HVBS "Blues Blowout Anniversary"

(November 12, 2022)
The Hudson Valley Blues Society presented its 3rd Annual HVBS Blues Benefit celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Towne Crier Café, with an all-star lineup of award-winning musicians - Joe Louis Walker, Albert Castiglia, Slam Allen, Dave Keyes, Frank Pagano, and Jeff Anderson.

 ​Message from Paul Toscano, HVBS President

"It's hard to believe that after all the planning that the Hudson Valley Blues Blowout at the Towne Crier has passed and it is now a memory. But what an amazing memory it is. The Towne Crier was buzzing with an energy before the first chords were struck. With the walls opened and the venue filling up, there were many friends and smiling faces being seated. The performers were assembled in the green room catching up and taking photos. When 8PM rolled around and I walked up on that stage and saw all those people, I knew right then the evening was going to be special. When we first brought this show to Phil Ciganer, we said we wanted to open the walls of the Crier. We did just that!

Dave Keyes (the band leader for the evening) on keys/vox, along with Jeff Anderson on bass and Frank Pagano on drums/vox tore into a couple of Dave's new songs from his recent release, "Rhythm, Blues & Boogie" before Slam Allen took the stage and showed everyone his incredible power as an amazing entertainer, vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire. He is a delight to watch! I never get tired of watching him play. He truly set the tone of the evening. After Slam's set, Albert Castiglia (Ka-Steel-Ya) took his place on the Crier's stage to display his serious chops. He stunned the audience with some great Blues numbers and showcased his powerful vocals. It was Albert's first time at the Towne Crier, and I bet it won't be his last! Then it was Joe Louis Walker's turn to light up the room with his stellar guitar playing and singing. Always love watching Joe entertain and mesmerize. I particularly enjoyed watching Joe play slide.

To close out the evening, the audience witnessed a great jam with three of the finest guitar players/singers out there sharing one stage. The audience were on their feet! It was a sight to behold. A true treat for the eyes and ears.

I would be remiss if I didn't share our thank you(s) to Phil Ciganer (owner of the Towne Crier), Gregg Graham (manager), Joe Johnson (sound), the incredible staff of the Towne Crier for their exceptional service. Thank you to the Long Island Blues Society for coming up to the show. Our friendships have blossomed. Thank you to the North Jersey Blues Society for your support. We love you guys. To our friends in Connecticut, and the Capitol region. Thank you Joe Louis Walker. You are very good to us! Thank you Albert Castiglia for all your support! Thank you Slam Allen. I love you brother! You always make me laugh.   

The biggest thank you(s) go to the incredible team of the Hudson Valley Blues Society. Hillary Fontana (my Blues wife) is one of the most talented women I have ever known, We wouldn't be here without you. Thank you Bill McCann (our VP) for your selfless commitment to the HVBS. Thank you Steve Fontana for your tireless work to get us here. Thanks to everyone at the HVBS. Thank you to friends and family!

In closing, I wanted to say please support live music, and especially the Blues which is the foundation for all music that comes out of the USA. For those of you who were at the Towne Crier Café, whether it was your first time, or you're a repeat customer, please let them know what a fabulous job they did for us on Saturday night. This venue is a Hudson Valley treasure. It would be nice to flood them with fantastic reviews! Keep the Blues Alive!"