The first award for the evening, as always, is for the “Best Writer for Inside Blues.” First time nominee
Cary Eyer, the 2001 winner Craig Heimbigner, and 2005 winner John Millner were the 2006 nominees, and
Craig Heimbigner won the award. Ted accepted the award for him, and passed on the thanks Craig would
have said had he been there. Previous winners have been long-time editor Ted Todd (1996 – 1998 & 2002
– 2004); Scott Higgin (1999, 2000); and our very first winner, from 1995, Mike Pope.
The second category was “Best Blues Radio Program.” Nominees this year were
the reformed Blues Show w/Ted & Scott on 98.9 KKZX; Down Home Blues with
Bryon Foster on 91.1 KPBX; and Matt Loiacono’s Friday Night Blues on 89.5
KEWU. Scott Higgin accepted the award for the Blues Show w/Ted & Scott,
and thanked all people who voted for the show. Ted mentioned that with nominated
Blues programming on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, there’s plenty of great
Blues to listen to on the weekends. The KKZX Blues Show has won this award in
the past (1995 – 1998, 2002 – 2004); The Blues Buzzards on KZBD with Mike
(Hays, of the Fat Tones) & Scott (Higgin, currently of the Blues Show w/Ted & Scott)
snagged it in 2005, months after their station changed programming and put them
on the streets, and Tina Bjorklund, of the Blues Review on KPBX achieved “Hall of
Fame” status with her 3 consecutive year wins (1999 – 2001).
“Best Blues Bassist” was the next category. The nominees were Bob Ehrgott (Fat Tones); Roxy McDaniel
(Lockdown), the 2005 winner; and Dan Neyman (Cool Stack). Bob Ehrgott was unable to say much more
than thank you! Tom Brimm (Too Slim & the Taildraggers) was our first winner of this category (1995, 1998,
& 2000); Dee Browning picked it up in 1996 (Nothin’ Personal) and 1997
(Nothin’ Personal & the Crawdaddies); Tom Brewster won the award in
1999 with Café Blue; Pat Coast & Out of the Blue Bassist Larry “Fatback”
Brown won in 2001; and Ramiro Vijarro has the only “Hall of Fame” award
in this category with 2002 – 2004 wins with Pat Coast & Out of the Blue,
The Pat Coast Band, and the Doghouse Boyz.
“Best Blues Keyboardist” was up next, with nominees Roger Butler (Cool Stack);
Gary Nelson (Lockdown); and Lindell Reason (Lindell Reason Band). This would
be the first win for any of these nominees. Ted accepts the award on behalf of
Lindell Reason, and in thanking the membership for the votes, mentions the
new cd: Lindel ~ Tobacco Road, and encourages everyone to go see Lindell and
purchase the new cd. Keith Lewis, of Café Blue was our first winner in this category
in 1995; Mike Nikula of Charlie Butts & the Filter Tips won in 1996; Dave Winslow
got his first wins in 1997 & 1998, followed by a “Hall of Fame” for 2001 – 2003;
Rory Marrero won in 1999, 2004 & 2005; and Steve Lime took the win in 2000.
Three very talented ladies made the top three nominations for
“Best Female Blues Vocalist,” including Rebecca Beal (Ten
Second Tom); 2005 winner Julie Perzentka (Lockdown); and
Janice “J.J.” White (Cool Stack). Ten Second Tom guitarist
Chris Blair accepts the award for Rebecca Beal, who was in
Austin, Texas. Rhonda Monge’ of Delta 88 won the award in
2003 & 2004; Tina Denning of The Other Band picked up the
“Hall of Fame” for her work in 2000 – 2002; Samantha Carston
of Ozmo Boogie won in 1999; Anita Royce of The Highrollers
won in 1998; and Jan Bounds of Mumbo Jumbo won a “Hall of
Fame” 1995 thru 1997.
