 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
The 10th Annual Inland Empire Blues Society "Empire Awards" was held on Thursday, October 21st at the Spokane Valley
Eagles. The "Empire Awards" were developed to honor musicians and the individual achievements of others within our own
Blues region. Our musicians and blues fans work very hard for their love of the blues, and this annual event is one of the ways
we support them.
The "Empire Awards" consist of 18 categories, and current members of the I.E.B.S. who send in their choices for each category
determine nominees. The three nominees in each category who receive the most votes are then placed on the final ballot. Once
again, current members place their vote, and somebody wins! We consider the "Inland Empire" to range from Southern British
Columbia south to Northeastern Oregon, West from Central Washington to Western Montana.
The first category was "Best Writer for Inside Blues." The nominees were Craig Heimbigner, Carl Speer and Ted Todd.
Since Ted was nominated for this award, Dean handled the announcements while Ted went to get a drink. Ted wins this award,
thanking members for voting for him, and making the statement: "This award is for quantity, not quality." He encouraged people
to write articles and send them in for publication. Having won this award for the third year in a row, that places him in the "Hall of
Fame," making him ineligible for three more years. Mike Pope won this award in 1995, Scott Higgin won in 1999 & 2000, and
Craig Heimbigner won in 2001.
The second category was "Best Blues Radio Program," and the nominees were: "The Blues Show w/Ted & Dean" on KKZX;
"Down Home Blues" w/Brion Foster on KPBX; and "The Blues Buzzards w/Mike & Scott on KZBD. Since MCs Ted & Dean were
nominees for this category, I.E.B.S. President Carl Speer made the announcements. Winning their third year in a row, placing
them in the "Hall of Fame," was The Blues Show with Ted & Dean on 98.9 KKZX. After thanking members for their votes and for
listening to the show, Ted & Dean moved on with the "Best Blues Drummer" category.
Nominated this year were Zach Cooper, the brand new drummer for
Too Slim & the Taildraggers; Mike Hays of the Fat Tones; and Gary Smith,
drummer for Sammy Eubanks. Mike Hays of the Fat Tones was numb when
his name was mentioned, and could only say "Thank You!"
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Welcome to the 2004 Inland Empire Blues Society "Empire Awards" photos by Clark Fisher |
Ted Todd & Dean Davis, from The Blues Show with Ted &
Dean, were the MCs for the event. Ted & Dean, in tuxedos,
MC'd the first "Empire Award" ceremony in 1995, and
reprised their formal styling for the 10th anniversary event.
Dean, were the MCs for the event. Ted & Dean, in tuxedos,
MC'd the first "Empire Award" ceremony in 1995, and
reprised their formal styling for the 10th anniversary event.
This 10th Annual event started out
with a 'bang': The 2003 "Best New
Blues Band" Lockdown performing
their set. Consisting of lead singer
Julie Perzentka, sax man Shawn
Gunn, harpist Jess Kunz, Gary
Nelson on keys, guitarist Clarke
Ong, bassist Roxy McDaniel, and
Mike Dietrich on the drums,
Lockdown put down a great
opening set. The band has seen
some personnel changes since
winning the 2003 "Best New Blues
Band" award last year, and they
are really a hot act!
with a 'bang': The 2003 "Best New
Blues Band" Lockdown performing
their set. Consisting of lead singer
Julie Perzentka, sax man Shawn
Gunn, harpist Jess Kunz, Gary
Nelson on keys, guitarist Clarke
Ong, bassist Roxy McDaniel, and
Mike Dietrich on the drums,
Lockdown put down a great
opening set. The band has seen
some personnel changes since
winning the 2003 "Best New Blues
Band" award last year, and they
are really a hot act!
Lockdown
Julie Perzentka
| Michael Hayes |
| Ramiro Vijarro |
Kenny Lawson accepting for Mike Lenke
Kenny Lawson accepting for
Rory Marrero
Rory Marrero
| Rhonda Monge' |
| Bobby Patterson |
| Sylvia Cooper |
| Ramiro Vijarro |
| Mike, Bobby, Bob |
| Dave, Andy, Perry |
| Steve Blood, Riky Hudson, Randy Oxford, Jerry Lee Davidson, Virginia Klemens |
| Sandy Hansberry, Marva Ulleland |
| Ted Todd |
"Best Blues Instrumentalist (Other)" is the
category that includes instruments such as
Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, percussion,
tambourine, and whatever else that doesn't have
a specific category. The nominees this year were
Ed Gavras (Saxophone, The Lindell Reason
Band); Mike Lenke (Trumpet, The Pat Coast
Band); and Chuck Swanson (Saxophone, The
Pat Coast Band). Winning this award was Mike
Lenke. Mike won this award in 1995 and 2001.
