Crossroads Blues Club 
Every Thursday at 8:45pm at the Tower of Song Cafe Bar, Cotteridge - Free entry

What was on in 2009

Thursday 8th January 2009	Blues Jam
Thursday 15th January 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + MELLOW PEACHES An original and talented young Blues band who have been picking up gigs all over the Midlands since we last booked them - catch them before somebody whisks them away! The open mic session will feature a short set from BabaJack
Thursday 22nd January 2009	Open mic + MARK BENNETT & SAM CORNWELL Mark Bennett usually plays what is best described as 'laid back acoustic rock with a hint of blues and just a dash of jazz'. You can perhaps expect a little bit of cross over, but for this set the emphasis is very much on his first love, the blues. A talented guitarist and singer, Sam's unique and entertaining approach to playing Blues and Gospel will leave you wondering just how he does it - and we may be able to persuade him to let those Blues fingers loose on the keyboard as well!    The open mic session will feature a short set from The Delta Blues Band.
Thursday 29th January 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + THE DELTA BLUES BAND The Delta Blues Band play an eclectic mix of blues covers (some well-known and some not so well-known) as well as a few original songs. The band was formed in the summer of 2006 when guitarists Neil Murray and Paul Broadhurst (formerly of Rooster) teamed up with bass player Dan Bones (Danansooz, Quarterpounders) and drummer Dave Shuttleworth (Stereotypes, 4 in a Bar).
Thursday 5th February 2009	Blues Jam
Thursday 12th February 2009	Open mic + MIKE MARKEY & NICK JONES Mike & Nick have played alongside Walter Trout, Mike Sanchez, Duck Baker, John Renbourn, Dana Gillespie, Dino Baptiste, Zoot Money, Wizz Jones amongst many others. Mike is a vocalist and harp player in a traditional blues style who sings a range of songs from the blues greats including “Tired as a man can be.” (Sonny and Brownie); “I just can’t be satisfied” (Muddy Waters); “Dust Pneumonia Blues” (Woody Guthrie) and “I’m so lonesome” (Hank Williams). Nick is a highly accomplished player on both guitar and  resonator. It takes a special talent to hold an audience spellbound with just guitar, voice and harmonica and Mike and Nick manage this brilliantly! The open mic session will feature a short set from RAGTIME EWAN.
Thursday 19th February 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + JACK BLACKMAN This remarkable 14 year old is a great solo performer & the lead guitarist with 'Red Kyte'. He will be playing acoustic guitar, singing and playing harp for the first part of his set and then joining the House Band on electric guitar for the second part. Since his last gig at the Crossroads, Jack has had a track played on BBC 6 Music, and also played a number of sessions on local radio including BBC CWR and NCCR. In August, Jack is appearing on WROX AM radio in Clarksdale Mississippi - and playing a number of gigs at the home of the blues in Clarksdale and Greenville.    www.jackblackman.com      www.myspace.com/jackblackmantheguitarist
Thursday 26th February 2009	Open mic + CLIVE SHEARD +  DAVE BRISTOW Clive's clean finger picking and warm vocal style combine to give faithful interpretations of the songs of Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Boy Fuller and many others. Dave's style has been described as “. . . a pre war blues style augmented by collarless shirt and braces of the period . . . ". Two authentic bluesmen making a welcome return to The Crossroads!
Thursday 5th March 2009 See photos from gig	Blues Jam
Thursday 12th March 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + SLIDE BOY ROY Slide Boy Roy is a Chicago Blues inspired band. They have played at open mic and jam sessions at The Crossroads and always delivered great musicianship and entertainment. With an ever-evolving set-list, no two performances are the same, so be prepared for the unexpected - and maybe a jam session at the end of the evening!      Slide Boy Roy's web site is currently under construction but here are some links to a couple of their recordings. Do me a Favour         Just Keep Loving Her
Thursday 19th March 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + SMOKIN' ADE WAKELIN Smokin' Ade plays with the Smokin' Blues Band. We had a rockin' night when he played a gig for us last year, so he'll be returning with the talented Jo Godfrey on keyboards and playing some acoustic and electric material.   Kate McLaren and Cris Tolley from the The Kate McLaren Trio will be playing a short set in the open mic session, in advance of their appearance at the Tower of Song on Tuesday 24th March. www.youtube.com/user/KMT1991   www.katemclaren.co.uk   www.cristolley.co.uk.
