Mike Carlin, host of “Group W Blues” on KZUM, dishes up his favorite blues moments, music and concerts from 2016
Favorite Events (in order of occurrence)
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.
Blown away by Mighty Mo Rogers. Riding an elevator with Elvin Bishop – priceless.
Keeping the Blues Alive Awards Ceremony, Memphis
Representing KZUM along with Laura Fortney (“Every Kind of Blue”) was a great honor.
International Blues Competition, Memphis
Following The Hector Anchondo Band through all four days of competition and watching them nail it in the finals was an awesome experience.
Greeley CO Blues Jam
You can’t go wrong with Charlie Musselwhite.
ZooFest
The whole damn thing was awesome.
KZUM Blues Blow Out
The whole night was a happy blur. Kerry got a picture of me when it was over that said it all; standing outside the Zoo Bar with a balloon in my hand, an orange cone to lean on and a smile on my face.
Blues Masters, Salina KS
Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop playing acoustic together – just perfect.
Favorite New Music (in alpha order)
Toronzo Cannon: The Chicago Way
Mitch Kashmar: West Coast Toast
Moreland & Arbuckle: Promised Land or Bust
Terrie Odabi: My Blue Soul
The Record Company: Give It Back To You
Best Zoo Bar Shows (in alpha order)
Dave & Phil Alvin
Toronzo Cannon
Tinsley Ellis
Samantha Fish
Curtis Salgado
Mike Carlin hosts “Group W Blues” every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. on KZUM. Like the program on Facebook and listen to recently archived programs via Radio Free America.