Blues At the Crossroads

If you like old-school blues and LOTS of excellent hamonica playing then this show is for you! Kim Wilson is a MASTER at the harp and during the encore when he was on the stage playing and singing all by himself, he was actually playing rythm and harmony on the harp at THE SAME TIME! Literally, BOTH ends of the instrument at the same time! Awesome... He's also a decent blues singer in his own right... James Cotton could barely be understood when he spoke, but the man also can still "let 'er rip" when it comes to harmonica.. He was REALLY getting into the crowd too, you could tell he was having fun... Now, the drawbacks... From the billing, I thought there would be more than one "band" playing during the show, and even though the guest guitar/harp players WERE excellent, I was hoping to get a flavor for some other musicians as well... Also, my daughter and I were really looking forward to seeing Big Head Todd, who was ALSO on the billing, but they were nowhere to be found... While the sound wasn't perfect in the old theatre, from where we were in the balcony, I didn't have too many complaints on that.... The house WAS "jammin'"... Great sized venue for an event like this one! Overall, I WOULD recommend this show! My 11 year old daughter and I had a GREAT daddy-daughter date night (She LOVES the blues/classic rock/Zeppelin; am I good at raising kids or what?)...

Fantastic show! We had a wonderfull time!! Would love to see this show again.

This was an excellent concert. The music was terrific, and the variety of blues was a plus. The special guests also added greatly to the concert. Overall, a very enjoyable evening.

Big Head Todd Blues Club performed an awesome show. The photographs they displayed were just as historical as the music!!! Honeyboy Edwards is adorable and he still has the blues as he played with great passion. Hubert Sumlin connected with the audience immediately and played with heart & soul. I think Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm were fantastic. It was easy to see why Cedric won a BMA last year. I really admired Cedric for his performance and for keeping a closeful watch over Hubert. Todd was outstanding!!! Thank you for coming to Milwaukee to share such a great show with us!!! I have to say this exceeded my high expectations, simply amazing!!!

Thanks for the opportunity to hear blues from the masters.

The program was a disappointment; it did not live up to expectations. The performance ran very short - maybe 90 minutes. It was an over-priced, over-hyped affair that offered too little.

I expected more from this concert given the association with Robert Johnson. It was great to see Hubert and HoneyBoy and the enjoyment and recogniztion they got from playing the base blues. Cedric and Lightnin were excellent and really into it. I think the weak point was Big Head Todd. Todd just didn't really seem to fit in with the rest of them - almost like he was someone trying to be someone he's not. He had some good guitar licks and such but the hat and the glasses were out of place. I like Todd and the Monsters music on it's own, but this was kind of like fitting a square peg into a triangular hole. It just didn't seem right to me. No offense to any of the performers - I wish I could play a quarter as decent as any of them. One thing that would have been good is between songs have a short little vignette about something from Robert Johnsons life. Todd briefly mentioned Johnson having been poisoned but that's about it. I would suggest playing a song then have the lights dim and just one light on one of the musicians - that musician would say a small thing about Robert Johnsons life - start with the beginning of his life and between each song dim the lights, highlight a different musician, and have that person say the next bit. Do it chronologically so that at the end of the concert the vignette before the last song is regarding his last days and his death and what he brought to the blues of today. This would also bring personal relationship between the musicians and the audience - which is what the blues is all about... I know - too much talk - sorry!

Amazing! GREAT music with two legends. It was history in the making. If you can, Go!

I have seen Kim Wilson a couple of times before this when he played at the Bergen Pac and he is just fantastic. He plays the harmonica like nobody else and his vocals are terrific, I like his soft style. Of course the Thunderbirds backing him up are fantastic.. They also had James Cotton there who I saw as a young girl and he still has it. The tribute to a lot of Muddy Waters songs were just great and so were the blues singers who came on to pay tribute to a legend.