Three stellar guitar players were up for “Best Blues Guitarist,” including
Pat Barclay (Big Mumbo Blues Band); Bobby Patterson (Fat Tones); and
Russ Schneider (Crosstown). Bobby Patterson completes a three-year win,
reaching “Hall of Fame” status. Bobby will now be ineligible for 3 years in this
category. Funny how we like our guitar players. In 12 years of Awards, we’ve
only had three different winners. Tim “Too Slim” Langford (1995 thru 1998,
2002 & 2003); Pat Coast (1999 thru 2001); and now Bobby Patterson
(2004 thru 2006). What will next year bring?
OK, “Best Blues Slide Guitarist.” The 2005 winner Neil Elwell
(Laffin’ Bones); Bobby Patterson (Fat Tones); and Ray Roberson
(Roberson & Beese) were the nominees. Accepting his award,
and saying he’ll be playing even more slide, was Bobby Patterson.
Tim Langford, Paul Brasch, and Pat Coast have all been recipients
of this award.
“Best Acoustic Blues Act” nominees were Black & Warhall, 2-time
winner Don Millard, and Roberson & Beese. Making him a 3-time
winner, Don Millard accepts his award. Paul Brasch won this award
in 1995, 1996, and 1998 – 2000; Tim Langford in 2002; and the
Doghouse Boyz from 2003 – 2005.
Big Mumbo Blues Band, Cool Stack, Crosstown, and the Fat Tones were nominated for the second of two
categories that had a tie, causing 4 instead of the normal three nominees for “Best Blues Band.”
Accepting the award for their second consecutive win in this category were Bob Ehrgott, Mike Hays, &
Bobby Patterson of The Fat Tones. Too Slim & the Taildraggers reached “Hall of Fame” status for their
1995 – 1997 wins, as did Pat Coast & Out of the Blue for their 2000 – 2002 wins. Mumbo Jumbo picked it up
in 1998, Café Blue in 1999, Too Slim & the Taildragges in 2003, and The Howlers in 2004.
Hugely popular this year are the Fat Tones, as they were also
nominated in the “Best Blues Album (Northwest)” category
for their latest release “Struttin’,” along with “A Few Degrees
Cooler” by Cool Stack, and “The L.A.B. Results” by our
headliner band Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies! Their
first entry in this category, and their last time at bat this night,
The Fat Tones accept their award.
Too Slim & the Taildraggers have won this category in 1995
for “Wanted – Live;” 1996 for “Swamp Opera;” 2000 for
“King Size Troublemakers;” “Goin’ Public” in 2002; and
“Beer & Barbeque Chips” in 2005. Pat Coast, in the band
Café Blue, won this in 1999 for “A Good Night For The Blues;”
in his band Out of the Blue in 2000 & 2001 for “Play Somethin’
We Can Dance To” and “Live” respectively; and the Pat Coast
Band release “Don’t Touch My Guitar” in 2003. Left side bands
The Charles White Band picked up the award in 1997 for
“Not Easily Amused,” and 2004 saw the Randy Oxford Band
win the award for “All the Buzz.” “Shiny Metal Objects” from
Mumbo Jumbo picked up the 1998 award.
“Best Blues Club/Venue” nominees were Bluz at the Bend (Spokane);
The Bronco Inn (Spokane Valley); and the Wine Cellar (Coeur d’Alene).
Picking up their second consecutive win was Bluz at the Bend, accepted
by the lovely Sweet Kay. The award was dropped off later that evening.
This award really gets around, as the Fort Spokane Brewery won it in
1995 & 1996; Tubs & Mad Daddy’s Blues Club in Coeur d’ Alene won
it in 1997 & 1998 respectively; The Masonic Temple in Spokane won in
1999; Capone’s in Coeur d’Alene reached “Hall of Fame” for
2000 – 2002; I Dunno’s in Coeur d’Alene in 2003 (they had already
permanently closed when they won the award!); and The Bronco Inn
won in 2004.
Huge congratulations to all of the nominees and the winners of the “Empire Awards.” Let’s keep up the good
work!
9pm:
Some had heard about them, some had seen them,
and all were looking forward to Becki Sue & Her Big
Rockin’ Daddies! From the moment they took the
stage, the Big Rockin’ Daddies! had us in the palm
of their collective hands. Stellar musicians &
consummate performers, this band is on their way
to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis,
where all of us hope they’ll show the judges their
very best.
