Red’s Blues brings their signature blend of blues, R&B, and swing to Powerhouse Entertainment in Historic Folsom Sunday for a late afternoon performance that highlights their deep musical roots and storytelling.
This week’s Powerhouse of Blues performance is by Beth Reid-Grigsby and Richard “RW” Grigsby, the Sacramento-based band has built a reputation for their rich harmonies, engaging narratives, and a style that blends classic blues traditions with modern influences.
Beth, known for her smooth, behind-the-beat phrasing reminiscent of Peggy Lee and Bobbie Gentry, grew up immersed in blues, jazz, and folk influences. She started singing at a young age, inspired by artists like Huddie Ledbetter, Muddy Waters, and Mississippi John Hurt. RW, a Grammy-nominated and Blues Music Award-winning bassist, has spent decades performing with top blues musicians, including Mark Hummel and Mike Morgan & The Crawl. His early rock-and-roll influences from his hometown of Rome, Georgia, shine through in his playing, giving Red’s Blues a dynamic foundation.
The band’s latest album, Broke Down in the Fast Lane, reflects their experiences on the road and offers a mix of personal stories, social observations, and blues-rooted compositions. The title track, inspired by a real-life breakdown on an L.A. freeway, sets the tone for an album that turns life’s unexpected moments into musical reflections. Songs like Road Scholarand Jackknifed capture RW’s experiences as a traveling musician, while Flim Flam Man blends a surf-rhumba rhythm with sharp commentary on political deception. The album also features guest performances from artists such as Rick Estrin on harmonica and Sid Morris on piano, further enriching the band’s sound.
Red’s Blues features an accomplished lineup of musicians, including guitarist Doug Crumpacker, a Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Fame inductee known for his work with The Hucklebucks, and drummer Tim Wilbur, another Hall of Fame member with extensive performance experience. The band is often joined by guest musicians, including harmonica player Kyle Rowland and Chicago blues guitarist Johnny Burgin, both of whom bring additional layers of authenticity and energy to their performances.
With a focus on rhythm and storytelling, Red’s Blues blends blues, R&B, and swing into a cohesive sound that is both timeless and engaging. Songs like Forty Years of Trouble highlight their ability to craft narratives within their music, while Sweet Karma delivers a Dusty Springfield-esque approach to social commentary. Their performances incorporate a mix of original songs and blues standards, creating a setlist that resonates with both longtime blues enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
Red’s Blues will take the stage at 3 p.m. at Powerhouse Entertainment, located at 614 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA. Doors open before the show, and early arrival is recommended for seating. For tickets and more information, visit Powerhouse Entertainment.
<p>The post Red’s Blues swings into Historic Folsom Sunday afternoon first appeared on Folsom Times.</p>
