Bethany Blues managing partner Kevin Roberts and jazz producer Sydney Arzt are kicking off their Sydney’s Music Revival with the extraordinary blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Clarence Spady, who will perform at 9 p.m. on Jan. 8 at Bethany Blues, in Lewes.
Returning to the beach for the first time in three years to inaugurate the jazz and blues live music revival, Clarence Spady’s distinctive vocals and fretwork, influenced by such greats as BB King, George Benson and Jimi Hendrix, will be backed up by the skillful musicianship of members of the Elwood Bishop Band.
With his debut release, “Nature of the Beast,” critics acknowledged Spady as a force in the blues world and Living Blues magazine named him one of the “top 40 under 40” blues players to watch. Spady’s most recent release, “Just Between Us,” has been lauded as soulful, with an after- dark feel and moving, crowd-pleasing blues numbers that cry out to be performed live on a club stage.
A Rehoboth Beach resident involved in local restaurant and nightclub businesses for more than a decade, Roberts’ is providing a monthly venue for people who love live jazz and blues. For 20 years Arzt, a founder of the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival, operated Rehoboth’s premier jazz and blues venue in the restaurant that carried her name and was recognized as one of the top 100 nightclubs in the country by Jazz Times magazine.
“I believe this area lost something special in music when Sydney shut her doors in 2006,” Roberts said. “We’re committed to reestablishing the music scene and bringing this back to the community. So many people keep saying they wish Sydney’s was back – now part of it is!”
Renowned musicians will perform the second Friday of each month through April. Vibraphonist Joe Baione will take the stage with his quintet on Feb. 12 and horn-driven Shore Jazz will perform on March 12. Sultry jazz vocalist Peggy Raley will perform April 9. Additionally, Rockin’ Jake of New Orleans will appear Feb. 26 for a special fundraiser for Delaware Charitable Music, Inc. to support music concerts and clinics in Delaware schools.
For more information about Clarence Spady visit his online site at www.myspace.com/clarencespadyband. For more information about the Sydney’s Music Revival at Bethany Blues call 644-2500 or visit www.lewes.bethanyblues.com.