It was a night of great blues at the awards. Mark your calendars for the second Thursday of November next
year!
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| Welcome to the 2006 Inland Empire Blues Society "12th Annual Empire Awards" Thursday, November 9th, 2006 |
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What a great night and a big THANKS to everyone that came out and helped us celebrate.
The Inland Empire Blues Society “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 we need to support them. The “Empire Awards” is our way of showing them we care.
See below for the complete listing of nominees, and the voting process.
The large crowd was ready for the evening, and guest Mistress of Ceremonies,
Rhea Rolfe (president of the Washington Blues Society) introduced our opening
band, the 2005 winners of “Best New Blues Band,” Crosstown.
After a smokin’ hour of blues from Crosstown, Rhea and helper Judy Budrow
began the awards portion of the evening.
The Inland Empire Blues Society “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 we need to support them. The “Empire Awards” is our way of showing them we care.
See below for the complete listing of nominees, and the voting process.
The large crowd was ready for the evening, and guest Mistress of Ceremonies,
Rhea Rolfe (president of the Washington Blues Society) introduced our opening
band, the 2005 winners of “Best New Blues Band,” Crosstown.
After a smokin’ hour of blues from Crosstown, Rhea and helper Judy Budrow
began the awards portion of the evening.
Washington Blues Society President
Rhea Rolfe (photo by Inland Empire
Blues Society President Carl Speer)
Rhea Rolfe (photo by Inland Empire
Blues Society President Carl Speer)
Crosstown:
Kevin Olsonberg, Art Quine, Russ Schneider, Bob Tortorici
(photos from 2006 Rendezvous Rhythm & Blues Festival by Ted)
Kevin Olsonberg, Art Quine, Russ Schneider, Bob Tortorici
(photos from 2006 Rendezvous Rhythm & Blues Festival by Ted)
Ted & Scott (photo by Carl Speer)
Up next, “Best Blues Drummer.” 2006 nominees were Mike Hays (The Fat Tones),
the 2004 winner; first time nominee Kevin Olsonberg (Crosstown); and Ralph Tew
(Cool Stack). Mike Hays graciously accepts the award and thanks everyone for
listening to the Blues, and voting for him. Previous winners have included Zach
Cooper (2005 Too Slim & the Taildraggers & 2001 The Bone Daddies); John Cage
(1996 – 1998 “Hall of Fame,” 2002 & 2003 Too Slim & the Taildraggers); Bill Bancroft
(1995 Chip & the Bushwhackers, and “Hall of Fame” for 1999 Café Blue, 2000 &
2001 Pat Coast & Out of the Blue); and Chris “Crash” Klettke (1997 Nothin’ Personal).
the 2004 winner; first time nominee Kevin Olsonberg (Crosstown); and Ralph Tew
(Cool Stack). Mike Hays graciously accepts the award and thanks everyone for
listening to the Blues, and voting for him. Previous winners have included Zach
Cooper (2005 Too Slim & the Taildraggers & 2001 The Bone Daddies); John Cage
(1996 – 1998 “Hall of Fame,” 2002 & 2003 Too Slim & the Taildraggers); Bill Bancroft
(1995 Chip & the Bushwhackers, and “Hall of Fame” for 1999 Café Blue, 2000 &
2001 Pat Coast & Out of the Blue); and Chris “Crash” Klettke (1997 Nothin’ Personal).
Mike Hays (photo by Carl Speer)
Bob Ehrgott (photo by Carl Speer)
All three nominees for “Best Blues Instrumentalist (Other)” were on
hand: Mark Bryan ~ Saxophone (Ten Second Tom, Cool Stack); 4 time
winner (1996, 2000, 2002, & 2005) Charlie Butts ~ Saxophone (Filter
Tips), and first time nominee Constance Eller ~ Violin (Cary Fly Band). An
ecstatic Mark Bryan accepted the award, and thanked the voters and the
bands he plays with.
