Boogie Chillin'
Since the Taichung six-piece Boogie Chillin' was unintentionally formed during a jam session by a group of blues-loving friends seven months ago, it has become one of the most talked-about and active blues acts in Taiwan. The combo's eclectic mix of contemporary, standard and experimental forms of the blues keeps every performance fresh.
Dave Chen and the Muddy Basin Ramblers
A hit whenever they perform, be it amped-up or unplugged, Dave Chen and his motley crew of Muddy Basin Ramblers play a hybrid blend of classic blues, old time country and swing jazz. Along with guitar and sax, the band also makes use of some rather unconventional instruments such as a jug, a kazoo, a washboard and even a bicycle horn. Anything goes with this bunch, but whatever happens it's sure to be entertaining.
BoPoMoFo
Led and formed by Blues Society President and the former host of ICRT's once hugely popular Blues Power Hour, DC Rapier, BoPoMoFo is one of Taiwan's longest-running blues bands. Dedicated to one thing -- bringing the blues to Taiwan -- the multicultural five-piece act plays pure, undiluted Chicago-style blues that is guaranteed to have music fans at the Tiger City Mall roaring.
Peter "Bonzo" Radvanyi
When he's not performing solo, Slovakian bottleneck slide guitar hero Peter "Bonzo" Radvanyi is the frontman for the blues-rock combo The Blues Mother-in-Laws, who shot to fame in their native Slovak Republic after releasing the country's first live blues CD. In 1996 the Slovak Blues Society voted Radvanyi "Bluesman of the Year." Along with being one of Europe's leading blues artists, Radvanyi is also a well-known radio DJ and blues publicist.
Chicken Rice
OK, so, the zoot-suit-wearing band doesn't strictly play the blues, but its high-octane rockabilly-psychobilly sets are still well worth checking out. Influenced by mainstream rockabilly artists like Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats, as well more raucous punk-orientated combos such the Meteors and Reverend Horten Heat, Chicken Rice is one of best unsigned local acts.
Joanna Connor
It's been said Joanna Connor was "drawn to the Chicago blues scene like a bee to a half-full soda can," and if you choose to believe this, then that bee has been buzzing at full throttle since she released her debut longplayer, Believe It!, in 1989. She incorporates the whole enchilada of blues styles into her sets and her shows include modern blues, slide guitar and blues-rock. Connor's once-rabid style of electric blues may have mellowed somewhat over the years as she has attempted to break into the mainstream, but she remains one the most influential leading ladies of the global blues scene, be it on guitar or lead vocals, and should prove to be the festival's big draw.
BAND ROSTER/SHEDULE
1pm - 1:45pm: Stevie Ray and the Black Sheep
2:25pm - 3:20pm: Boogie Chillin'
3:35pm - 4:20pm: Dave Chen and the Muddy Basin Ramblers
4:35pm - 5:20pm: BoPoMoFo
5:35pm - 6:20pm: Peter ''Bonzo'' Radvanyi
6:35pm - 7:20pm: Chicken Rice
7:35pm - 8:35pm: Joanna Connor
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