The quality of playing was at the highest level. the thunderbirds perform impeccably soulful tasteful blues. this is as good as it gets. the band is truly at the peak of blues artistry. it was inspiring to hear such wonderful musicianship. i've been playing guitar for 43 years, so i'm a very discerning listener. if you want to hear a blues band who play great solos with great ensemble playing, then go to listen to the thunderbirds. no histrionics, just great tasteful music. kim wilson is hands down the best harmonica player i've ever heard in any genre. his combination of inventive/creative melodies, hot licks, wonderful tone, and burning soulfulness were simply thrilling. his chops were staggering, not just because of the outstanding virtuosity, but the total musicality of everything he played was so inspiring. this is what music should be about. he burns a groove like the best drummer could, and had an endless stream of licks that transcended the word 'licks'. these were smoking melodies that grooved so well. he also sang very well and fronted the show like the consummate pro he obviously is. the special guests were all wonderful: james cotton is a long-time fave for me and he still plays great. bob margolis also sounded great. tinsley ellis sounded great too but unfortunately the soundman didn't bring his gtr and voice up enough in the mix. it was a shame because he was terrific but it was a struggle to hear him. in fact, the only small detraction to this show was something that occurs in most of the live mixes i hear at concerts: the bass and drums get mixed too loud so it doesn't leave enough room for other instruments like the guitars and voice. this particular concert mix was not as bad as most, but the boomy bass/kick sounds were still too high relative to the other instruments. this is not the musicians fault. most soundmen make this mistake. very unfortunate... all in all, this was a peak musical experience that was very fulfilling and uplifting. i'm still exhilarated from listening to them. if you can get to hear this tour do it. and, go to hear the thunderbirds any chance you get!

GREAT SHOW... WHAT A TREAT..THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS PLAYING WITH SOME OF THE BEST BLUES MUSICIANS AROUND. MAKES YOU REMEMBER WHY ROCK AND ROLL CAME FROM THE BLUES..LOVED IT..

This show was AWESOME..Great to see many GREAT artists performing together...Made wish for Muddy and the Wolf to join them on stage.....HIghly Recommended..!!!!

The venue was pleasant. Sightlines were clear. The parking was convenient. The entertainers were energetic and enthusiastic. The staff was helpful. We enjoyed the show. The backup band was very good - although I would have liked to hear a little more of their own material! It is fortunate that we still get to see some of these entertainers from earlier era's and to see how they have maintained their skills. The show was definitely worth the money. The entertainers worked well together.

Go see it. It was a wonderful experience, would do it again.

Simply amazing the music presented brought back many memories. Even George Bedard showed up !

The set was great. I had purchased the tix for my boyfriend for Christmas because JJ Grey was on the bill. Really bummed he cancelled but we made the best of it. (Hope JJs recovering well!)

Concert was great - Never let up, Venue was right size - good sound even when Kim was walking around in the audience., Guest performers were memorible and not likely to see that combination of talent again.

overall the music was great, although often too loud. Did not expect quite so much of Kim Wilson- he seems to need some lessons in being a front-man (like introducing the band members). While I like him and his band-he is an amazing harp player- his singing voice has a bit to be desired on blues songs. Wish there had been more of all the guests- much more!

Show was very disappointing due to muddled sound at high volumes, perhaps due to poor acoustics in the Michigan Theater. Saw Blues at the Crossroads I at Hill Auditorium and it was outstanding - far superior acoustics. Three of us attended this show and all agreed that poor sound spoiled what would otherwise have been a really great show, including my grandson and a friend who is a Michigan Band alum. The best parts were when 2 or 3 artists played in a smaller group at lower sound levels which better fit the acoustics. We had balcony seats both at last year's show at Hill and last weekend at the Michigan Theater. I would NOT attend another blues show at the Michigan Theater based on this experience. Virtually all the vocal lyrics were unintelligible and instrumentals muddied due to poor sound levels and mix given the room acoustics.

Great show. The music was everything we expected and then some. I do not recall prior to the show the "housekeeping", that no one mentioned that there will be no recordings or photos taken during the show. I was not personally affected, as I did not take photos. Our seats were in row H, center stage- so some were taking pics. The security guards had to continually tell people not to take pics. It was distracting to say the least. It made the security guards appear to be bullies. In addition, the second set- the base was louder than the first, and the sound seemed distorted. I actually put my ear plugs in for part of the second set. All and all - the show was run very well and ran smoothly. We had a great time. Thanks fo all your hard work to put together such a great show.

Sounded great! James Cotton is still rockin' the harmonica at 77! The band had great interaction with the audience.

It was great seeing the legends performing along side the current stars. James Cottons influence on Kim's style was obvious. Loved the bands lead guitarist, good and lots of personality. Great show,

The music was awesome, the performers were legendary. Was no one on the sound box? The reverb was irritating. The sound was WAY TOO MUCH. We were in the balcony and still deafened. It was not possible to hear the lyrics on many tunes.