“Other” implies instruments with no separate category, as seen by some of
the previous winners of the category: Mike Lenke, in 1995, 2001 & 2004
for Trumpet; Dan Frasu, 1997 for Percussion & 2003 for Trumpet; 1998 &
1999 for saxophonists Chuck Swanson & Bob Spittal, respectively.
hand: Mark Bryan ~ Saxophone (Ten Second Tom, Cool Stack); 4 time
winner (1996, 2000, 2002, & 2005) Charlie Butts ~ Saxophone (Filter
Tips), and first time nominee Constance Eller ~ Violin (Cary Fly Band). An
ecstatic Mark Bryan accepted the award, and thanked the voters and the
bands he plays with.
“Other” implies instruments with no separate category, as seen by some of
the previous winners of the category: Mike Lenke, in 1995, 2001 & 2004
for Trumpet; Dan Frasu, 1997 for Percussion & 2003 for Trumpet; 1998 &
1999 for saxophonists Chuck Swanson & Bob Spittal, respectively.
Mark Bryan (photo by Carl Speer)
Lindell Reason (file photo by Ted)
“Best Blues Harmonica” featured a tie during the nominations, so we
ended up with 4 nominees in this category. First time nominee Jess Kunz
(Laffin’ Bones), 2nd nomination for Bob Tortorici (Crosstown); 2004 winner
Don Millard; and Hall of Fame winner Carl Rey of Carl Rey & the Blues
Gators were on the board. Accepting the award on behalf of Carl Rey was
Anita Royce, guitarist for the Blues Gators. Carl won the Hall of Fame for his
wins in 1999 – 2001; Tuck Foster won in 2005; Don Millard won in 2004; Dan
Frasu won in 1997 & 2003; Charlie Butts in 2002; and Chip Busch in 1995,
1996 & 1998.
ended up with 4 nominees in this category. First time nominee Jess Kunz
(Laffin’ Bones), 2nd nomination for Bob Tortorici (Crosstown); 2004 winner
Don Millard; and Hall of Fame winner Carl Rey of Carl Rey & the Blues
Gators were on the board. Accepting the award on behalf of Carl Rey was
Anita Royce, guitarist for the Blues Gators. Carl won the Hall of Fame for his
wins in 1999 – 2001; Tuck Foster won in 2005; Don Millard won in 2004; Dan
Frasu won in 1997 & 2003; Charlie Butts in 2002; and Chip Busch in 1995,
1996 & 1998.
Carl Rey (file photo by Clark Fisher)
Rebecca Beal (photo by Ted)
One of my favorite categories came next: “Best Male Blues Vocalist.” 2005
winner Pat Barclay (Big Mumbo Blues Band); 3 time winner Sammy Eubanks
(Sammy Eubanks Band); and Joey Shalloe (Cool Stack) were the nominees,
and Ted accepted the award for Sammy Eubanks, also mentioning that
Sammy has “My Big Fat Blues Record” for sale. Buy one now! Pat Barclay
delivered the award to Sammy later that night. Chip Busch won this award
three times, in 1995, 1996, and 1998; Dan Frasu in 1997; Carl Rey in 2001;
and Pat Coast won in 2003 & 2004.
winner Pat Barclay (Big Mumbo Blues Band); 3 time winner Sammy Eubanks
(Sammy Eubanks Band); and Joey Shalloe (Cool Stack) were the nominees,
and Ted accepted the award for Sammy Eubanks, also mentioning that
Sammy has “My Big Fat Blues Record” for sale. Buy one now! Pat Barclay
delivered the award to Sammy later that night. Chip Busch won this award
three times, in 1995, 1996, and 1998; Dan Frasu in 1997; Carl Rey in 2001;
and Pat Coast won in 2003 & 2004.
Sammy Eubanks
Bobby Patterson (photo by Carl Speer)
Bobby Patterson (photo by Carl Speer)
Our second year of this award, “Best Blues Performer,” featured
Rebecca Beal (Ten Second Tom); Bobby Patterson (Fat Tones);
and Janice White (Cool Stack). Joining last years’ winner Tuck
Foster of the Howlers is Bobby Patterson of the Fat Tones.
