BELLOWS FALLS — Stone Church Arts presents award-winning Mississippi soul and blues man Johnny Rawls, with the Dave Keller Band opening, at Immanuel Episcopal Church, 20 Church St., on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Rawls will be bringing his unique brand of sexy, funky soul music, transforming the church into a sweat-soaked juke joint party. Opening for Rawls is The Dave Keller Band, who recently won the 2012 award for Best Self-Produced CD at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
A soul singer and guitarist, Rawls is widely considered one of the finest old school soul musicians touring today. His CD Ace of Spades won Best Soul Recording at the 2011 Blues Music Awards, and his previous CD Red Cadillac reached No. 1 on the Living Blues radio charts. He is a veteran of some of the finest soul bands of all time, including those of Joe Tex, Little Johnny Taylor, The Sweet Inspirations, and the legendary O.V. Wright.
Originally from Purvis, Miss., Rawls began performing professionally while still in high school, backing up touring soul and blues artists on the “Chitlin Circuit” throughout the deep South. In the late 1970s, he led the band of soul singer O.V. Wright, whom many critics consider one of the genre's absolute finest. Robert Cray is always quick to cite Wright as a major influence.
Rawls has led his own band since 1985, and has released a dozen CDs for labels, including JSP, Rooster, Catfood, and his own imprint, Deep Soul. In addition to being a charismatic live performer, Rawls has earned numerous accolades and awards for his work as a producer and songwriter for other artists.
The Dave Keller Band will be opening the evening with a short set. Keller has co-written and recorded with legendary guitarist Ronnie Earl, is a protege of deep soul singer Mighty Sam McClain, and tours regularly with Johnny Rawls. He is based in Montpelier, and is known for his gritty guitar playing and intense yet sweet soul singing.
This is an all ages show. Tickets for adults are $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets for seniors, students, and children under age 12 are $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets available online at www.brattleborotix.com, or at Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, Brattleboro Books on Elliot Street, Toadstool Books in Keene, N.H., and Misty Valley Books in Chester.
For more information, call Stone Church Arts at 802-463-3100 or visit www.immanuelepiscopal.org. Also visit www.johnnyrawlsblues.com and www.davekeller.com.