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Born of a tradition of the rich musical heritage of south Louisiana, the South Louisiana Blues Revue is a group of musicians who are dedicated to the blues. For over a decade, Ronnie Vice and friends have been bringing the blues to fans throughout the area. While many of the members have their own bands, the South Louisiana Blues Revue is a labor of love for them, and the SLBR hosts open blues jams in Acadiana.
A bit of history: Bluesman Ronnie Vice ran a successful blues jam for over 7 years at Bob's Pub in Lafayette before going on the road for the next 6 years with the Calico Cats. 2006 brought a desire for change, and a deep desire to get back to the blues. So at the end of that year, Ronnie Vice and bandmate Jamie Kelly chose to move in a well-loved direction, and began hosting the blues jams again at Bob's Pub.
"The Blues is back at Bob's!" What a great way to kick of 2007. Musician friends were delighted, as were fans. Old familiar faces were back at the jam - along with the addition of new players also drawn to the blues.
There's a core group of musicians and regulars who rotate in and out over the weeks and months as schedules permit. Each blues jam is hosted by a "host band" who plays the first set. After that, anything can happen....and it usually does! Musicians who have showed up to jam are called up. Sometimes old friends play together, and sometimes a whole group of musicians who've never played together before are on the bandstand, naming songs and keys and counting off tempos. While blues
jams throughout the country may vary in format, the SLBR uses a "list" - musicians, sign the list, name your axe(s), and for the most part, you're called in the order in which you signed in.
Players of varying skill levels work together, and the music takes control. Very often players will go beyond their usual skills, caught up in the music and the magic of the jam. Of course, you never know what will happen - after all, it's a jam. But for the most part, the crowd is surprised that "they aren't like, a regular band?"
A unique thing about the SLBR is that "membership" is flexible and open. Want to be a part of it? Show up at the blues jams. Bring your instrument, a love of the blues, and a willingness to be a team player and an openness to maybe learn something new, or be of help to a new player.
If you're "just traveling through" south Louisiana, feel free to come by one of our jams, sign the list, and join us for an evening. We love welcoming musicians from all over, and have had the pleasure of playing with musicians from all over the world at the jams. After all, music is the universal language - and there's nothing like Cajun hospitality.
The South Lousiana Blues Revue is also available to play for festivals, fundraisers, clubs, etc. We have plenty of musical resources!