Thursday 26th March 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + TOM MARTIN Tom is one of the most skilful and creative guitarists and singers around so when he turns his hand to The Blues, expect a special evening of music!
Thursday 2nd April 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + STEVE AJAO: Steve Ajao is simply one of Britain's top Blues and Jazz players - don't miss this gig! The open mic spot will feature a short set from Kirsty & Kenny in advance of their gig on 23rd April.
Thursday 9th April 2009 See photos from gig	Blues Jam
Thursday 16th April 2009	Open mic +  CARAMANY Caramany is a five piece band. Founder member Alan Garwood (guitarist/songwriter) has been joined by vocalist Asha Jazz, guitar wizard Aaron Rodericks, bassist Christian Nokes and drummer Paul de Gallier. There is a strong blues feel to the band's music which is also inspired by classic pop & rock, jazz, country with a pastoral tinge for good measure. Live performances are memorable for the abundant vocal talent of Asha Jazz.
Thursday 23rd April 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + KIRSTY & KENNY: Kirsty sings the blues like she was born to and Kenny plays seriously good delta-style accompaniment!       Sample tracks: Nobody's Fault but Mine (Kenny) * Sail On (Kirsty & Kenny)
Thursday 30th April 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + BabaJack: BabaJack are making a real impact on the acoustic and blues scene, with their energetic and original take on blues.  They have been described as a musical partnership with a 'hard work ethic, passion for detail and damn good musicianship'.  They bring all their influences to their songs, but they are true to their first love...the blues. The open mic spot will feature a short set from Paul Fahy, Brummie born and bred and now residing in Sussex. An accomplished electric and acoustic  guitarist and singer, with a background in Blues Jazz and Folk, Paul is joined by Martin the Vole on vocals, harp and guitar.
Thursday 7th May 2009	Blues Jam
Thursday 14th May See photos from gig	Open mic + MIKE HATTON + PAUL COWLEY Mike is an experienced and talented local Blues/Jazz bass guitarist who, amongst other things, performs solo gigs with just the bass guitar and his own vocals, using a chordal approach on the bass. Have a listen to What's Got into You on his MySpace site - it's a great, original sound. Paul is no stranger to The Crossroads and consistently delivers solid Country Blues and great original compositions. They will each be doing separate sets and, after that, well...anything could happen!
Thursday 21st May 2009	Open mic + JOHN DENTON John Denton returns with his band - imaginatively called the 'JD Band'! The band features  one of Britain's finest blues harp players  Dave Smith, Colin Warren on bass, Alan Davies on guitar and Maurice Winsor on drums. Maurice plays regularly with Robyn Hitchcock and both he and Alan were original members of Hitchcock's 'The Soft Boys'. Some of you may be familiar with John's work in the late '90's with Birmingham's '7:17 Blues', which also featured Dave Smith. The band will play their preferred mix of blues, r & b and funk with a little hint of jazz and John will, from time to time, turn his soulful larynx to the odd acappella number! The thrill has gone? Not likely!!!
Thursday 28th May 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + SAM: SAM present blues, jazz and soul influenced music, with a more than healthy sprinkling of pre and post war classics.  Always accessible, sometimes moody and sometimes fun, their eclectic mix and individual style creates a buzz wherever they play. The line up comprises guitars, mandolin, keyboards, harmonica, percussion and stripped down drums and featuring soulful vocals. Come along and be prepared to be thoroughly entertained.
Thursday 4th June 2009 See photos from gig	Blues Jam
Thursday 11th June 2009	Open mic + GRAHAM ROBINS Graham Robins is a powerful and emotive singer–songwriter with a career spanning four decades whose heart and love of performing is still as young as yesterday with passionate and heartfelt songs that draw on years of experience and influences crossing musical borders. ‘If you want some original rootsy music, gutsy singing and understated top class accompaniment with atmosphere by the spadeful, look no further!' Graham made a big impression when he last played at The Crossroads - if you missed him last time, be sure to catch him this time around! The open mic session will feature a short set from Alan and Asha from Caramany.
