The Prairie Dog Blues Festival July 31st, 2010….

Another great time was had by all on a very hot and humid Wisconsin summer day on St. Feriole Island in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Last years headliner was Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam, but on this steamy night Eric Sardinas brought his very own high energy, blazing show to the stage. But before that happened, we all were entertained by some great music and surprises.

Probably the biggest surprise of the day for me was the opening band which was called the Sena Ehrhardt Band. Possessing a voice of an angel and backed by an excellent bass player, drummer and her father on lead guitar, Sena led us through some spirited and sultry Blues. Unfortunately, I was a little late getting to the Festival, so I only heard the last 4 or 5 songs in their set, but that was enough to convince me to tell you all that if you get a change to see this band, definitely do it! I was able to capture the last song of their set. It’s an old John Prine song called “Angel From Montgomery” and how appropriate that “Angel” is included in it’s title. Take a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAGgJERKc80

By the way, Sena is one year away form her Masters degree and works at the Mayo clinic in the cardio-vascular unit from what I remember of our conversation. Brains, beauty and talent, I’d say a winning combination!  

Next up was suppose to be Vernon Ray Harrington, but apparently Vernon got a little lost and never did show, or got there so late the next group had already started. So what does the promoter of the show do at that point? Well, he did the right thing and went to our little buddy Tallan Latz to fill the 90 minute gap. Mind you, we had visited with Tallan and his dad Carl earlier and they had hoped that Tallan could get up and play with some of the performers as he did at Friday night’s show with Guitar Shorty. But this was a total surprise to everyone including them. So possessing a new 25th Anniversary PRS SE Custom guitar that he received because he has a contact with PRS now, just one pedal and a pre-recorded bass line, the 10 year old fire ball got up and wowed the southwest Wisconsin crowd like I’ve seen him do time and again. I recorded a few songs, but these two I thought were special as I had never heard Tallan play them before:

Gary Moore’s “Still Got The Blues” (I was a little late starting): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrriq3Ufqh4

Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF6ykt8FxIA

Following Tallan was the Debbie Davies and Robin Rogers Band and even though they were good, they really didn’t light any fire for me. Their music was a bit more Countryish, if that’s a word, than Blues.

Then came Big John Dickerson and his band got many of the people up dancing to a mix of Blues and Soul. The crowd responded well, but after each song it sounded like they were making a commercial advertising their website, CDs and DVDs which got a little old. But hey, that’s what playing festivals is all about; to get the word out!

The second to last group of the night was the Shaun Murphy Band . Shaun also possesses a wonderful and powerful voice and was backed by an excellent band. Not much more I can say other than I enjoyed them and unfortunately for them, they were before the person everyone came to see.

Wrapping up the night was that fire breathing, whiskey drinking devil himself, Eric Sardinas and Big Motor. Having met Eric the last time I saw him, I know he’s a very polite and really great guy, but when he takes the stage all I can say is, Look Out!! Backed by Levell Price on bass and Bernie Pershey on drums, this band smolders and burns with intensity from beginning to end. As their performance went on the crowd, including some wild dancing people, got crazier and crazier. Finally, before their encore, I decided to back away from the stage to call it a night and watch from further back. However, for most of their set, I was able to record and watch the songs. Here are a few:

“I’m Worried” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO8FUyZbRvE

“Down To Whiskey” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwsS9x3OKxs

“Hellhound On My Trail” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oReA749grI

“Bullfrog Blues” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxEW6AhZcTA (I was late starting)

“Down To The Bottom” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMbdsPRL9vc

Most groups have a meet and greet after their show to sign CDs, etc. However, Eric and Big Motor had sold out all of their CD’s the show before , so ultimately I didn’t get to talk with him, have him sign my guitar or sign a picture of us together that I had brought. Maybe next time he comes our way.

Here are the pictures of Saturday’s proceedings and yes, there are a lot of them. I purchased a new camera after the first of the year and wanted to really test it out while not using any flash:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8384830@N0 … 515957047/

Enjoying the Summer,

Roy