SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th, 2014 11am-8pm

CO‐HOSTED BY THE ESSEX COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS

JOSEPH N. DIVINCENZO, JR. / ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE

www.southmountainblues.com

SEASON 5

Welcome by Mike Griot -- Founder and Executive Director

The Essex County South Mountain International Blues Festival

What a ride!! It has been over eight years since I first envisioned a blues festival in my hometown of South Orange, NJ – that epiphany happened on a typical day having coffee at Starbucks, and sitting downtown soaking up the morning sun. Traveling the globe as a professional musician, I’d had the great privilege of performing at some of the greatest festivals and exotic locations in the world, and it seemed to me at that moment that South Orange (and Essex County) was equally beautiful – and worthy of its’ own major blues event. The obvious obstacle was the economy… and I knew full well it wouldn’t be easy. I needed help… Armed with the spiritual support of a few visionary South Orange residents, a team of dedicated volunteers and others, we embarked together on a mission of love and purpose. The reception was PHENOMENAL; everyone we met agreed that it was an idea who’s

time had come. The next few years produced a valuable partnership with the County of Essex, and bringing on sponsors and strategic partners to “pay the bills” – after all, I always meant this event to be FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Now in our 5th year – and armed with a new brand -- we proudly present to you THE BLUES -- our great American art form, and hope you will explore all of the history and creativity this music has to offer. Thank you again for participating in this historic event!! Best in Blues, MIKE GRIOT FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL (formerly the SOIBF) OUR 2011 FESTIVAL SPONSORS & STRATEGIC PARTNERS:

SPECIAL THANKS: Johanna Wright Joseph N. Divincenzo Jr. Dan Salvante Kate Hartwyk Omari Frazier, Ron Sevilla and Investors Bank Richard Bryant Patrick Morrissy Denise Stennett Alfred and Clarice Jackson, Esq. Gale Jones Daryl Harris Tracey Mitchell Kyle Winslow Kim Winslow Kara Winslow Pia Winslow Richard Groves Christine Hyder Joel Levin Chalandrea Fields Patrick Hilaire Raleigh Ceasar Wendy Deer Mark Hartwyk and SOPA The UPS Store South Orange The Essex County Sheriff’s Department And the FANTASTIC SMIBF vendors and volunteers!!

Main Stage – CHERRY LANE/ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION - West Orange

OAKDALE PICNIC AREA

SMIBF 2014 LINEUP

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th, 2014

11:00-12:15 REGINA BONELLI

12:35-1:50 LONG TALL DEB

2:15-3:30 STEPHANE WREMBEL

3:50-5:05 LIL BASTAD

5:20-6:40 MICHAEL HILL’s BLUES MOB

7:00-8:00 JOHNNY SANSONE

Location: ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION @ CHERRY LANE WEST ORANGE, NJ 07052

Essex County South Mountain International Blues Festival – Sunday, September 7th, 2014

Performance Schedule

11:15-12:15 REGINA BONELLI http://reginabonelli.com

Regina is a soulful blues rocker born and raised in New York City. This singer/songwriter and keyboardist is a powerhouse vocalist and performer. She began playing piano at the tender age of five and started her professional career by the time she turned seventeen. She has shared the stage with the Temptations, Martha Reeves and Odetta, to name but a few. Writing and recording her own music has always been a part of Regina's musical expression. Her newest endeavor is an album of all original blues music. The previews are already garnering worldwide radio airplay!

http://youtu.be/CEBojM0hhw0

12:35-1:50 LONG TALL DEB http://longtalldeb.com

It’s not just her honey and molasses-soaked voice, who About.com’s Reverend Keith A. Gordon described as “the best mix of Koko Taylor’s heart and Etta James’ soul” or her keen, nuanced songwriting that blend experience with a hint of mysticism (Long Tall Deb’s Texas/Mexico border roots are never far away from her songs). What Long Tall Deb brings to the studio and the stage is nothing short of one-of-a-kind. She goes beyond the “my-man-done-me-wrong” songs to tell stories that are deep, full-bodied and a reflection of who she is. The fact that she assembled a virtual who’s who of BMA and Grammy-worthy talent to showcase her songs on her VizzTone debut “Raise Your Hands” is just the icing on the cake. The result is generating serious buzz, worthy of an artist on the rise.

