Violin Meets the Blues at 'Odd Thursday Bluezz'

By Jeaneane Payne

Latitude 35 on Market Square is the stage for the second installment of "Odd Thursday Bluezz." Presented by WDVX, Latitude 35, and Bluegill Productions the gig will feature a performance by The Lionel Young Band.

Young is a classically trained violinist and high energy performer from Denver, Colorado. He plays a distinctive brand of blues on the electric violin. In 2008, young won the International Blues Challenge (IBC) solo award, making him the first double champion in the history of the IBC.

Young has worked with show musical luminaries including: Count Basie, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Paige & Robert Plant, Doc Severenson, Linda Ronstadt, Living Color, Billy Taylor, Woodie Herman, Homesick James, and Stanley Turrentine.

Critics say:

If you're not familiar with Lionel, you're missing out. A classically trained violinist, he's turned the corner into a quirky brand of Blues. Nearly everyone who's seen him says, I've never seen anyone play violin and make it sound like a guitar, or I've never… his playing the… man, that's good! The BluesWax Boys Eric Wrisley and Chip Eagle - Blues Wax ... brought the Orpheum crowd to it's feet with his horn-driven sound. Young, who won the solo-duo crown in 2008 is an entertainer's entertainer, whether singing, playing guitar, or playing his violin. Vinny "Bond" Marini - American Blues News

Young's performance is on Thursday, September 1 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Admission is $10. All tickets are sold at the door.

Published August 26, 2011