Wow! The show Blues At The Crossroads II featuring Kim Wilson And The Fabulous Thunder Birds, Tinsley Ellis, Bob Margolin and blues legends Jody Williams and James Cotton was outstanding. There was no lip synching going on at this show. Put super blues harpists Wilson and Cotton together on the same stage, and you have the makings for an unforgettable show. I have been a fan of Kim and the T-Birds for a number of years; and I have seen them on a number of occasions. I have never seen Ellis and Margolin. That is no longer the case. They were excellent. However, Williams and Cotton were show stoppers. I have always regretted never going to see Muddy Waters at Summerfest in Milwaukee back in the 70's and early 80's; but I can always say I have seen Jody and James. My gosh, Cotton almost brought the house down with his music and personality. The standing ovation they all received was well deserved. Too top it off, the guys made themselves available for autographs and to mingle with their fans after the show. What a great way to thank their followers. They realize what side of the bread is buttered on. You will never see people like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood or so many of today's contemporary stars ever do that.

Loved tho opportunity to meet James Cotton backstage!

Great lineup! Really enjoyed each of the artists that contributed to this wonderful evening of fantastic music!

I wish James Cotton and Kim Wilson would have played together more. Bringing out the other stars for just 2 songs was really silly.

This was a great night of Blues!! Including the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, James Cotton, Jody Williams and Bob Margolin. This is a must-see event every year!! Can't wait til next year!

The show was awesome! The blues were out in full force at Clowe's Hall that night. It was quite wonderful to see James Cotton and Jody Williams in one place, and at the end of the show, playing together. The music may be old school, but the passion it was played with was fresh, fresh, fresh! The Fabulous Thunderbirds gave a good performance as well, and kept our toes tapping throughout the evening.

Few people can claim to be the best in the world at what they do, but Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds has mastered the blues harp like no other. For a blues fan, it's hard to imagine a better way to witness Wilson's mastery than a tribute to Muddy and the Wolf featuring Wilson, Bob Margolin (who nailed Muddy's sound long ago), and the legendary James Cotton and Jody Williams. For some time now, one would guess from James Cotton's appearance that he would be a greatly diminished performer, but the man can still play the harp with his distinctive sound, and it's a unique joy to hear Cotton and Wilson trading licks in the call-and-response tradition. Wilson's current Thunderbirds lineup consists of a very solid group of musicians (the rest of the original Fabulous Thunderbirds having moved on long ago).

The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been around for "just always," yet still make awesome music. "Blues at the Crossroads" (Indianapolis, 2/1/13) was a reminder of why this music is the ancestor of almost all American music. The first set was perfect... Kim Wilson even taking a stroll into the side aisle to jam "sans microphone," yet heard perfectly and getting the audience whooping and calling out "Amens!" The second set moved in "slow mo" for just a little longer than I cared for, but the evening finished with incredible performances by Jesse Cotton and a final jam with EVERYONE!

I got the tickets for family members, and they said the show was historic...truly amazing.

Great show Big Head Tod did a great job of playing the Blues like it's supposed to sound,and with H.S. and Honey boy Edwards,at 95yrs old was a special treat,both can still kick butt on guitar

it was a great to see Hubert Sumlin and Honey Boy Edwards still playing the Blues obviously, they live what they are playing

Absolutely phenominal show! Used to see Todd at Herman's in denver back in the 80's, and have always been a fan of old blues, this show was a perfect union of talent... and having Honeyboy join him on stage was ever better! We got out of our seats in the first 15 minutes and dance on the side the entire show. Seriously considering flying out to denver for the Red Rocks show.

I was impressed with the high energy performance. Loved hearing the early blues of Robert Johnson along with some of the newer blues. It was exciting to hear Honeyboy and Hubert Sumlin play. While they were playing, you felt you were watching a sensational back in time performance. The entire band sounded great, never a sec of silence. You can see and hear the band's hard work and dedication to this project.

This was our first trip to Northern Lights. We had front row seats in the balcony. Great view and enough leg room which is always nice. I was not too familiar w/ Big Head Todd but will definitely go to see him again. Malcolm and Cedric were great. It was obvious that every one was there to enjoy themselves and share their love of the blues. It is always such a pleasure to see Honeyboy Edwards and Hubert Sumlin -what an honor to be able to watch those 2 legends . I would say the only drawback to the entire evening was the loud / obnoxious couple 2 seats away from us who felt it necessary to carry on a shouting conversation throughout most of the concert -- the only break was when they made trips to the bar. It would have been nice to have an usher around to tell them to be more respectful of others who were there to enjoy the music.. At any rate, we will certainly plan to attend more events

So glad i didn't miss this show. What a treat and memory.