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Blues Blowout With Lamont Cranston Band & The Blue Band

lamontcranston.com

Hey, does anyone remember the Shadow?  The  mysterious crime-fighter with psychic powers began his long-running career in the 1930's, as a pulp magazine character, and also as the subject of a memorable dramatic radio program (voiced for a time by Orson Welles).  The radio shows and the striking visual image of The Shadow have never really gone away, just faded into the...shadows.  The character certainly made an impression on Minneapolis/St Paul-area brothers Pat and Larry Hayes, who founded their band in 1969 and named it after The Shadow's alter-ego, Lamont Cranston.  Pat Hayes leads the band to this day, and I suspect he still gets the occasional "Which one's Lamont?"

Pat Hayes is the lead vocalist, guitarist and harmonica master of the band.  They've shared stages and studios with many blues and rock heavyweights over the years.  On Saturday, Feb. 7, the stage will be at Waterloo's Electric Park Ballroom, with Iowa native Bruce McCabe playing keyboards with The Lamont Cranston Band.  McCabe has a long history with the group.  He is also known for the Twin Cities band Hoopsnakes, and for playing with Jonny Lang.

Iowa's own Bob Dorr and The Blue Band will open the show, celebrating over 3o years of their own unique brand of  rock 'n soul and blues.  Bob tells me that when he lived in the Twin Cities for 19 months in the late '70s, "the Cranstons were THE BOMB.  It's like a bucket list event for The Blue Band to be on the bill with them."  Two long-running, widely respected  Midwestern bands coming together for a night of great music, to benefit IPR and ensure a good time for all- get your tickets now!

By the way, Studio One will feature live sets from Marcia Ball, recorded at last year's Blues Blowout, in the week leading up to this year's event.  Tune in to Studio One Feb. 3, 5 and 6 to hear Marcia Ball's irresistible New Orleans piano work and Texas rockin' blues!    

http://youtu.be/FYbxLraS_8g

Mark Simmet is a Senior Producer and Studio One Host