singer I have been associated with since my early days with Robert Cray.” - Dennis Walker, Grammy Winning Producer/Songwriter

Karen Lovely sings the blues with an emotional intensity and vocal dexterity that will knock you off your feet.   She sings with soul, passion, fun and a whole lotta volume. From a soft sexy whisper to a powerful crescendo, Karen’s vocal range is absolutely masterful. And she is starting to take the music loving world by storm.

Lovely was nominated for 3 Muddy Waters Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the world.

In just 6 weeks, Karen’s richly textured debut record “Lucky Girl” made it to # 1 on XM Radio’s Bluesville Pics to Click List.  The album features songs written by multi Grammy and Handy award winning producer, Dennis Walker (Robert Cray, B.B.King, Bettye LaVette) and Grammy nominee producer/ songwriter Alan Mirikitani (B.B.King, Chung King & the Buddaheads, Gentleman’s Blues Club).  Her debut album is getting air play on stations throughout all of Europe.

Lovely was named “Best Performer” at Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival July 4, 2009.  She is also the 2009 Winner of the Journey to Memphis Competition.  Her influences are Ma Rainey, Big Mamma Thornton, and Ida Cox.  You will also hear a little Janis Joplin and some Ike-years Tina Turner. Karen Lovely is scheduled to perform 4-5:30 PM immediately following the awards ceremony.

THE ROGUE SUSPECTS

Accused of Rock and Blues “GuitArmageddon”

Legendary James Brown called them “the real deal”.

The Rogue Suspects are one of Southern Oregon’s hardest working funky blues band.  Their sound has been described as a cross between Stevie Ray Vaughn and Steely Dan.  “The Suspects” have appeared at just about every major club, festival and concert venue in the region. They are part of the musical line up for Canyonville’s 5^th annual Pumpkin & Music Celebration October 17 complete with a 4 piece horn section.

Whether its opening for legendary James Brown at the Britt Festival, performing as the back up band for Rock & Roll icon Bo Diddley, opening for Peter Frampton at the Jackson County Fair or Tower of Power at the Rogue Theatre, or blues legend Robert Cray, “The Suspects” are professional, versatile, and exciting.  The group have individually performed on over 30 albums and have appeared on stages around the world.  The Rogue Suspects headlined the Southern Oregon’s Blues Festival this year.

According to Greg Frederick, bassist for the group, “We’re experiencing a success that’s taken us more than 10 years to achieve.  The magic is that the headliners we’re opening for are groups that inspired us to do what we do. It’s as though a circle has been completed.” Frederick’s other band Nickel and a Nail was featured artist at the 1996 Monterey Blues Festival.  He has shared the stage with Eric Burdon, Buddy Miles, and many others.

They have an extensive song list that includes original material and covers, and, best of all, they like to have fun with audiences.  Guitarist Dirk Price and keyboard player Dean Angermeier are the two principal songwriters for the Suspects.  They are two very different songwriters, Frederick explains.

“Dirk is from Texas has that Stevie Ray Vaughn approach to music, while Dean is from Michigan and a little more like Steely Dan.  And David (Bolen) is a soul drummer.  As you listen to our material, you’ll hear the different styles weave in and out of our sound.” Dirk cut his teeth in the clubs of Austin and built a name for himself as guitarist with The Coasters.

“So there’s Texas-style shuffles mixed with East Coast jazz, and old rock ‘n’ roller on bass and a Motown drummer,” Frederick says. “That pretty much sums it up.” 

Jeff Pevar of Crosby, Stills, and Nash fame also performs with “The Suspects” whenever his schedule allows. 

“The Rogue Suspects” are scheduled to perform 1 pm - 3 pm at Pioneer Park in downtown Canyonville October 17, 2009.  This is a show music lovers don’t want to miss!