Roy Book Binder & Rev. Billy C. Wirtz

Roy Book Binder has been rambling around the world for the past 45 years! He gave up his Greenwich Village “pad” in the early 1970’s and lived in his “Tour Bus” for the next 15 years criss crossing the US and appearing at festivals throughout Canada & Europe.

Book Binder, travelled with the legendary Rev. Gary Davis in the late 60’s….. The Book, recorded his first solo acoustic Blues album in the 70’s, which was the first to receive 5 stars in DOWNBEAT magazine! In the late 80’s ‘The Book’ was part of Bonnie Raitt’s East Coast Tour, which included an appearance on The Grand Old Opry which led to almost 30 appearances on NASHVILLE NOW’s, Ralph Emory Show! In the 90’s he often appeared with JORMA KAUKONEN (who recorded 2 of Roy’s songs).

THE GOOD BOOK, Roy’s latest release of all original songs, reached #3 on AirPlayDirect’s Americana charts! #1 was Guy Clark & #2 was the late Townes Van Zandt.

Roy has the goods: the original, the bare-knuckle, the low-down . . . blues. Who can say they were friends with the Rev. Gary Davis, Pink Anderson and Robert Lockwood? And toured with Arthur Big Boy Crudup, Hot Tuna, JJ Cale & Bonnie Raitt? Roy can. He has the stories, the licks, and the mystery of timeless music in his fingers. He’s been featured on a PBS special and interviewed by Terry Gross on “Fresh Air.” He’s also a regular at Fur Peace Ranch, where he teaches along with Jorma Kaukonen. When he brings his ‘Tour Bus’ to town, a one-man blues-fest ensues. He plays and he entertains, feeding us music and stories, and the evening is a celebration for us all. We’re privileged to have Roy here to preserve–and extend—the tradition of great American blues music.

Billy C. Wirtz is a radio host, gifted pianist and American musicologist who defies easy classification. The brand is Music, Humor and History, and he promises to deliver generous helpings of all the above at the Stomp. He has been featured as a special guest on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise for the last twenty years and hosts the popular “Rhythm Revival on WMNF Fridays from three to six pm. He currently has a weekly gig at Heidi’s Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach on Saturdays and tours the states during the Summer.

With a unique style combining traditional form with contemporary themes, ride along with the Rev as he takes us from the Texas Turpentine Camps to the Villages with several musical side trips along the way.