Local Blues Institution JJ's Blues Launches Inaugural San Jose Blues Week

Local Blues Institution JJ's Blues Launches Inaugural San Jose Blues Week

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- JJ's Blues (JJ's), Bay Area Blues Society 2006 award winner for Best Blues Club, is proud to participate in the kick-off of the first annual San Jose Blues Week, which starts on Tuesday, May 9th, and continues through Saturday, May 13, 2006. The Associated Students of San Jose State University, and the City of San Jose, are launching this event to recognize the 26-year history of the Metro Fountain Blues Festival on Saturday, May 13th, created by the Associated Students of San Jose State, and the musicians, club owners and fans that comprise the San Jose Blues scene. This inaugural event honors Gary Smith, considered by many to be a key initiator and supporter of Blues music in San Jose. He will be participating in a round table discussion with KSJS's Chef Ramon which will be simulcast live Wednesday, May 10th from 6-10 p.m. in the Hal Todd Theatre in Hugh Gillis Hall adjacent to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

"The Blues is a recognized national treasure," said Johnnie Perkins, owner of JJ's. "It is infused within many popular genres of music and has influenced musicians worldwide, albeit under appreciated in it's own right. JJ's is pleased to be able to offer a San Jose venue for both established and up-and-coming Blue's performers to continue this generations-old heartfelt music."

Rene Solis, a stalwart of the local Blues scene, will host a Guitar Extravaganza at the kick-off on May 9th at JJ's featuring local and international Blues musicians. Nitecry -- a veteran band from JJ's inception 20 years ago, Laura Chavez -- recent winner of the Guitar Center "King of the Blues" contest (make that "Queen"), Max Cabello Jr. -- soon to open for Lenny Kravitz, and other local talent will perform, in addition to special guests. Headliners throughout the Blues Week include; Woodleg Odds on Thursday, May 11 -- an internationally touring Norwegian blues band bringing a crew for a video documentary, Shane Dwight on Friday, May 12 -- celebrating a new CD release, and Swingshift on Saturday, May 13 -- a local favorite. All headliners' performances begin at 9:00 p.m. Cover charge on Friday is $15.00 and Saturday is $12.00.

Please visit JJ's Blues website for more details: www.jjsblues.net. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the shows, admission is at the door is on a first-come basis. For events at San Jose State University contact ramonjohnson@yahoo.com.

Source: JJ's Blues

CONTACT: Jo Minola, +1-510-996-8549, or Johnnie Perkins,
+1-408-391-1477, both of JJ's Blues

Web site: http://www.jjsblues.net/

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