Kenny Lawson accepted this award for Mike.
category that includes instruments such as
Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, percussion,
tambourine, and whatever else that doesn't have
a specific category. The nominees this year were
Ed Gavras (Saxophone, The Lindell Reason
Band); Mike Lenke (Trumpet, The Pat Coast
Band); and Chuck Swanson (Saxophone, The
Pat Coast Band). Winning this award was Mike
Lenke. Mike won this award in 1995 and 2001.
Kenny Lawson accepted this award for Mike.
Keith Lewis, with Loose Cannon (who won this award in 1995), Rory
Marrero, with Border Run Blues Band, and Lindell Reason, with the Lindell
Reason Trio were all nominees for the "Best Blues Keyboardist," and
Kenny Lawson accepted the award for Rory. This was Rory's second win in
this category, having won it in 1999 while with The Filtertips.
Marrero, with Border Run Blues Band, and Lindell Reason, with the Lindell
Reason Trio were all nominees for the "Best Blues Keyboardist," and
Kenny Lawson accepted the award for Rory. This was Rory's second win in
this category, having won it in 1999 while with The Filtertips.
The "Best Blues Harmonica" category had Dave
Allen (D.A. & the Cruisers); Charlie Butts (Filtertips);
and Don Millard nominated. Don Millard has his first
win for "Best Blues Harmonica!" Don is a musician &
teacher, teaching guitar and harmonica at local
school districts. Ted accepted the award on behalf of
Don, and thanked everyone for their support.
Allen (D.A. & the Cruisers); Charlie Butts (Filtertips);
and Don Millard nominated. Don Millard has his first
win for "Best Blues Harmonica!" Don is a musician &
teacher, teaching guitar and harmonica at local
school districts. Ted accepted the award on behalf of
Don, and thanked everyone for their support.
The "Best Blues Bassist" nominees were Bruce
Chaffon from The Pat Coast Band; Bob Ehrgott of The
Fat Tones; and Ramiro Vijarro of the Doghouse Boyz.
Ramiro Vijarro reached "Hall of Fame" status, also
becoming the first bass player to win this award three
consecutive years! Ineligible for the next three years,
Ramiro thanked Neil Elwell, the membership, and
everyone for supporting live music. Previous winners
included: Tom Brimm (Too Slim & the Taildraggers,
1995, 1998, & 2000); Dee Browning (Nothin' Personal,
1996 & 1997); Tom Brewster (Café Blue, 1999); and
Larry Brown (Pat Coast & Out of the Blue, 2001).
Chaffon from The Pat Coast Band; Bob Ehrgott of The
Fat Tones; and Ramiro Vijarro of the Doghouse Boyz.
Ramiro Vijarro reached "Hall of Fame" status, also
becoming the first bass player to win this award three
consecutive years! Ineligible for the next three years,
Ramiro thanked Neil Elwell, the membership, and
everyone for supporting live music. Previous winners
included: Tom Brimm (Too Slim & the Taildraggers,
1995, 1998, & 2000); Dee Browning (Nothin' Personal,
1996 & 1997); Tom Brewster (Café Blue, 1999); and
Larry Brown (Pat Coast & Out of the Blue, 2001).
Donna Clark of Flat Blastard, Rhonda Monge' from Delta 88, and Susan
Stewart Rickleman from Rhythm Method were the nominees for "Best
Female Blues Vocalist." Rhonda Monge' picked up her second win in this
category. Rhonda had moved to the Seattle area, and is performing with the
Charles White Band, but was in town for the event, graciously accepting her
award and thanking all who voted for her, and Delta 88.
Stewart Rickleman from Rhythm Method were the nominees for "Best
Female Blues Vocalist." Rhonda Monge' picked up her second win in this
category. Rhonda had moved to the Seattle area, and is performing with the
Charles White Band, but was in town for the event, graciously accepting her
award and thanking all who voted for her, and Delta 88.
