Walter 'Wolfman' Washington at Nightfall (June 14)
Sunday, January 1, 1905
Walter "Wolfman" WashingtonIF YOU GOWhat: Nightfall concert featuring Walter "Wolfman" WashingtonWhen: 8 p.m. Friday, June 14; Deacon Bluz and The Holy Smoke Band open at 7 p.m.Where: Miller Plaza, corner of M.L. King Boulevard, Market and Cherry streetsAdmission: FreePhone: 423-265-0771Website: www.nightfallchattanooga.comTHE OPENERDeacon Bluz and The Holy Smoke Band entertain with an upbeat combination of blues, jazz and old-school R&B. The band is fronted by UTC professor Dr. Clark White, aka "Deacon Bluz," who teaches a History of Blues class. Together since 1997, the band's mission is to preserve, present and perpetuate the legacy of true blues.
An icon in the New Orleans music scene will take the stage as the Nightfall headliner on Friday, June 14. Walter "Wolfman" Washington, whose searing guitar work and soulful vocals have helped define the Crescent City's unique musical fusion of R&B, funk and the blues since the 1970s, will take the stage at 8 p.m. His shows are touted as highly danceable.
Opening act is Deacon Bluz and The Holy Smoke Band, a local group.
In a break from tradition, Nightfall concerts have been scheduled on the two Fridays of Riverbend, as part of the celebration of Nightfall's 25th year.
Even in a city of musical greats, Washington stands out as a guitarist, bandleader and vocalist. In his career, he has worked with well-known New Orleans musicians such as jazzman David Lastie's Taste of New Orleans band and vocalists Johnny Adams, Lee Dorsey and Irma Thomas.
Adams was a mentor of sorts to Washington, who developed his singing style while the two worked together at clubs in New Orleans.