Blues Masters at The Mint

First, a huge thank you to Street Team Andy for the opportunity to attend. It was a fan's dream come true!
Dean, my BonaSpud gigging buddy and son in law pounded the freeway up from San Diego to West LA, leaving at 2 PM for the drive. A little under 4 hours of brutal traffic had us parked in front of the club and 1st in line!
Soon, Lindy Lu and husband Bob were there to join us. I had contacted the management and arranged for a table and we were let in ahead of everyone else queued up to grab a table, since most were reserved for VIP's. We got a fine spot just left of the stage front and no more than 10 feet away.
Our server soon arrived, took our orders for food and notified us that drinks were on the house!!! "Well, I'll take a double!"

Food and drink taken care of, the show soon started. 10 contestants with the Joe Bonamassa Band playing back-up and Joe playing rythm. Nothing like pressure for the players.
Songs in order, contestants names will follow. (I have them on my video clips)
1. The Whale that Swallowed Jonah
2. Slow Train
3. When the Fire Hits the Sea
4. Slow Train
5. The Whale that Swallowed Jonah

A short break for another round. "Oh, another double, thanks!"

6. Lonesome Road Blues
7. Happier Times
8. Blue and Evil
9. Happier Times
10. Story of a Quarryman

All of the players were very good, The young man from Chicago was deemed by Joe, The Only Judge, to be the winner. (His name escapes me but I'll edit it in when I get it sorted.)

A short break for a potty run and, Bam, before I could get back the band started up.
Someday After a While was the opener. I have a 3/4 or so vid clip of that and straight into The Best Ballad of John Henry I've ever heard!!!! Derek was smoking on the keys and Joe was in the zone. Carmine and Tal were solid as ever.
Here is an epic 15 plus minute BOJH. Those folks in South America are in for a treat. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2pCFOeYMOA
the clip finishes up with the winner announcement by Joe and the Winner's acceptance speech. We thought his was the best performance too. Congratulations to Matt Hines.

That was it folks.

As we basked in the afterglow of an amazing evening, Tal and Carmine came over to our table to say hi and chat a bit. They are doing a final rehearsal today (It's Sunday now after a long drive home) and then off on the jet to the first stop on the South American Tour.

Joe's rig was dual Jim Kellys, I have a snap of the pedal board for the git geeks. I'm one of you now.

I got the set list, then ran around back and intercepted Joe to say thanks and got him to sign my Taylor acoustic.
Gee whiz folks. It doesn't get better than that!
Very tired and oh so happy,
Rick