It may have been the 20th Billtown Blues Festival, but it was only our 4th. This time we had a much bigger gang along with us: Candy and Jerry (my parents), my Aunt Lois, Andy and Candy and her mother, and three of their friends. We got there about 15 minutes after the gates opened and headed back to our favorite spot under the tent. The day was absolutely perfect but we had no desire to sit out in the sun for the entire day.Before the bands got playing we shopped the vendor area. I bought some more jewelry, and Aunt Lois was busy getting crafting ideas. The guys headed off to the food vendors to see what kind of torture they could put their stomaches through.
I didn’t drink to much this time, for a change, but John had a good time and by the end of the day was sitting in his chair and smiling. Aunt Lois asked me “What’s up with him?” I said he’s had a bit to much to drink, that is how he gets, smiley.
Aunt Lois had the best time I think, of all of us. When the music started to play she was surprised at how much like stripper music the Blues songs sounded. At one point she was pole dancing for everyone under the tent. Now my Aunt is an ex-exotic dancer but that was many, many, many years ago. At 65 years of age, it was more funny than sexy. But there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that she was probably very good back in the day.
Her favorite group was Greg Allegreto and Rich Delgrosso. The two artists were teamed up together and the harmonica player (Greg) was this really hunky guy. She stood with me in the hot afternoon sun while they played their set, right up front where she had the best view. When they were finished playing on the main stage they were heading over to the acoustic tent for some more performing. She practically raced me over there to watchthem play. It didn’t hurt any that they were very good musicians either. She was having nasty thoughts about Greg I’m afraid.
My favorite band, and I my Dad’s (Jerry) too I think, was Greg Piccalo and the Heavy Juice Expansion. I loved his showmanship and his big band sound. The Irving Street Blues band was good to and so were Jack and Lilly, both who we saw at the Billtown Blues Auditions.
Can’t wait until next year!!
