[ Closed ] Newport Blues Cafe Show

Saw Joe's show July 5th in Newport, RI. Came up from Connecticut with my wife for a few days (primarily to see Joe play). Booked a room at a great B&B, the Newport Blues Inn (affiliated with the venue). When I check in Gary & Lisa (the innkeepers) tell me Joe's gone to the hospital with strep throat and may not play (say it ain't so, Joe!). Well, Joe played through it and it was hard to tell he wasn't feeling well. Great vocals and outstanding guitar work, as usual. James Montgomery joined in on harp for a cameo appearance. I coaxed Gary & Lisa to come see the show and they were blown away (2 new converts). I think the announced crowd was about 250. A number of people were admiring Joe's guitars before the show. Finally got to meet Tara after the show. The only negative I heard was the bartenders complaining about the paucity of tip money due to the crowd being so entranced by Joe's playing - very little drinking going on. The club actually sent waitstaff into the crowd to take drink orders. Several of the club's staff told me it was very unusual. They also said that it would be a long time before another show matched Joe B's.