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Blues Deacons

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While the recent closing of the Embassy was a huge letdown to both blues artists and fans in CU, these five acts look to keep the tradition alive after having a standout 2008.

Blues Deacons

Check Out: “Blues n’ Brews” at http://www.bluesdeacons.com/sounds.html

Bruiser and the Virtues

In 2008: “Highlights [of the year] were playing music in CU to crowds that dig original music and support bands who do off-kilter yet traditional music. This town has a huge pool of talented, experienced musicians who don’t always get press and acknowledgment, but they are here, and they play out, and some folks really get what a blessing they are to this town and support them with attendance and encouragement.” — Bruiser Rummenie

In 2009: “2009 for me, includes recording some songs with my keyboardist/producer Neal Robinson (Rocky Maffit producer); fresh, new, world beat-influenced blues. Neal is producing some original tunes of mine (that are decidedly old school), and we hope the collaboration is hip, happening and yet reverential to our influences. We’re also looking forward to playing a street dance in the summer, a Swing Society dance in April, Hubers and Bentley’s. In sum, continuing to play the music we love, with people we love, to people who love and appreciate our brand of jazz and jump blues ...” — Bruiser Rummenie

Candy Foster and Shades of Blue

Check Out: “Let’s Stay Together” at http://www.candyfoster.com/themusic.html

The Impalas

In 2008: “As far as 2008, the band (Bruiser Rummenie, Andre Mossotti and I) continued to book and play gigs with a revolving cast of wicked drummers. The highlights for me are the fact that I get to play gigs with such talented people for whom I happen to have a great deal of love and respect.” — Dawna Nelson

In 2009: “I’m hoping that Bruiser, Andre and I will get our feces amalgamated enough to get a decent live recording of the band. We were hoping to do this at the Embassy since the band always sounded great in that room, but sad to say, the Embassy is no more. So, let that be a lesson in procrastination, kiddies ...

The Impalas are playing this year’s Urbana Blues Fest (on June 27), and it’s always a lot of fun to play a big outdoor stage with a big p.a. I’d also like to do an Impalas gig with Kathy Harden this year. (Kathy subs Impalas gigs for me when I’m unavailable.) Something to strive for in ’09: Kathy and Dawna, tag-teaming the Impalas for a night ... Mothers, lock up your sons.” — Dawna Nelson

Kilborn Alley

Check Out: “I’ve Seen Crazier Things” at http://www.myspace.com/thekilbornalleybluesband