The Third Thursday concert on June 18 on the Village Green (presented by the Chester Community Association (CCA) will feature Blues Flash, a blues band that plays venues across the region and the state.
The band has been together for 10 years, and with its five members cover songs by the blues kings of the U.S. Blues Flash enjoys playing tunes described by its vocalist and harmonic-player, John Howe, as West Coast Jump, a swing blues that has become popular with shaggers.
Flash plays a myriad of music including tunes from Elvis, Hollywood Fats and Patsy Cline. But the band puts the blues behind every song. They also get into a little old rock n’ roll with songs like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Walking After Midnight” and “Tobacco Road.”
The organizer for the event, Kent Dodd, is excited to bring one of his favorite local bands to the Third Thursday event. He says while it may be a little warm on Thursday, when you get out to the concert, it will be worth it.
“We share the love for the blues with people out there who love to have a good time,” Howe said. “This band just shares the music with no ego, just out to have a good time.”
After the Third Thursday event, Blues Flash will be playing the Juneteenth celebration in Petersburg on Pocahontas Island. The band also plays at the Croaker Spot in Petersburg and Richmond.
Band members include: John Howe, harmonica, vocals; Mike Souder, guitar, vocals; Joe Mitchell, bass, vocals; Clyde Bell, drums and new member Neil Bartley on keyboards.
The CCA’s Third Thursday event will begin at 6:30 pm. this week on the Chester Village Green at 11801 Centre St. Future Third Thursday events will include: the Cary Street Ramblers (tentative) in July and the jazz group Blue Heaven Trio in August.
