Rock all day
Rock ‘n’ Blues Fest at Mt. Laurel
The Rock ‘n’ Blues Fest will feature five well-known musicians who have dedicated their lives to spreading the sounds of blues music and rock to audiences worldwide. Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Leslie West and Kim Simmonds will perform at The Rock ‘n’ Blues Fest at The Mount Laurel Performing Arts Center on Sunday, August 19.
Whether country blues or scorching electric slide guitar, Johnny Winter is one of the most respected singers and influential guitar players in rock history. Best known for his blues-rock albums and live shows, Winter also produced hit records for blues legend Muddy Waters, snatching up three Grammy Awards in the process. He has since recorded several Grammy-nominated blues albums, was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and continues to wow audiences with his live shows.
“As Johnny’s guitar player, when I perform with him I try not to step on him,” said Winter’s guitarist Paul Nelson. “I know he’s only had a couple guitarists perform with him in his career, too, so it’s an honor. It’s also a responsibility to let him shine.”
Johnny’s brother, Edgar Winter, is also on the bill and is best known for his hits “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride,” as well as moving around on stage with the keyboard strapped to his body.
“The King of Tone” Leslie West, of the rock band Mountain, saw success arrive with their ferocious hit “Mississippi Queen.” Mountain is considered one of the pioneers of heavy metal music and West is attributed to a great portion of their heavy sound.
Rick Derringer scored hits at age 17 with “Hang on Sloopy” while recording with the McCoys, and went on to work with Johnny and Edgar Winter in the early ’70s and solo hits like “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo.” Derringer also recorded a track for the World Wrestling Federation in the early ‘80s, “Real American,” which was used as Hulk Hogan’s introduction music.
Savoy Brown’s founding guitarist, Kim Simmonds is considered one of the architects of the British blues. With hits like “Street Corner Walking,” “Tell Mama,” and “All I Can Do Is Cry,” they racked up a string of hits and enthusiastic audiences. Kim has continued the Rock and Blues tradition as a solo artist and also has recently released acoustic records.
The Rock ‘n’ Blues Fest also features an all-star encore jam that Nelson feels will blow the audiences away. “These shows in particular are very cool,” Nelson said. “There are a lot of guitar players on stage during Johnny’s encore and we all play ‘Jumpin Jack Flash’ together. Johnny hasn’t played that song in quite some years, so it’s really cool.”
— tom graham
The Rock ‘n’ Blues Fest features Johnny Winter Band, Edgar Winter Band, Rick Derringer, Mountain’s Leslie West and Savoy Brown’s Kim Simmonds at the Mount Laurel Performing Arts Center. Local music acts begin at noon on the Festival Stage. Brosky & Meyer start at 5 p.m. and the Main Stage show begins at 7 p.m. Upper seats are $45.50; lower seats are $57.50; and VIP Boxes are $75.50. For more information and tickets visit www.mountlaurelpac.com or www.ticketmaster.com or call the Box Office at 588-2522.
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