We’ve been doing blues shows at the Palladium’s Side Door for almost three years now and somehow we’ve not presented the big daddy of Tampa Bay blues guitarists. But we’re making up for that this Friday when Sarasota Slim brings his full band and his new CD – Get Up, Get Down – to the Side Door for a concert and CD release party.
The show is the kickoff of our Side Door Summer Celebration, which features great jazz and blues, and a lot more in our intimate Side Door Cabaret. For jazz fans, the summer season starts with vocalist Kat Hefner on Saturday night at 8.
If I’m guilty of procrastination in not getting Slim in here sooner, Slim is equally guilty when it comes to producing a new studio album.
“Yes, it’s the culmination of 10 years of foot-dragging,” said Gene Hardage, aka Sarasota Slim.
But the album was worth the wait. A batch of new Sarasota Slim songs, some great side men supporting him and Slim’s smokin’ hot guitar are molded into one nice package.
For Friday’s show, a lot of those side men will be on stage including Steve Holcumb on drums, Sugar Bear on bass, and the veteran keyboard player Dave Friebolin on piano and Hammond B3. Josh Melms, the guitarist who also appears on the album, will join Slim on stage.
“Josh, without a doubt, is one of the finest guitar players in the south. I don’t care who you are talking to or talking about. He’s a monster,” said Slim.
And Josh gets Slim’s guitar juices flowing when they appear together.
“I’m getting old and slow – but he’s 30 years old and he’s fired up. Which lights a fire under me. On a good day we both hit on eight cylinders. And this should be a good day.”
Expect to hear some great originals, along with some classic blues done Slim-style. And you’ll maybe get a taste of his new project – a band called The Melon Brothers. But that’s a story for another day.
Catch Sarasota Slim in the Side Door, Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information on the summer season visit www.mypalladium.org or call the Palladium box office at 727 822-3590.
1 comment
I’m looking forward to this show. As a Blues enthusiast it is hard to beat a venue like the Side Door at the Palladium. While an outdoor setting like Skippers is also a nice venue for Blues, not on a hot muggy Summer night! I drove over from Pasco County for a Blues show a few monthes ago and was sold. I have been back twice more for the After Hours Blues Fest parties. For those who missed those shows you missed some of the best Blues in years in the Tampa Bay area! What unbelievable shows and performers, one right after the other. I went to the Friday night show not knowing what to expect and ended up coming back for more on Saturday night. My only disappointment was that it didn’t continue on Sunday night. LOL
I’v been trying to catch Sarasota Slim’s concert for three years now and have either had schedule conflicts or it was just to far to drive down to Bradenton-Sarasota. Now I get the best of both worlds, great venue and great Blues music! It don’t get any better than that.
Thanks Paul for another great show. Keep them coming.