2013 tour highlights included opening for B.B. King at the Midland Theater in Newark, Ohio, a headlining date at Buddy Guy’s Legends, a guest appearance with the Colin John Band at a party for the Allman Brothers at Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago, and a tour of India and Nepal with Colin John culminating in a performance at the Himalayan Blues Festival in November.

http://youtu.be/EKbCWgEHh7Y 2:10-3:30 STEPHANE WREMBEL http://stephanewrembel.com

The neo-gypsy jazz band led by French-born guitarist Stephane Wrembel was heralded by its inclusion in New York’s GlobalFest as one of the most innovative international groups performing today. Stéphane Wrembel is best known as a composer and performer of Gypsy Jazz, but is also heavily influenced by world music.

Wrembel studied classical piano from age four in Fontainebleau, France, winning prizes in the Lucien Wurmser competition and at the National Conservatory of Aubervillier, before taking up the guitar at age sixteen in order "to learn Pink Floyd songs, Led Zeppelin, old Genesis, and all that stuff."

While attending the American School of Modern Music in Paris, Wrembel went to the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois, France where he was inspired to study composition arranging, jazz and contemporary classical music. Upon graduation, Wrembel was awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, graduating summa cum laude in music performance.

Wrembel has issued several albums, under his own name and as The Stephane Wrembel Trio; his song "Big Brother" was featured on the soundtrack for Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In 2011 he again collaborated with Allen, composing the theme track for Allen's film Midnight In Paris, "Bistro Fada."

http://youtu.be/2psoBbjHhh0

3:45-4:45 LIL BASTAD http://lilbastad.com

The tongue in cheek name is synonymous with the winning humor and unique style that instantly connects their music with their audiences. This five piece blues based band formed in 1999 through their musicianship and great love for the Blues, R&B and Funk. Lil' Bastad combines formal "old school" style and their own contemporary feel to form a winning musical balance. Ever since Lil' Bastad's beginnings ("Hoot'n & Holler'n") they've held true to their funky rhythm & blues roots; recently, they've expanded to embrace full-horn section and Chicago blues material. Without a doubt the driving creativity of Mark Bowers (Lead Guitar & Vox), as a live performer and studio innovator, is reflected throughout the band ... The other members include: Nick Rolfe (Keys), Rueben Austin (Bass), Luke Michura (Rhythm Guitar & Vox), Abe Fogle (Drums), who lock in syncopated blues compositions that orchestrate a fresh and innovative perspective of listening to Blues, Funk, Soul and R & B.

If you're ever in the mood for an amazing live show, see Lil' Bastad, and experience the rapport the band has with its audience; that's what makes you come back for more ... from Freddy & B.B. King to Jimi Hendrix ... to Robert Cray, Stevie Ray, and George Benson ... their musical influences are "uniquely styled" and this band has "Sumpthin' to Say" !!

http://youtu.be/oTa8zYoqxNk 5:10-6:30. MICHAEL HILL’s BLUES MOB http://michaelhillsbluesmob.com

With the release of their first Alligator album "Bloodlines" in 1994, Michael Hill's Blues Mob immediately established themselves as a cutting-edge, premier contemporary blues band with original music of uncommon power and conviction. "Hill and company return the voice of prophecy, as well as the outraged heart of contemporary urban African-American experience, to the modern blues tradition," exclaimed “Living Blues.”

"Bloodlines" went on to earn the Living Blues Critic's award for Debut Blues Album of the Year, as well a slew of other rave reviews. The next four years saw the band release two more highly acclaimed albums on Alligator Records, with "Have Mercy!" (1996) and "New York State of Blues" (1998) collecting their own choruses of excellent reviews. The cheering continued on the road. Michael Hill's Blues Mob has always been a dynamic, crowd-pleasing live act, receiving much love from audiences and lighting up the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival, Memphis In May, and other festivals and clubs. They've been welcomed to stages all around the rest of the world as well, playing festivals and clubs in England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Norway and the rest of Europe and Scandinavia as well as tours in Turkey, Russia and five trips each to Brazil and Australia. In November 2002, Hill performed in Beirut, where Lebanese audiences enthusiastically soaked up that Blues Mob New York energy. While the band has always drawn acclaim for Hill's songwriting and guitar playing, it's the state-of -the-art musicians in the Blues Mob who have brought the music to soul-stirring reality. The band's tradition of great musicianship continues with their current lineup: Bill McClellan who has held down drums/vocals since 1999, Mike Griot (who toured Europe with the band for a month in 1998) and joined as a regular playing bass guitar, electric upright bass, and singing, and harmonica master, the talented Dave Barnes. The Mob has recorded a new album on JSP Records (London) in 2012 called “Goddesses & Gold Redux” in which Living Colour’s Vernon Reid joins in a few tracks. Michael

