The kids aren’t the only ones in school.  The Outlook is gearing up for the coming shorter days with longer, blues-filled nights.  Particularly Thursday nights, or BluesSchool, as we like to call them.  We at the Outlook see no particular reason to wait until Friday to begin the party.  And our Thursday nights rock!  Or, rather, blues!

September 6^th, the month’s first Thursday Night BluesSchool, welcomes back John Ohnmacht, front man of the Johnny O. Band, for a solo acoustic evening.  Ohnmacht is an intensely powerful artist who somehow manages to sustain an absolute and measured domination over every aspect of his performance.   Featuring a tremendously seductive voice, Ohnmacht exhibits a sturdy command over his gift–and it is a gift–and can seemingly do with it as he chooses.  When performing a solo acoustic gig, his voice holds a haunting weight which resonates through space as if its own entity that he guides sincerely and purely with uninhibited courage, demonstrating the component most necessary for a truly effective blues singer: fearlessness.  Ease into September with Ohnmacht’s guitar prowess and exceptional vocals.  http://wwwjohnnyoband.com

The following Thursday, the 13^th, is the Erica Brown Band, who we covered last week.  They are not to be missed!  We are building a strong following for this high-energy, Denver-based band, and hope to have them for more regular BluesSchool dates.  Again, not to be missed! http://www.ericabrownband.com

On the 20^th the stage will be crowded with Johnny and Po Boy, Felonius, Mad Dog, and Johnny Johnson.  With names like these, you just know it’s got to be good.   Check them all out for yourself.

Winding up the month is Blue Krewe on the 27^th.  These guys deposit the sultry bayou right here in the arid Front Range.  The founding member and guitarist, Tony Trahan, and drummer Trip Merklein originally hail from Louisiana and they bring all their Cajun roots to the stage.  Then there’s Chico DeMeira on bass who comes to us all the way from Rio.  Yes, that Rio.  De Janeiro.  Brazil.  Having joined the band in ’02, he has embraced the South Louisiana Sound with just that hint of the Latin American drumming that operates as a remote control on the audience’s hips and feet.  Steve Sheldon on harp has had quite the career, including recording with Taj Mahal.  However, he’s from Des Moines, Iowa, so I guess he brings the heartland to the stage.  Ok, not very exotic, but he kicks it nonetheless. http://www.bluekrewe.com/

Although we love our BluesSchool, don’t forget that on alternating Sundays, the Outlook pulsates with Blues Jam with Lionel Young, musicians welcome and encouraged.  Find out who’s playing what in our musically talented town, or come show off your own blues proficiency.

Let’s not forget that September also has Saturday nights.  The Ricky Earl Band is back in the house on the 8^th, and they are about as romantic a blues band as you’re likely to find anywhere. The fact that Mr. Earl and his topnotch female vocalist are married might have something to do with it.  I don’t know if that’s it, but I know you should bring a date. http://www.rickyearlband.com

On the 22^nd comes an Outlook favorite, anther Denver-based blues band, the Delta Sonics, and we’ll be featuring them in a couple of weeks, including an interview with front man and harp master, Al Chesis.  These old-school bluesmen are a stellar reminder of why we love the blues, and they are becoming Boulder regulars.  Put the 22^nd on your calendar, and don’t be late.  http://www.deltasonics.net

Next week we just might give out a few secrets as to who we can expect to grace the Outlook’s Skinny Jay’s in the coming weeks and months.  Some big names are on their way…

In the meantime, don’t forget that one of the blues world’s fastest rising stars performs his maiden gig at the Outlook this Friday night, the 31^st, a great way to send off August.

Honey Sepeda