Gino Matteo
I love my Pasadena neighborhood, but if someone asked what I would like to add if I could have anything I wanted, it would be live blues within walking distance.
By Carol Edger Germain
Well, my dream came true! Cadillac Zack, purveyor of blues shows extraordinaire (he also does weekly blues shoes in Long Beach and Tarzana, as well as producing the Topanga Canyon Blues Festival, which is May 2 this year) has blessed our city with his first class blues shows every Saturday night at Big Mama’s Rib Shack, and specials on Cajun and soul food dinners as an added perk. I’ve been there the last two Saturdays to hear top blues bands – Arthur Adams 3/7 and Studebaker John 3/14, and plan to go as many Saturday nights as I can. Arthur Adams, at age 72, played with the energy of a 25-year-old, two solid hours of solid musical entertainment, and we were only 20 feet away. I was in heaven. Studebaker John and his band followed up on 3/14, with Jeff Ross sitting in for a few numbers on guitar. We sat in the front row for that performance, sharing a table with some friendly, interesting folks.
You get two sets, an hour each, friendly atmosphere, good food, good sound, and great music. Whether you’ve got the blues or are as happy as a clam, guaranteed you’ll leave smiling and happy at the end of the evening. The restaurant has a special menu for the blues events – cornbread, salad, choice of entree (various pork dishes, fried chicken, or seafood) and two sides for $15.
Free parking on the side streets. 3/21 it’s Gino Matteo and 3/28 it’s Chris Cain. Check out their websites to hear their music – ginomatteo.com and chriscainmusic.com). Tickets are $10, $20, or $50, and can be purchased here.
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