Hill's Blues Mob and their unique New York-style blues will continue to be in the vanguard of keeping the blues alive and thriving in the 21st century with originality, real-life conviction, and full-throttle fun.

http://youtu.be/0g6psxIzmf4 6:50-7:50 JOHNNY SANSONE http://johnnysansone.com

From New Orleans to the world, Johnny is known for his blistering electric harmonica tone, award-winning song writing, Swamp, Roots, Americana Accordion and “Larger then Life” stage presence. Johnny's music career has brought him from his early professional years backing up Chicago blues legends, Jimmy Rodgers, Robert Jr

Lockwood and John Lee Hooker to fronting Ronnie Earl's Broadcasters in the 1980's . In the 1990's, he was in the front seat to help pioneer the new brand of roots music that was brewing up in New Orleans with bands like the Iguana's, Anders Osborne and the Subdudes. Now after a Grammy nomination. Nine Blues Music award nominations (winning song of the year 2012), A Juno Award Fifteen Best of the Beat awards and Seven Big easy awards, Johnny continues to forge forward on world wide tours with his band. Although a solo artist, he has appeared as a member of New Orleans super group The Voice of The Wetlands All Stars featuring the leading legends of New Orleans music , including Dr John, Cyril Neville and Tab Benoit. From playing with The Edge of U2 … to Recording Changui music in Santiago Cuba with soprano sax great Jane Bunnett … to backing up Americas greatest song writer Randy Newman, Johnny continues to show no limit to his life's work and love of music. Johnny Sansone was born in Orange, New Jersey. His father was a schoolteacher, and played saxophone. Sansone stuck with the saxophone, but was also drawn to the harmonica and guitar. "I had Jimmy Reed eight-track tapes," he remembers, "and I wanted to play guitar like I heard on these old records." It was Sansone's introduction to the blues, along with records like "One O' Clock Jump" he found in his father's 78 rpm collection. In one of the early examples of his mechanical inclinations, the young Sansone also discovered a way he could "sit in" on a Muddy Waters song. His father ran a jukebox-rental program on the side, and a jukebox that was beaten up and broken beyond repair found a home in the Sansone basement. "At that time I didn't have an amp, but I was listening to Little Walter and all these guys with really cool tone, and I didn't know anything about amps. So I took this jukebox and cut the wires off from

where the needle comes from, and I got this little microphone from a tape deck, and I wired 'em in. I used to put the records on, and I'd punch A-2, put a quarter in the jukebox, and I used to have the coolest tone I think I ever had in my life," he laughs. Although Sansone released several records on King Snake Records, it wasn’t until he released "Crescent City Moon" on Rounder/Bullseye Blues that he began winning numerous Awards in the Crescent City -- including Offbeat magazine's annual "Best of the Beat Awards" where he won four Awards after for Crescent City Moon in 1997. Sansone also won Song of the Year, Best Harmonica Player, Best Blues Band, and Best Blues Album of the Year while enjoying raves reviews through-out the country.

