CONCERT REVIEW
by Michael Swanger
Heart of America Living History Blues Fest
Living History Farms, Sept. 5-6
Picture-perfect weather, a relaxed setting and a diverse lineup helped draw blues fans from across the Midwest and as far away as Canada to the inaugural Heart of America Living History Blues Festival held Sept. 5-6 at Living History Farms in Urbandale.
Organized by the Central Iowa Blues Society, the two-day event went off without a hitch as fans enjoyed 12 acts on two stages that ranged from young guns Ronnie Baker Brooks and Hamilton Loomis to veterans Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Eddie Shaw.
Ninety-six-year-old pianist Perkins led Chicago blues legends Smith, Bob Margolin and Bob Stroger through 90 minutes of classic blues like “How Long” and “Got My Mojo Working,” drawing the loudest applause of the night. His presence gave added meaning to the event’s name as he tickled the ivories with age-defying dexterity. Shaw, sans his saxophone due to health reasons, preceded Perkins with a history lesson of his own, performing several songs made famous by his former boss Howlin’ Wolf. Meanwhile, local veterans Steve George and Bob Pace and George and Gil Davis showcased Des Moines’ blues legacy.
The second day of the fest featured contemporary performers on the main stage like West Coast guitarist Chris Cain and singer E.C. Scott, as well as Chicago-based Brooks, who entered the stage riding in a red convertible. All three freely borrowed from R&B, rock and jazz, while eastern Iowa acoustic performers like Joe Price and Catfish Keith remained true to the blues’ agricultural roots on the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame stage with their foot-stomping finger-picking. CV
 Tigercity at Vaudeville Mews Photo by Jared Curtis |
 Joe Price at Heart of Iowa LIving History Blues Fest Photo by Michael Swanger |
 Pinetop Perkins at Heart of Iowa LIving History Blues Fest Photo by Michael Swanger |  Pretty Things Peep Show at Vaudeville Mews Photo by Jared Curtis |
 Ronnie Baker Brooks at Heart of Iowa LIving History Blues Fest Photo by Michael Swanger |  Britney Spears at Wells Fargo Arena Photo by Alan Cross |
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