10:30 am
Rick Franklin & the Delta Blues Boys
Rick Franklin is joined by bass player Tom Cox and percussionst Rick Usilton in a rollicking performance of Piedmont and Hokum blues. Rick Franklin brings a big dose of humor to this boisterous mix of Piedmont, 1920's and 1930's blues, and ragtime music. For the past 23 years, Franklin has been playing and singing the Blues at local festivals and community events, as well as various clubs and cafes, both in and around the Washington, DC, area. In addition to the Blues, Franklin is an aficionado of everything from African High Life, Brazilian Batucada and Samba to Reggae and Zydeco; musical idioms which, like the Blues, reflect the considerable contribution of the African heritage to the musical scene. Franklin's musical style of blues is known as the "Piedmont" style. Tom Cox is a sought-after bass player who performs regularly with groups including the Shackbreakers and Barrelhouse Brawl. Rick Usilton's percussion adds a musical voice to the trio's unique sound. Rick Franklin's recording with Mike Baytop, "Searching for Frank," was nominated for a 2007 Wammie as best blues recording by the Washington Area Music Association.
Contact: rick.franklin@onebox.com
Website: www.hokumblues.com

1:00 pm
Reverb
A capella group Reverb's seven members, whose ages range across several decades, bring joyful energy to their gospel, R&B, and inspirational tunes. Reverb, short for reverberation or echo, has been a frequent WAMMIE nominee, including in 2007, and won the award for best gospel-inspirational harmony group in 1995. Reverb shared the stage with Nona Hendryx as they performed at an Inaugural Ball for President Clinton in 1993. In May 1997, the group opened for A&M recording artist Ann Nesby, known for her vocals with The Sounds of Blackness. In that same month, the group performed five concerts as Artists-in-Residence at Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.The group has appeared on Black Entertainment Television, Fox Morning News and on numerous other television and radio programs Award as the best gospel-inspirational harmony group. In April 2004, the singers released "The Mission Statement," their first full-length CD.
Contact: langsong@aol.com
Website: www.reverbmusic.com