http://youtu.be/NIDus_rMiFk YOUR MC – “The Culinary Rocker” JOHNNY CIAO

JOHNNY CIAO Johnny Ciao did not get his start in the culinary world like most chefs who go to culinary school or work in restaurants, but by working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Ciao always loved to cook for his clients and after producing a book and video called ‘Cooking With Country Music Stars’, that went on to sell close to 1,000,000 copies. It featured recipes from 36 top country music stars from Hank Williams Jr. to Dolly Parton. In the mid-80′s, Johnny moved his operation from the east coast to the west coast LA/SF. His second home in San Francisco is what led Johnny to becoming more involved with his passion for food when he met the late concert promoter Bill Graham. There Johnny came in contact with the Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Huey Lewis, Buddy Miles, Chris Isaac and many other music greats. He created backstage food and went on to cook for many of these artists one on one in their homes, at recording studios, on the road and wherever. Johnny then received a phone call that changed his life forever. Pop Star/Music Icon Michael Jackson had collapsed on stage in the Far East while performing. He was weak due to a poor diet and improper eating habits. Johnny was hired to strengthen and change Michael’s diet. He proceeded to move into Neverland Ranch and created healthy, fun and Inventive foods for Michael and his many celebrity guests. It was truly an experience that will last with Johnny for a lifetime! After improving Michael’s health and re-introducing him to fish and poultry items, Johnny decided it was time to stop representing the interests of others and focus on himself. He acquired a solid reputation as an articulate culinary artist and went on to work with one of the some of he entertainment industry’s biggest names including Willie Nelson, the late Marlon Brando and Gregory Peck, Whitney Houston, Dick Clark, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Mayor Ed Koch, Wayne Brady, Richard Kind, and many other music, sports and political figures.

After the release of his second book, ‘Koncert Kitchen’, Johnny began appearing on top television and radio programs throughout the world. Some of Johnny’s appearances include the Today Show, Regis, Wayne Brady, Donnie and Marie, several Dick Clark Specials, Entertainment Tonight, VH-1, MTV, BBC, RAI and countless network shows throughout the US and the World. To this day he continues to make appearances promoting his appearances, product line, books and charitable ties. More recently Ciao has been traveling throughout the world filming an internet series, where he re-creates dishes indigenous to regions around the globe in his Euro- California style fashion. He also visits cool destinations, and cooks in the oddest of locations with celebrities and musicians. Johnny also contributes much of his time doing benefits, golf tournaments and other appearances for ALS, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Chi Chi’s Kids, CROC Alumni, The First Tee and many other organizations and schools in need. Johnny Ciao performs on harmonica while he prepares food at his Famous Blues and Funk Buffet Events which have sold out at several House of Blues locations, as well as other top venues across the U.S. and abroad. Well-Known Musicians from major groups join Johnny as he presents and prepares a feast of food and music for hundreds of guests.

OUR HISTORY!

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th @ 6pm – 9pm

Photographer Patrick Hilaire’s Powerful “Portraits in Blues” on Exhibit at the ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery, September 12 –

October 5, 2014 Curated by Raleigh Ceasar, Portraits Chronicle Mike Griot’s South Orange

International Blues Festivals of 2010-2013

ORANGE, NJ (August 26, 2014) – Powerful portraits of noted blues performers and their audiences by concert photographer Patrick Hilaire will be exhibited at the ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery in Orange, September 12 through October 5. The exhibit, “Portraits in Blues: Images from Mike Griot’s South Orange International Blues Festival 2010-2013,” curated by Raleigh Ceasar, features stunning images captured by Hilaire during the first three years of the festival (now known as Mike Griot’s Essex County/South Mountain International Blues Festival), which producer Griot inaugurated in 2010 and which has since offered large audiences some of the world’s finest performers in the blues genre. The exhibition’s opening reception will be held on Friday, September 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., with the photographer present to meet gallery-goers. Audiences are also invited to meet Hilaire, Ceasar and Griot in person at a special reception on Saturday, September 27 at 3 p.m. Admission to these events – and to the exhibit during gallery hours – is free and open to the public. The exhibition is presented by Mike Griot and Richard T. Bryant, in association with ValleyArts. All works on exhibit are for sale. Haitian-born Patrick Hilaire is a self-taught photographer whose ability to capture compelling musical moments by great artists has brought him widespread acclaim. “Musical events are the intersection where the rhythm of the performer and photographer get to meet, capturing images everyone can respond to,” he says. As staff photographer from the inception of the South Orange International Blues Festival in 2010, Hilaire was constantly on the scene, visually chronicling the opening years of the festival, including the musicians, fans and moments that contributed to its success. He claims as his inspirations the great French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (“One of my mantras is Bresson’s dictum: ‘Your first 10,000 photos are your worst’,” Hilaire says with a smile) and professional acquaintances such as photographers Jim LaSala, Richard Conde and Chris Drukker. In addition to the South Orange International Blues Festival, Hilaire has photographed South Orange Performing Arts Center’s “Blues and Jazz in the Loft” Series and the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band at the Blue Note NYC, among others. His love of jazz and blues continues as he frequently attends live performances, getting to know the musicians as he watches them work.