Nominated for "Best Male Blues Vocalist"
were Pat Coast (The Pat Coast Band), Sammy
Eubanks (Sammy Eubanks), and Ray Roberson.
Pat Coast, with his second consecutive win, and
Sylvia Cooper accepted the award.
were Pat Coast (The Pat Coast Band), Sammy
Eubanks (Sammy Eubanks), and Ray Roberson.
Pat Coast, with his second consecutive win, and
Sylvia Cooper accepted the award.
Pat Barclay of the Big Mumbo Blues Band,
Steve Brody of Stevie & the Culprits, and
Bobby Patterson of the Fat Tones were all
nominees for "Best Blues Guitarist." In
this category normally dominated by Tim
"Too Slim" Langford of Too Slim & the
Taildraggers, and Pat Coast, a stunned
Bobby Patterson of the Fat Tones accepted
his award. Bobby thanked everyone for
supporting live music, and said that as a
newcomer to the blues scene (but not to the
blues!), he is surprised by the amount of
support for the blues.
Steve Brody of Stevie & the Culprits, and
Bobby Patterson of the Fat Tones were all
nominees for "Best Blues Guitarist." In
this category normally dominated by Tim
"Too Slim" Langford of Too Slim & the
Taildraggers, and Pat Coast, a stunned
Bobby Patterson of the Fat Tones accepted
his award. Bobby thanked everyone for
supporting live music, and said that as a
newcomer to the blues scene (but not to the
blues!), he is surprised by the amount of
support for the blues.
The "Best Blues Slide Guitar" category
nominees were Pat Coast (The Pat Coast
Band), Don Millard, and Ray Roberson.
Previous winners included Tim "Too Slim"
Langford (Hall of Fame, 1998-2000); Paul
Brasch (2001); and Pat Coast
(2002-2003). Pat completes the "Hall of
Fame" requirement of three years in a row,
and Sylvia Cooper once again accepts the
award for him.
nominees were Pat Coast (The Pat Coast
Band), Don Millard, and Ray Roberson.
Previous winners included Tim "Too Slim"
Langford (Hall of Fame, 1998-2000); Paul
Brasch (2001); and Pat Coast
(2002-2003). Pat completes the "Hall of
Fame" requirement of three years in a row,
and Sylvia Cooper once again accepts the
award for him.
One of several hotly contested
categories was "Best
Acoustic Blues Act." The
Doghouse Boyz (2003
winners), Don Millard (1997 &
2001 winner), and Ray
Roberson were the nominees.
Ramiro Vijarro accepted the
award on behalf of the
Doghouse Boyz, and again
thanked everyone for their
support of the duo and live
music.
categories was "Best
Acoustic Blues Act." The
Doghouse Boyz (2003
winners), Don Millard (1997 &
2001 winner), and Ray
Roberson were the nominees.
Ramiro Vijarro accepted the
award on behalf of the
Doghouse Boyz, and again
thanked everyone for their
support of the duo and live
music.
The "Best New Blues Band or Artist" includes new bands or
artists, and bands that have reformed in the last two years. This
year the Fat Tones, the Lindell Reason Band, and Stevie & the
Culprits were the nominees. Winners of this category are offered
the opening slot at the next years' "Empire Awards." Fat Tones
Mike Hays, Bobby Patterson, and Bob Ehrgott accepted the
award. See if you remember any of these "Best New Blues Bands
or Artists:" Paul Brasch (1995); The DeSotos (1996); The
Crawdaddies (1997); DC Black & the Healers (1998); The Bone
Daddies (1999); Aaron Richner & the Blues Drivers (2000); Blue
Tattoo (2001); Delta 88 (2002); and Tina Denning & Lockdown
(2003).
artists, and bands that have reformed in the last two years. This
year the Fat Tones, the Lindell Reason Band, and Stevie & the
Culprits were the nominees. Winners of this category are offered
the opening slot at the next years' "Empire Awards." Fat Tones
Mike Hays, Bobby Patterson, and Bob Ehrgott accepted the
award. See if you remember any of these "Best New Blues Bands
or Artists:" Paul Brasch (1995); The DeSotos (1996); The
Crawdaddies (1997); DC Black & the Healers (1998); The Bone
Daddies (1999); Aaron Richner & the Blues Drivers (2000); Blue
Tattoo (2001); Delta 88 (2002); and Tina Denning & Lockdown
(2003).