Don Millard (photo by Carl Speer)
“Best New Blues Band” is a category
that has had a different winner each
year. Nominees Cool Stack,
Crosstown, and Ten Second Tom were
in the audience and ready to hear who
won. Previous winners have been 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); Tina Denning &
Lockdown (2003); The Fat Tones
(2004); and Crosstown (2005). Dave
Green & Chris Blair accepted the
award on behalf of Ten Second Tom.
that has had a different winner each
year. Nominees Cool Stack,
Crosstown, and Ten Second Tom were
in the audience and ready to hear who
won. Previous winners have been 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); Tina Denning &
Lockdown (2003); The Fat Tones
(2004); and Crosstown (2005). Dave
Green & Chris Blair accepted the
award on behalf of Ten Second Tom.
Chris Blair, Dave Green
(photos by Ted)
(photos by Ted)
This next award, open to any Blues Event in the Inland Northwest, but
always won by a Blues Festival, is “Best Blues Event (Inland
Northwest).” The nominees were the 2001 winning Bronze, Blues &
Brews in Joseph, Oregon; the Rock Cut Blues Festival in Orient,
Washington; and the Untapped Blues Festival in Richland,
Washington. A thrilled Bill Holmes of the Rock Cut Blues Festival
picks up the win. The Whitehorse Bluez Festival in Spirit Lake Idaho
won this award in 1995 & 1996; the Ritzville Blues Festival reached
“Hall of Fame” status twice for their wins 1997-1999 & 2003 – 2005;
and the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival has won twice, in both
2000 & 2002.
always won by a Blues Festival, is “Best Blues Event (Inland
Northwest).” The nominees were the 2001 winning Bronze, Blues &
Brews in Joseph, Oregon; the Rock Cut Blues Festival in Orient,
Washington; and the Untapped Blues Festival in Richland,
Washington. A thrilled Bill Holmes of the Rock Cut Blues Festival
picks up the win. The Whitehorse Bluez Festival in Spirit Lake Idaho
won this award in 1995 & 1996; the Ritzville Blues Festival reached
“Hall of Fame” status twice for their wins 1997-1999 & 2003 – 2005;
and the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival has won twice, in both
2000 & 2002.
Bill Holmes (photo by Carl Speer)
Constance Eller, Sweet Kay & Rhea Rolfe
(photo by Carl Speer)
(photo by Carl Speer)
Ending the awards portion of the evening was the “Keeping the Blues Alive” award.
This award is given to an individual who has displayed exceptional achievements or
involvement with the Blues.
Nominees this year were Deborah Conway (owner/operator of the Bronco Inn), Dave
Green (promoter), and 2005 winner & I.E.B.S. President Carl Speer. Dave Green
humbly accepted this award. Craig Heimbigner won this in 1999; Scott Higgin in 2000
& 2001; and Ted Todd with two “Hall of Fame” awards.
This award is given to an individual who has displayed exceptional achievements or
involvement with the Blues.
Nominees this year were Deborah Conway (owner/operator of the Bronco Inn), Dave
Green (promoter), and 2005 winner & I.E.B.S. President Carl Speer. Dave Green
humbly accepted this award. Craig Heimbigner won this in 1999; Scott Higgin in 2000
& 2001; and Ted Todd with two “Hall of Fame” awards.
Dave Green (photo by Carl Speer)
Jim King & Becki Sue (photo by Carey Eyer)
Becki Sue & her BRD’s were nominated for “Best Blues Band”
award at The Seattle Weekly Newspaper Music Awards, and the
awards by The Washington Blues Society abound in 2006,
including “Keeping the Blues Alive” Jeff Hayes (drummer); “Best
Blues Bass” Les “Wild Child” White; “Best Blues Horn” Jim King;
“Best Electric Guitar” Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle; and “Best Blues
Band” for Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
award at The Seattle Weekly Newspaper Music Awards, and the
awards by The Washington Blues Society abound in 2006,
including “Keeping the Blues Alive” Jeff Hayes (drummer); “Best
Blues Bass” Les “Wild Child” White; “Best Blues Horn” Jim King;
“Best Electric Guitar” Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle; and “Best Blues
Band” for Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies!
Jeff Hayes (photo by Carl Speer)
Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle, Les “Wild Child” White & Jeff Hayes (photo by Carl Speer)
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