Becky Reyes: Blog

I've been working my little fingers to the bone this week learning the bossa nova. I'm loving learning new rhythms. I spend a lot of time just playing, practicing in an almost meditative way. I'm pretty sure it's good for my brain!

One thing I've been wanting to learn for a long time is the blues. Sure I can sing the blues and I can play a handful of songs, but I've always had a bit of a block when it comes to really playing the blues (on my guitar). I've wanted to learn more, mainly so that I could play behind Scott who is a ferocious blues harp player. Well, next week, I'm starting a crash course with our very good friend and mentor, Scott Baekeland. I can't wait!

The reason for all this is that in September, Scott and I are going to Rentiesville, Oklahoma to play at the Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival! Our good friend Selby Minner asked us if we'd come and play between acts on the main stage. How could we say no? We love Selby!

I met Selby and her late husband DC through Scott. Scott hooked up with DC and Selby when he was living in San Francisco in 1984 and started touring with their band, Blues on the Move. One of their stops was Bisbee, Arizona. When the tour was over, Scott returned to Bisbee in 1985 and settled here. He is still friends with Scott Baekeland, another Bisbee resident and alumni of Blues on the Move.

Now about Dusk 'til Dawn. The festival, which is held every Labor Day, was started by DC Minner and his wife, Selby. In 1988, DC and Selby moved to Rentiesville, OK and re-opened his grandmother Lura's Cozy Corner as the Down Home Blues Club. DC enlarged the club, and as his club became more popular, the festival was born. They have had many notable blues artists attend their festival, and this years line-up is no exception.

Scott said to me this morning, "These are the guys, honey. These are the guys. They're the real deal". Now, most of you know Scott. You know how passionate he is about the blues. He has been walking on air since we made the decision to attend the festival. I'm in a bit of a daze myself. My very good friend, my blues mentor to be exact, Mr. Bill Brown will also be attending. Bill was one of my music colleagues when I lived in the Finger Lakes. I approached him, rather timidly one day and said, "Bill, I can sing the blues, you know I can sing the blues, but damned if I can play them. Teach me." We've been friends (and he's been my unwitting tutor) since about 1988. And, through one of life's many little quirks, Selby and Bill were acquainted many years ago. Before she met DC, before Scott met them and before Bill and I became friends. Isn't life funny that way?