The next category caused much concern during
counting of the votes. It was so close, votes had to be
counted repeatedly to confirm the winner. Not surprising,
due to the quality of the bands nominated! Big Mumbo
Blues Band, the Fat Tones, and The Howlers were
nominees for the 2004 "Best Blues Band." Dave
Montague, Andy Woehler & Perry Roper of the Howlers
were on hand to accept the award. Howlers vocalist &
harp monster Tuck Foster was unable to attend. The
band was surprised and happy to win this award, and
thanked everyone for their votes and for supporting live
music.
counting of the votes. It was so close, votes had to be
counted repeatedly to confirm the winner. Not surprising,
due to the quality of the bands nominated! Big Mumbo
Blues Band, the Fat Tones, and The Howlers were
nominees for the 2004 "Best Blues Band." Dave
Montague, Andy Woehler & Perry Roper of the Howlers
were on hand to accept the award. Howlers vocalist &
harp monster Tuck Foster was unable to attend. The
band was surprised and happy to win this award, and
thanked everyone for their votes and for supporting live
music.
Three great releases were nominated for "Best
Blues Album (N.W. Region)" this year.
"Doghouse Blues" by the Doghouse Boyz; "All the
Buzz" by the Randy Oxford Band; and "blues
train" by Ray Roberson were considered by the
membership for the award, and for only the
second time, a band from out of the
Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area was chosen. 1997
saw "Not Easily Amused" by The Charles White
Band pick up this award, and this year "All the
Buzz" by the Randy Oxford Band takes home the
honors. Of course, the entire band was there, and
lined up for photos, thanking the Inland Empire
Blues Society for the honor.
Blues Album (N.W. Region)" this year.
"Doghouse Blues" by the Doghouse Boyz; "All the
Buzz" by the Randy Oxford Band; and "blues
train" by Ray Roberson were considered by the
membership for the award, and for only the
second time, a band from out of the
Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area was chosen. 1997
saw "Not Easily Amused" by The Charles White
Band pick up this award, and this year "All the
Buzz" by the Randy Oxford Band takes home the
honors. Of course, the entire band was there, and
lined up for photos, thanking the Inland Empire
Blues Society for the honor.
With all the great festivals and events happening in our area
throughout thewarm months, this next category is always difficult to
decide. "Best Blues Event (Inland Empire)" includes festivals and
club gigs, featuring local, regional, and national acts. Whichever
events you went to that you liked the most, in the Inland Empire. The
9th Annual Bronze, Blues & Brews in Joseph, Oregon; the Ritzville
Blues Festival in Ritzville, Washington; and the Rock Cut Blues
Festival in Orient, Washington were the nominees this year, and in a
close vote the Ritzville Blues Festival came out on top. Ritzville
entered the "Hall of Fame" for 1997-99, and they've won in 2003 &
2004. The Whitehorse Bluez Festival in Spirit Lake, Idaho scored in
1995 & 1996, while the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival made their
mark in 2000 & 2002, and the 6th Annual Joseph Bronze, Blues &
Brews won in 2001.
throughout thewarm months, this next category is always difficult to
decide. "Best Blues Event (Inland Empire)" includes festivals and
club gigs, featuring local, regional, and national acts. Whichever
events you went to that you liked the most, in the Inland Empire. The
9th Annual Bronze, Blues & Brews in Joseph, Oregon; the Ritzville
Blues Festival in Ritzville, Washington; and the Rock Cut Blues
Festival in Orient, Washington were the nominees this year, and in a
close vote the Ritzville Blues Festival came out on top. Ritzville
entered the "Hall of Fame" for 1997-99, and they've won in 2003 &
2004. The Whitehorse Bluez Festival in Spirit Lake, Idaho scored in
1995 & 1996, while the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival made their
mark in 2000 & 2002, and the 6th Annual Joseph Bronze, Blues &
Brews won in 2001.
