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Blues Time with Bill Wax

Bill Wax on the Blues

For those who are unfamiliar with me, I was the Program Director and Host of Bluesville on XM Satellite Radio.  The channel was renamed B.B. King’s Bluesville in 2008.  I managed the channel from its inception until 2013, when I retired.  I also have over 35 years of experience in non-commercial radio, both as a host on various Blues and Rhythm and Blues shows and as Program Director at two stations: KOPN in Columbia, MO, and KBOO in Portland, OR. 

  

I never thought much about writing until they reached out to me about working on Roaming The Arts.  They were quite convincing, and I loved the concept for the website.  So here I am. I hope to promote contemporary blues musicians, as well as recognize those who have already left the stage.

Watch Bill tell his story on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin ( from Capital Area Blues Society – Lansing, Michigan)

There are two men in the music I want to highlight in our first post.

 

The first is David Earl, founder and owner of Severn Records, a label located near Annapolis, MD.  David passed on September 7, 2025, at the age of 57.  I first met David in the early to mid-1990s, when he started showing up at open mics with his guitar and eventually played in a couple of DC/Baltimore Blues bands.  In 1997, David began Echo Records and changed its name to Severn Records in 1998. The catch phrase for the label was ‘Roots Music for the 21st Century, and that is just what his label became.  His first three releases were Darrell Nulisch’s “The Whole Truth”, Big Joe Maher’s “I’m Still Swinging”, and Benjie Porecki’s “Servin’ It Up”.  His label has since issued over 60 discs.  Some of the artist who have recorded for Severn, an incredible roster, include:  Steve Guyger, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Lou Pride, Mike Morgan and the Crawl, Tad Robinson, Jimmy Earl, Kim Clark Organ Trio, Ola Dixon, Roy Gaines, Louisiana Red, J Street Jumpers, Nora Jean Burso, Roy Carrier, Bruce Katz, Alex Schultz, Buck Hill, Clarence Spady, Charles Wilson, Johnny Moeller, Mud Morganfield, The Nighthawks, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bryan Lee, and Ursula Ricks.  Below is a starter list of some of my favorite tunes from Severn’s catalogue: 

 

Roy Gaines – Hind Ends and Elbows

Darrell Nulisch -Leaving On the Morning Train

Clarence Spady – Just Between Us

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones – The Last Words of a Fool

Tad Robinson – Broken Hearted Man

Mud Morganfield/Kim Wilson – I Love the Life I Live

Ursula Ricks – My Street

The Nighthawks – Damn Good Time

Big Joe and the Dynaflows – How Come People Act Like That?

Steve Guyger – I’m Shakin’

 

Happy 100th Birthday B.B. King – September 16, 2025 (click link for a welcome rememberence)

 

The second musician I want to highlight is Sherman Holmes, the last man standing from the Holmes Brothers Band.  They were a roots blues music group that was active between 1975 and 2015.  They recorded 11 discs and won two Blues Music Awards.   Sherman turned 86 on September 29, 2025.  One of the most rewarding benefits of doing a radio show is that you never know who is listening.  Sherman’s cousin is a fan of my radio show on WPFW.  He heard me announce that I was going to play several tunes featuring Sherman and contacted Sherman so he could listen.  I, of course, was both honored and touched that Sherman might be listening.  I was also a bit intimidated that he might be listening.  After the show, I got a note to call Pinky Sherman, who lives with Sherman. They called to thank me for playing the tunes and remembering Sherman and the Holmes Brothers.  It made my week, and when Pinky told me Sherman was smiling, well, that makes it all worthwhile. Below is a starter list of some of the songs that Sherman sings lead on with the Holmes Brothers or from his solo disc called “The Richmond Sessions”:

 

Sherman Holmes/Joan Osborne – Dark End of the Street

Holmes Brothers – There’s A Train

Holmes Brothers – Promised Land

Holmes Brothers – If I Needed You

Holmes Brothers – If I Had a Boat

Sherman Holmes – I Want Jesus

Holmes Brothers – Something Is Missing

 

Thanks for reading and listening.

 

More About Bill

Search for Bill’s on air shows at: “Roots and Fruits” on WPFW 

Click here for posts of Roaming the Arts’ collection of Blues artists.

