CIIcanoe...: Reverend Raven

On Saturday, 07-31-10, I went to Wilebski’s Blue Saloon in St. Paul to listen to some blues. It has been over 20 years since I was last there, but it has been closed since around 1990. Ted Wilebski opened it up again at the beginning of this year.

Tonight’s blues band was Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys. I called Ted Wilebski earlier in the afternoon to get permission to bring my camera.

Tonight’s performance was going to be the last one at this venue at the corner of Western Avenue and Thomas Ave. This upstairs establishment has a lot of character and history to it. Ted is moving to another venue on Rice Street, not too far away. I don’t remember the address, but when I find it out I’ll post it.

Reverend Raven put on an excellent performance. During the evening he had some local friends, Mickey Bauer and Harold Tremblay (harp) of Cool Disposition, along with Willie Walker come up and join him during the evening. If you get a chance to see Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin'Alter Boys in person, go see them. You’ll also enjoy the excellent sax playing. I know they will be up in Duluth at the Bayport Blues Festival.

I posted the photos to document the last performance at the old building. I hope you enjoy them.

Sorry Reverend that I didn’t have any lights for a photo shoot afterwards. Maybe next time!. I’ll be prepared! I learned a lesson tonight. Always, always carry your speedlights/modifiers with you or in your vehicle. Many times I will have a speedlight with me, but since it was a bar I didn’t have a backpack. I just had a padded case for my 70-200 mm lens with me.

I just might have to go and see the Laurie Morvan Band this coming week-end at Ted’s new location.

Thanks Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys for putting on an awesome performance!!!

Remember, you can click on a photo to enlarge it.