What could possibly be better than award-winning brews , alcoholic slushies - special beer cocktails , non-alcoholic home-made sodas , and hard seltzers - all combined with a rockin' blues band ? Welcome to the monthly sessions sponsored by the North Jersey Blues Society and given a monthly home by our friends at the popular Montclair Brewery in Montclair , New Jersey.
The Powertones blew the roof off the brewery on Sunday , February 18 , with a raucous mix of classic rock , jumpin' blues , butt-shakin' rhythm and blues , and several second-line rousers setting the stage for Mardis Gras time with Fat Tuesday (February 21 ) right around the corner on Bourbon Street . The packed house at the Montclair Brewery shouted out requests which the band happily performed and The Powertones surprised everyone with a wide range of music that spanned decades . Hey , if you don't like one number just wait - chug your beer , enjoy the music - they will play something for you in no time at all !!
The Montclair Brewery was packed and folks lined the bar waiting for their flights and one of the 22 brews on tap . We watched as folks carried multiple glasses of beers through the maze of tables and frenzied fans , much like the trapeze artist on the high-wire act . Would the beers make it to their destinations ? Quite a feat of daring engineering on Sunday night to be sure! Impressive to say the least ! As the band performed their originals throughout their exciting setlist the crowd danced , clapped , and cheered with wild excitement! This was a party!! The Powertones took a short break and came back for even more fun - a performance that lasted almost 2 hours!! Great music from a truly outstanding New Jersey band !
For those who were there Sunday night there were surprises in store - special guests dropped in to perform as part of The Powertones line-up Sunday afternoon and evening : Warren Grant on drums - Warren is currently the drummer for Albert Cummings . He has performed with folks like Susan Tedeschi , Shemekia Copeland , James Armstrong , and Katie Henry to name a few . Amazing !! For more information, check out Warren's website
Ed Alstrom rocked the 88's all night long . Ed likes to " just cut loose and blow " . His romping , stomping , soulful playing was a real treat for everyone . Ed realized a childhood dream in 2004 when he was asked to be the weekend (Sat. / Sun.) Organist at Yankee Stadium . Since September , 2016 Ed can be heard at most Sunday morning services at 10 a. m. as the Musical Director / Organist at central Presbyterian Church in Montclair , NJ . Ed also plays at area venues like Ruthies BBQ - check him out at edalstrom.com.
With Gladys Bryant on bass , and her soulful vocals ,accompanying Mike Post on guitar and vocals , this dynamic duo tore it up at the " Blues and Brews " . Add the special ingredients of Ed and Warren and this was an unforgettable afternoon and evening of music that will not soon be forgotten.
The Powertones self-released EP - " Layin' It Down " - is now available.
BLUES and BREWS - Coming up - March 19 - Montclair Brewery - Dave Keyes