Fred Maytag Bowl
Newton, Iowa
By Phillip Smith; Sep. 2, 2024
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Soaking up the blues in Newton, Iowa at the Bowlful of Blues Festival on Labor Day Weekend is one of my favorite things to do. Presented by The South Skunk Blues Society, this event is like a summer family reunion for Iowa blues fans. A crisp blue sky and temperatures hovering in the seventies made for perfect weather at Maytag Park this year.
The music kicked off this year with Newton’s own The Sears Band fronted by Jim Sears on guitar and vocals. Their high-energy set the pace for the rest of the day. Next up was Des Moines-based bluesman and 2005 Iowa Blues Hall of Fame inductee Steve E. George. I don’t know how I’ve missed this entertainer over the years, but I am very happy to have caught him in this stellar performance. Between sets, Clayton Ryan provided a mix of original songs and covers. This balladeer has a hell of a knack for writing songs. Brandon Santini took the stage and delivered a searing ninety-minute set of harmonica-fueled blues. I’ve been wanting to see him play live for a long time. Headlining the fest was Iowa’s Avey Grouws Band. I’m used to seeing the band as a quartet. This show was special in that they added Leo Albertoni on keys, Heath Alan on saxophone, and Jeni Grouws’ daughter Lillian Grouws on backing vocals. They rocked the park for two hours, with their final two songs being joined by Santini. I loved every bit of it.
Special thanks go out to The South Skunk Blues Society and all the volunteers who makes this wonderful event happen every year.
· All Photos by Phillip Smith
The Sears Band
Steve E. George
Clayton Ryan
Brandon Santini
Avey Grouws Band
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