This category is always a tough one. Venues that only have blues once in a while, often with national acts, in competition with
smaller local clubs that offer local blues on a regular basis. It's all good! But you had to decide which one you like best, and
the nominees for "Best Blues Club/Venue" were The Big Easy in Spokane, the Bronco Inn (Spokane Valley), and The
Wine Cellar in Coeur d'Alene. Any of these clubs would show their first win, following The Fort Spokane Brewery in 1995 &
1996; Tubs in Coeur d'Alene in 1997; Mad Daddy's in Coeur d'Alene in 1998; The Masonic Temple in Spokane in 1999; Hall
of Famer Capone's in Coeur d'Alene (2000 - 2002); and I Dunno's in Coeur d'Alene (2003). While not there to accept the
award, Ed & Deborah of the Bronco Inn want you to know that they are thrilled with the award, and want to thank everyone for
their votes and patronage.
smaller local clubs that offer local blues on a regular basis. It's all good! But you had to decide which one you like best, and
the nominees for "Best Blues Club/Venue" were The Big Easy in Spokane, the Bronco Inn (Spokane Valley), and The
Wine Cellar in Coeur d'Alene. Any of these clubs would show their first win, following The Fort Spokane Brewery in 1995 &
1996; Tubs in Coeur d'Alene in 1997; Mad Daddy's in Coeur d'Alene in 1998; The Masonic Temple in Spokane in 1999; Hall
of Famer Capone's in Coeur d'Alene (2000 - 2002); and I Dunno's in Coeur d'Alene (2003). While not there to accept the
award, Ed & Deborah of the Bronco Inn want you to know that they are thrilled with the award, and want to thank everyone for
their votes and patronage.
The final category was "Keeping the Blues Alive," which we describe
as "an individual who has displayed exceptional achievements or
involvement with the blues." Nominated this year were Clark Fisher, our
Vice President and Blues Photographer; Clark takes the majority of our
newsletter photos, and band photos at membership meetings, where he
provides the bands with the photos he takes. Carl Speer, President, who
volunteers for everything, and Ted Todd, editor of Inside Blues and Board
member. Previous winners of this category include Craig Heimbigner, Scott
Higgin, and Ted Todd. Completing the journey to "Hall of Fame" is Ted Todd.
Ted thanked voters and membership for supporting the blues and the Blues
Society.
as "an individual who has displayed exceptional achievements or
involvement with the blues." Nominated this year were Clark Fisher, our
Vice President and Blues Photographer; Clark takes the majority of our
newsletter photos, and band photos at membership meetings, where he
provides the bands with the photos he takes. Carl Speer, President, who
volunteers for everything, and Ted Todd, editor of Inside Blues and Board
member. Previous winners of this category include Craig Heimbigner, Scott
Higgin, and Ted Todd. Completing the journey to "Hall of Fame" is Ted Todd.
Ted thanked voters and membership for supporting the blues and the Blues
Society.
Once again, the awards portion of the show was compacted into a brief 45 minutes, and then Ted & Dean introduced
the 2004 Washington Blues Society "Best Performer," and "Best Blues Band;" 2004 Inland Empire Blues Society
"Best Blues Album (N.W. Region)" Award Winners: The Randy Oxford Band!
the 2004 Washington Blues Society "Best Performer," and "Best Blues Band;" 2004 Inland Empire Blues Society
"Best Blues Album (N.W. Region)" Award Winners: The Randy Oxford Band!
(Left to Right) The band, consisting of brand new member Hank Yanda, bass; Jerry Lee Davidson,
guitar & vocals; Virginia Klemens, guitar & vocals; Riky Hudson, drums; Randy Oxford, Trombone;
and Steve Blood, guitar, put on a hot, tight, & exciting hour and forty five minute show that had the
dancers on their feet all night long. Randy's expressive playing shows why he won the "Best
Performer" award with the Washington Blues Society!
guitar & vocals; Virginia Klemens, guitar & vocals; Riky Hudson, drums; Randy Oxford, Trombone;
and Steve Blood, guitar, put on a hot, tight, & exciting hour and forty five minute show that had the
dancers on their feet all night long. Randy's expressive playing shows why he won the "Best
Performer" award with the Washington Blues Society!
| Attendance was slightly down this year, some speculating that the baseball playoffs had an effect, but the event was a success due to the quality of the entertainment and the enthusiasm shown by the attendees. It is an opportunity to express your appreciation of the blues to the musicians that perform it, and you'll have a chance to do it again next year. Be There! |
| Maintenance by IEBS © 2008 Inland Empire Blues Society Contact: ieblues@ieblues.org |
www.ieblues.org
