Blues on the Bluff
WEVL Fundraiser
For this year’s second Blues on the Bluff fundraiser, Leanne Drummond said it best. “What’s better than having a plate of barbecue sitting on the bluffs listening to the blues on a hot summer night?”
That’s just what hundreds of folks came out to do on August 18 for WEVL FM 89.9’s 19th annual summer concert fundraiser at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Rain threatened to drown out the event, but the evening’s only shower passed quickly and early. And luckily, it actually cooled down the air. “The weather turned out to be a blessing,” said Brian Craig, WEVL program director. “I’m thrilled about it,” said Judy Dorsey, WEVL station manager. Even the guests were excited. “Last time was much stickier. This is perfect,” said Boris Kort-Packard.
People relaxed in lawn chairs and watched the sun set behind an ornate pavilion as the event kicked off with Last Chance Jug Band, featuring University of Memphis professor and WEVL programmer David Evans, WEVL programmer Dick Raichelson, Clint Wagner, Elmo Lee Thomas and Keith Padgett.
The Daddy Mack Blues Band took the stage second, delivering authentic tunes as guests got their fill of Central BBQ’s barbecue pork sandwiches and nachos, barbecue portobella mushroom sandwiches, turkey legs and cool watermelon.
Blind Mississippi Morris and the Pocket Rockets went on at 10 pm to round out the evening. As Blind Mississippi Morris belted out the blues, dozens of folks popped out of their seats and shook their stuff until the end of the night. “Blind Mississippi Morris and Daddy Mack are the best. If you’re a blues fan, you oughta come,” said Jacque McDonald.
Several WEVL volunteers were on hand to help out or just enjoy the fun, including “High Fidelity” DJ Doug Golonka and “Bluff City Barn Dance” DJ Jim Lillard. The event was even part of a Lillard family reunion, with Steve and Julia Roberts, Margaret Lillard, Barbara Lillard, Donna Migliaccio, Chris Roberts, Eric Cameron, Joan Lillard and John Lillard coming from as far away as California and New Hampshire. WEVL DJ Dee “Cap’n Pete” Henderson and other WEVL programmers emceed the night and awarded raffle prizes.
Also attending the event were Vickie and Mike McBride, Brian and Justin Roberts, Keith Martin, Mike Rudd, the Sehnert family, Rebecca and Peter Pollard, Matt Holladay, Justin Dill, Jennie Ferguson, Lauren Crosby, Clark Province, Katie Thompson and Theresa Green.