 

 

Why & How You Should Support Artists During COVID

 

It’s time to support artists

The music industry and local musical artists have had to navigate their careers differently since the Covid-19 lockdown. It’s very important for us as consumers to continue to support our favorite music artists, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. People throughout the United States are struggling during this time. Millions of people are unemployed and are unable to return to work. Thousands of businesses have shut down and even music artists are having trouble making money during this time. Music artists are unable to make money while on a tour which is greatly affecting their ability to earn income. Many bands and hip-hop artists have pointed out in the past that the majority of the money they make is on tour. Even indie artists make a large portion of here money touring local areas to keep the band going. Consumers should try to support their favorite artists so they can stay intact. Artists are unable to have in-person events and signings which can be so exciting and beneficial to the artist. Spotify and streaming services do not pay artists large amounts of money. In 2020 physical albums are almost non-existent and most music is available for free. Roaming the Arts has an online community that supports musicians, artists, and writers. Now is the time for consumers to stand up and support artists during this difficult time!

 

Ways to Support Artists During Covid

 

  • Branding and promotion can be so beneficial to musical artists. Spreading your favorite artist’s music on social media can be so helpful to them. Retweets and posts on Instagram can during this time will e greatly appreciated.
  • You can share music and resources within your circle of friends
  • Encourage your friends to support their favorite artists. Buy and stream most as often as you can.
  • Tweet and reach out to your favorite artists and tell them how much you love and appreciate their music. Bands and rappers need to know their fans still want them to keep releasing must and that they will be first in line to buy their tickets once they can go on tour again. If you are employed or cannot work it’s fully understandable if you cannot financially support your favorite artists. The smallest things such as a tweet or direct message will always be appreciated. This can potentially help boost sales.
  • Music streaming sites don’t pay large amounts of money but they still make up nearly 20% of an artist’s income. If you consumers can accumulate enough stream it definitely can be beneficial to an artist. Streaming sites are even introducing tipping options. If you would like to you can support artists by sending them money directly. Establishing more revenue flow can be so helpful to struggling indie artists.
  • Many artists have YouTube channels and live streams where you can come support them I’ve seen many artists focus more on making content and releasing music on youtube to make a living.
  • It’s time to support artists!!!

 

How To Safely Attend Summer Concerts After Being Vaccinated

Now that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be asking yourself when it will be safe to attend a concert again? We here at Roaming The Arts would like to help you answer that question. More specifically, summer concerts are right around the corner, and we would like to give you the information you need to attend safely. Whether you will see a group of indie music artists or watch a solo performance, safety precautions should still be taken. Although the number of Americans in the US vaccinated against COVID-19 is increasing daily, the risk of contracting the virus is still high in large indoor gatherings and crowds. Here is what you need to know to attend safely.  

 

How To Prepare For Summer Concerts

 

You should take a few steps before purchasing your tickets to ensure that the venue is following along with CDC guidelines for safe gatherings. Contact the venue via phone or online to check for the following things: 

  • Is the event located indoors or outdoors? (Indie music artists are known for large outdoor festivals)
  • If the event is indoors, is their ventilation system up to code?
  • Are they following social distancing guidelines?
  • Are face masks required at all times?
  • Is there access to sanitation stations and washing stations?

 

Getting answers to these questions will help ease your mind and ensure that the event is up to safety standards. If you have any issues getting straight answers from the venue, it may be safe to assume that the proper precautions have not been taken, and maybe you should skip that event.   

 

Taking A Road Trip To That Concert?

 

If your concert plans include a road trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Although you have been vaccinated, you will inevitably be surrounded by many who are not, both on your way to the event and while at the event. A mask should be worn during any pit stops along the way, such as bathroom breaks, stopping for food, and fueling up. Also, remember to social distance by at least 6 feet and thoroughly wash your hands or sanitize them immediately after any stops. 

 

What To Know When You Get There

 

Planning for your first concert outing since COVID-19 hit the US may seem daunting, but your hard work and preparation will pay off. Give yourself a little wiggle room regarding arrival time because the check-in process may require a temperature check upon entry. It is better to be at the front of a long line as opposed to the back of one! Also, make sure you have your face mask and a couple of extras just in case. Festivals featuring many indie music artists may look different this year, and you may need to plan to bring a supply of food and water for the event due to ongoing restrictions. Finally, do your best to maintain 6 feet of social distancing, although the CDC highly recommends 10 feet. 

 

Contact Us

 

All of us here at Roaming The Arts dedicate ourselves to helping you stay connected and plan your next outing to summer concerts here in the US. Contact us today for more information.

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