Gateway-Longview’s 6th annual BBQ & Blues Bash is attracting a crowd from both near and far. The fundraiser’s blues headliners, Popa Chubby and Joanne Shaw Taylor, have drawn interest from concert goers as far away as Rhode Island, Southern Ontario, and even Las Vegas.
“We’ve had calls from fans of both of these artists inquiring about the city, the best place to stay, and other local attractions,” said Catharine Miles-Kania, Vice President of Organization Advancement for the Gateway-Longview Foundation.
Gateway-Longview is a not-for-profit child and family service agency that has been providing care, counseling, and support to countless children and families since 1890. It currently serves approximately 3,400 children from across Western and Central New York every day through its 18 separate support programs.
The blues concert and barbecue food fest will take place Friday, June 20th on Mississippi Street in Buffalo’s Historic Cobblestone District from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit the children and families of Gateway-Longview.
Attendees will enjoy live blues music, barbecue food from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, and Big Belly BBQ, desserts by Fairy Cakes Cupcakery, and beverages from Try-It Distributing. The official after-party will be hosted at nearby Buffalo Iron Works at 49 Illinois Street in Buffalo. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register to win a weekend test drive of a Mini Cooper while their car is detailed by Towne Automotive.
Tickets are on sale now for $25 presale or $30 at the event. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at www.BBQBluesBash.com or in person at Buffalo Iron Works. Ticket price includes entertainment, beverages, and secure parking. Food tickets are sold separately at the event.
Popa Chubby is an electric blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist that describes his music as hard-swinging blues rock. A native of Bronx, NY, Popa Chubby first came to public attention after winning a national blues talent search. In 1992, he won the New Artist of the Year award and as a result was chosen as the opening act at the Long Beach Blues Festival. His Sony debut was produced by Atlantic Records engineer/producer Tom Dowd, who worked on recordings for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Wilson Pickett.
Joanne Shaw Taylor was born and raised in the Black Country region of England. She was originally discovered by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart as a 16 year old guitar prodigy. Joanne was voted “Best British Female Vocalist” at the British Blues Awards in 2010 and 2011 and is now one of the hottest young names on the British Blues circuit. She is admired and respected by many leading blues guitarists, including Joe Bonamassa.