Tonight, Tom paved the way for us to finish recording our first CD.  Tom has become the executive producer of the album, Give Me A Job which we have been working on this past year.   This kind of thing doesn't happen everyday, in fact, I can think of only 2 other times in my life that someone has decided they believe so much in what I do that they want to invest in making it happen.   I feel so flattered, grateful and inspired to get it done.

Steve

So, we made it to the finals of BLUSD's International Blues Challenge and performed at the Belly-Up Tavern.  Our competition was Charles Burton Band, Jinx Kings, 145th Street, and Smokin Knights.   Again, we got overwhelming response to our originals, especially "Biscuits and Gravy"   and "Give Me a Job."   Even though we didn't take the title, it was a pleasure to participate and we gained new fans in the process.   Thanks to all of you who showed up to cheer us on and follow us over to the House of Blues for our regular Saturday Night gig.   And congrats to our good friend, Karl Cabbage, and his band Smokin Knights who took the prize.  We wish you all the best of luck in Memphis! 

 A lot of great things have been happening with Burnsville Band.

We have been recording our first CD and it is near completion.  The title track, Give Me A Job is getting a lot of attention.    It's another of Joe Bernal's catchy tunes that really taps into what's happening now with our economy, the government buy-outs, Obama and the way people feel about it.   And the fans love it. 

Yesterday, Burnsville Band played to an incredible crowd at the Adam's Ave Street Fair (the largest free music festival in Southern California).  It was so friggin hot out there, but people were dancing to our music, especially Give Me A Job and Maybe Later (another of Joe's originals).   Someone was even taken away on a stretcher 'cause it was so burning hot, but everyone just kept on grooving.   It was one of the best shows we've ever done and makes us want more.   And the fans....cannot say enough thanks to all the family, friends, and fans that showed up and help us Bring It...and also the new fans we gained that bought all of our shirts!   Thanks to you all, you are why we do this.   

So, we made the finals of the local International Blues Challenge and we'll be competing for the crown on Saturday, Oct. 3rd at the Belly Up Tavern.   This is a show that is not to be missed.   We'll be competing against 4 other top-notch blues bands including 145th Street, Charles Burton Band, Jinx Kings, and Smokin Knights.   The winner will get an expense-paid trip to Memphis to compete in the worldwide International Blues Challenge.  

And that reminds me, last night Give Me A Job was played on the radio on Jazz 88 as Michael Kinsman, president of BLUSD, came on T's Every Shade of Blue show to promote the IBC.  He played one song from each of the contenders.  And hearing our original, on the radio for the first time was another one of those surreal moments that was cool to share with my wife, Nelly.  

How do you like the new music tracks?  We just have to spread the word about BJ Morgan who recorded our Humphrey's show in February.  Plus, he took a bunch of great pics - see Humphrey's Mar 2009.  We've had other great photographers too, but it's worth mentioning that you get a recording and a bunch of digital pics for one reasonable price.   He does this as a favor to bands to help them out and he knows what bands need as he moonlights as a drummer.  We heard about him from Three Chord Justice and they were right.  BJ came out to Humphrey's and patched into the sound board with his Mac and recorded our live show plus took a bunch of digital pics.  The next morning, we had all the digital pics by email.  And within a week or so we had the raw tracks and 2 songs that he had mixed.  If you are interested, email BJ and tell him that we sent you. 

We all had a fabulous time at the Downtown Cafe on March 14th.  If you'd like to see some pictures from that night go to our photo gallery. You can check out all the Burnsville Bros including Joe Bernal, Dave Seely, Michael McGinty, Joey Hagar (our new drummer), and birthday-boy Steve Burns in the pimp-daddy jacket. 

Plus we had a number of special guests sit in.   You heard Marina Inserra, Budd Willis, Debroah Blake and the very incredible Michele Lundeen who led us all in "Mojo Workin." That was so much fun.  I hope that you check them out and catch their next performances. Also, Michele has a terrific CD called "Song Inside Me" with all original blues material. I love it and you will too. 

Budd Willis, who got up to play harmonica for us, is well known for the Harp Fest that he helps organize, tirelessly, each year in La Mesa. This year is the 10th Annual Spring Harp Fest which will be on Sat, April 11th. Steve and I are going to be there at the BLUSD table.  The Harp Fest is a free, all-ages fun event that is held at the beautiful Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa from 11- 6 pm. Don't miss it. 

Thanks again for all your enthusiasm and for bringing out so many people with you. It was such a success that the Downtown Cafe has asked Burnsville Blues back for many more Saturday evening dates in the upcoming months all thanks to your support. Hope to see you again soon.

Keep on supporting the blues,

Nelly Burns
 

Well, we had a great time last night at the House of Blues.  It was a long night as we had an additional set for Mardi Gras plus we were coming off of a 5-day in-a-row run of gigs.  But even though we should have been dragging our feet, we had a great turnout of old friends and fans and so the band was on fire!  

We also had a surprise singer, the beautiful and talented Marina Inserra, she has sat-in with us before.  Marina sang a couple Susan Tedeschi tunes "Just Won't Burn" and "Lttle By Little" and she was fantastic.





Marina was incredible and it made for a great night.  Who knows, she'll be back.   If you'd like to see more pics from this night, go to our photo gallery.


 
SB