Brooks Williams + Mark Zaretsky & Magic Mike Bloomer

Brooks Williams hails from Statesboro, Georgia, the town made famous by country-blues legend Blind Willie McTell. Ranked in the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists, he’s a mean finger-picker and a stunning slide guitarist. Plus, “he has a beautiful voice,” says AmericanaUK, “that you just melt into.” Not one easy to pigeon-hole, Brooks' music is the love-child of country-blues and Americana. fRoots says, "Soulful Americana, full-on blues and tasty rootsy grooves. He really rocks!”

Williams got his start in the clubs and bars around Boston, the same music scene that years earlier sparked the careers of Bonnie Raitt and Chris Smither. There, playing 5-6 nights a week, he developed his signature sound: laid-back low-country vocals floating over Resonator riffs, Piedmont picking, and cigar box slide. No wonder friend and fellow guitar wizard Martin Simpson calls Brooks the Real Thing!

His massive repertoire reads like a roots music Hall Of Fame. Classic blues ranging from Bessie Smith to Memphis Slim. Compelling covers from the likes of Dave Alvin, Buddy Miller and Mose Allison. On top of all this, writes American Roots UK, is his songwriting which stands comparison with virtually any of his peers. Rooted in tradition his songs are timeless. Utterly contemporary they are wryly observed and relevant.

With twenty-two albums to his name, including Brooks Blues (2017), My Turn Now (2016) and Shreveport Sessions (2014), and a vigorous touring schedule, Williams is one of acoustic roots musics guiding lights. From festival stages to listening rooms, from Newport to Philly, Boston to Glasgow, Cambridge to Belfast, London to Detroit, Brooks Williams is, says the San Antonio Light, a fret monster who has to be seen to be believed!

+ Mark Zaretsky and "Magic Mike" Bloomer
https://www.facebook.com/MikeBloomerGuitaristSongwriterArtist

Connecticut Solo-Duo Blues Challenge finalists Mark Zaretsky and "Magic Mike" Bloomer each have been playing the blues and leading bands in Connecticut and beyond for years -- although this will be a rare chance to see them play together as a duo. Zaretsky, a native of Chicago, for the past two decades has been the harmonica player and front man for New Haven's The Cobalt Rhythm Kings. He also has played with Connecticut Blues Challenge finalists Black Snake Boots, Mark Naftalin & Friends, Lara Herscovitch and in side projects with Slim Hippo, the Frying Fish and Harpo & Slim. Bloomer, who lives in the Willimantic area, is the front man and guitarist for Blues Au Go-Go and a member of Connecticut Blues Challenge finalists The Redliners, and has played with the King Cake Band and One Eyed Johnny and the Gravediggers, among other bands. Come early to see two of Connecticut's better blues musicians doing a rare gig together!

Tickets 

$20.00 In advance 

$25.00 at the door.