Tinsley Ellis at Terra Fermata

April 15, 2017

Terra Fermata
Stuart, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

It's indeed a thrill when Tinsley Ellis embarks on a short tour of his native Florida, and when one of his stops is at Terra Fermata, it's even better. Backed by bassist Jonathan Holland and drummer Erik Kaszynski, the bluesman wowed the packed house with his ultra-smooth guitar licks and seasoned songwriting skills. He has an uncanny way of making eye contact with the audience that is rare in most musicians but quite appealing. The 100-minute set was over in the blink of an eye and was chock full of Ellis originals and a few covers. Fans were treated to three guitar appearances in the evening rotation: a 1967 Gibson ES-345 (affectionately named "Big Dog"), a 1959 Rosewood Fender Stratocaster and a 1982 Gibson Moderne reissue used for slide, and oh, how he made them sing!

A Weekend with the Bruce Katz Band

February 25th and 26th
By Michael Yanko and Michelle Wilson

Some bands are so good that you just cannot get enough of them, and for us, the Bruce Katz Band is definitely one of them! With keys master Bruce Katz tickling the ivories, Chris Vitarello playing ultra clean guitar licks and belting out strong, smooth vocals, and Ray Hangen banging out precise drum beats, this power blues/rock/jazz trio thrilled the crowds everywhere we went. Katz (Blues Hall of Fame Inductee 2013) has performed with the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman, John Hammond, Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters and Delbert McClinton, to name a few. In addition to playing with Katz, Vitarello (Blues Hall of Fame Inductee 2013) also has collaborated with the late Jimmy McGriff, Tad Robinson and Floyd Miles, in addition to many others, and is a member of the Chris O’Leary Band. Hangen (2010 Buffalo Music Award for Best Blues Drummer) has played with The Blues Hounds and Brandon Santini.