Raleigh Ceasar, curator of the Hilaire exhibit, has been active in the contemporary art movement as an artist, art installer and curator since the late 1980s, beginning at The Sculpture Center with Kiki Smith and Tom Friedman, followed by work at The Whitney Museum. During his time at the Whitney, he installed such notables as Bill Viola, Charles Ray and Andrew Wyeth. Later he traveled worldwide and oversaw installations for Louise Bourgeois, while honing his skills in large-scale sculpture installation. He has taken his eye for local talent and curated 20 exhibitions over a five-year period at the Goat Café and Gallery, and has worked with Judy Wukitch at the Pierro Gallery, raising the bar for the emerging art scene happening in South Orange. He has also worked with favorite artists Chakia Booker, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor and Julie Ross. Orange native Mike Griot continues to burnish and build his reputation as “New Jersey’s Music Man.” He crisscrossed the world for several decades as a sought-after bass player in a variety of musical genres, including blues, funk, jazz, gospel and rock. Currently, Griot is in as much demand as an arts leader and producer as he is a performer. In 2010, he took time out from international touring and set out to create the South Orange International Blues Festival (now known as the Essex County/South Mountain International Blues Festival). When asked why a blues festival, he responded, “Created through the African-American experience, the blues is integral to who and what we are as a nation. It’s America’s classical music.” Griot also plays a central role in the ValleyArts Hat City Streets Festival, serving as its mainstage producer as well as providing production and engineering services for the entire festival. His producing work is also seen weekly in the Village of South Orange Wednesday Night Summer Concert Series and at various venues around the region, including South Orange Performing Arts Center’s “Jazz and Blues in the Loft” Series. (http://mikegriot.com) “Portraits in Blues” can be viewed through October 5 during regular gallery hours for the main gallery exhibition, “Transformed: Looking at the Age of Edison Through the Witness Trees of Glenmont.” Firehouse Gallery hours are Thursdays 5-7:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 1-4 p.m., and by appointment. Admission is free. The ValleyArts Firehouse Gallery is located at 580 Forest Street, Orange, NJ. For more information: www.valleyartsnj.com THE VALLEYARTS FIREHOUSE GALLERY AND VALLEYARTS INC. Founded in December 2012 by ValleyArts Executive Director Richard T. Bryant, the Firehouse Gallery is the contemporary visual-arts anchor of the Valley Arts District, which has quickly emerged as one of New Jersey’s top creative places. The 15-square-block district, located around the NJ Transit’s Highland Avenue Station, is home to Luna Stage Theatre Company, Arts Unbound, ORNG Ink, Hat City Kitchen, Garden State Urban Farms, Ironworks Community Artist Center, and a growing number of individual artists and creative entrepreneurs. ValleyArts is closely allied with HANDS, Inc., the

nonprofit organization that combines strategic real estate investment and community organizing to revitalize communities.

IN MEMORIUM: Avery Thompson

Shortly after Avery’s death, February 12, 2014, my brother Josh said to me, “Avery was a Renaissance Child, and we can all be like him.”

The first part of this sentence made complete sense to me. Avery, though he died at 17, had already become an accomplished impressionist, comedian, singer, songwriter and filmmaker. His talents were lauded by Jamie Foxx and other giants in the entertainment industry. But he had even more accomplishments – he could dunk a basketball, learn a language in weeks, and make friends anywhere he went. That, to me, is a Renaissance Child.

But the second part of Josh’s sentence – We can all be like him – confused me. I, for one, can’t do imitations, sing, or dunk, so how could I be like Avery? Josh went on to explain, “He accomplished so much because he worked hard. He learned how to learn, and he studied constantly. He reached out to others for advice and took what they said seriously. Maybe we don’t have all of his talents, but we can all develop his skills of focus and persistence. That’s why I want to start the ‘Avery Thompson Renaissance Child Initiative.’”

Since that conversation, when I think of Avery, I remember him at work, perfecting his skills. I remember him taking over my house to film, “New Jersey Dreams,” attending to every detail and putting every bit of energy he had into realizing his vision. These memories inspire me to work hard, to reach out for help, and to keep dreaming big. When the odds are against me, I remember Avery, and I think, “I can be like Avery, a Renaissance Child.”

Mindy Fullilove, MD