Something for everyone who likes live music in Will County

By Ted Slowik

Just had a great night out hearing live music at two different venues: the River Club in Joliet and Tribes Alehouse in Mokena.

Blues Hall of Fame inductee T-Bird Huck jammed at the River Club in the shadow of I-80 along Railroad Street. It's right on the Des Plaines River, and tonight was the first time I heard live music outside on their deck.

T-Bird made a special appearance cohosting the weekly electric blues jam run by guitarist Billy Osman. Lots of players were there, like Captain Michael Brown, Tom Kallai, Tim Romanowski, Tom Slaboszewski and many more. It's a great sound outdoors, and many talented musicians join in, including several horn players, which is very cool.

From there it was off to Tribes for the weekly acoustic open mic singer/songwriter showcase hosted by John Condron. A great turnout as usual with the likes of Scott McNeil, Charlie Champene, Patrick Spiroff, Ryan Olsson, Bill Ryan, Greg Woods, John Narcissi and more. Patrick just finished a great recording of originals called "First the B Sides." Tonight he brought along a bassist friend, Charlie Graham, who sat in with a really great Rickenbacker while I played three originals.

I opened with "Springfield," followed by "Red Rover" and "Ballad of Slowiks," which I'll play at a family reunion next week. Got a great reception and had a great time. Thanks Charlie for sitting in!

That's all for now. Cheers until next time :)