National blues recording artists Popa Cubby and Joanne Shaw Taylor will headline Gateway-Longview’s 6th Annual BBQ & Blues Bash on Friday, June 20, 2014 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The acts are being offered through Buffalo Iron Works.
The blues concert and barbecue food fest will take place rain or shine on Mississippi Street in the Cobblestone Historic District, near First Niagara Center. Attendees will enjoy live, outdoor entertainment from national blues recording artists, as well as barbecue food from local restaurants, including Dinosaur BBQ and Big Belly BBQ. The official after-party will be hosted at nearby Buffalo Iron Works at 49 Illinois Street.
Tickets are on sale now for $25 presale or $30 at the event. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online, in person at Buffalo Iron Works, or through Buffalo Iron Works’ website. Sponsorship packages are available and all proceeds will benefit Gateway-Longview. The agency’s goal is to raise over $100,000 to support its 18 program and services for children and families in Western New York.
Popa Chubby is an electric blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist that describes his music as hardswinging 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.
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. For more information about Gateway-Longview, please visit http://www.gateway-longview.org/.