Thursday 18th June 2009	Open mic + THE MARK BENNETT TRIO Mark Bennett,  Jon Forfar and Alan Nicholls are all first class, established musicians in their own right - when they play together, you can expect to be transported straight to the Rockin', Funky, Jazzy end of the Blues! Click the image below to view the full size poster. The open mic session will feature a short set from Dr Dan's Blues Remedy.
Thursday 25th June 2009	Blues Jam

Thursday 2nd July 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + BRYAN JAMES Bryan is best known as the guitarist and vocalist with top local Rock & Blues band Pure Instinct. Perhaps what is not so well known is that he is also a  talented solo Blues performer.  He played a great short set at a recent open mic session and we are looking forward to this full set from him.   The open mic session will feature a short set from Country Blues duo  Smith and Jackson.
Thursday 9th July 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + LIL' IAN GOODSMAN Based in Whangarei, New Zealand, Lil' Ian is a touring musician, having played New Zealand, Australia, USA and the UK. He has been reviewed and played on various radio stations throughout Europe, Scandanavia, South America and, of course, his home continent of Australasia. We're delighted that he'll be stopping off to play at The Crossroads as part of his UK tour this year. www.iangoodsman.com www.youtube.com/iangoodsman www.myspace.com/iangoodsman
Thursday 16th July 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + MAZ MITRENKO Local guy Maz plays a mean Blues and can rock out with the best. He will be doing a short acoustic set, followed by a set with his regular 3-piece band.
Thursday 23rd July 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + STEVE BUTT, MARTIN THE VOLE & 'FRIENDS OF THE FRET'   He's accompanied lots of guests and now Steve has the big spot with a selection of Jazz, Blues and quirky things. Alongside is fellow Shoe Shiner and Sam rootser Martin the Vole on guitar, vocals and harp. Their friends include Crossroads' own Ken and Chickenbone John on double bass and slide guitar, Sandy Williamson on guest vocals and Jim Thing on acoustic drums. A new cocktail of musicians and friends!
Thursday 30th July 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + SLIDE BOY ROY Slide Boy Roy is a Chicago Blues inspired band. They have played gigs, open mic and jam sessions at The Crossroads and always delivered great musicianship and entertainment. With an ever-evolving set-list, no two performances are the same, so be prepared for the unexpected!      The evening will be hosted by Sam Cornwell.
Thursday 6th August 2009 See photos from gig See videos on YouTube by clicking here and here.	Blues Jam
Thursday 13th August 2009 See photos from gig	MELLOW PEACHES CD LAUNCH Amit and Rich have been playing at The Crossroads ever since we started and we have enjoyed watching them develop into a versatile, creative and highly entertaining duo. They will be using this evening's gig to launch their first CD and signed copies will be available for purchase.  Entrance is free as usual and there will be the usual collection to pay the band. We aim to start the evening at 8:30pm. The open mic session will be replaced by short sets from ABIE BUDGEN, DAN HARTLAND, BabaJack and CHICKENBONE BLUES.
Thursday 20th August 2009 See photos from gig See video clips from gig	Open mic + SMITH & JACKSON Jacqui and Peter's blues melodies are both beautiful and haunting, capturing the simplicity yet richness of some of the most soulful music ever made. To see and hear them play live is a memorable experience - Jacqui's exquisite vocals and Peter's sensitive and authentic guitar playing both inspire and captivate you.
Thursday 27th August 2009 See photos from gig	Open mic + MIKE MARKEY & NICK JONES Mike & Nick have played alongside Walter Trout, Mike Sanchez, Duck Baker, John Renbourn, Dana Gillespie, Dino Baptiste, Zoot Money, Wizz Jones amongst many others. Mike is a vocalist and harp player in a traditional blues style who sings a range of songs from the blues greats including “Tired as a man can be.” (Sonny and Brownie); “I just can’t be satisfied” (Muddy Waters); “Dust Pneumonia Blues” (Woody Guthrie) and “I’m so lonesome” (Hank Williams). Nick is a highly accomplished player on both guitar and  resonator. It takes a special talent to hold an audience spellbound with just guitar, voice and harmonica and Mike and Nick manage this brilliantly!