PORT ANGELES — A major six-piece blues band will perform an intimate concert in Port Angeles on Thursday.
The Andy T. Band with Alabama Mike and Anson Funderburgh will serenade the house with gospel-infused ballads and big-band blues numbers at Studio Bob, 118½ E. Front St.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m., but you’ll probably want to snag a seat early.
Tickets for $24 can be purchased online at newup stage.com or in person at Harbor Arts, 110 E. Railroad Ave., between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
The Andy T. Band possesses more than a few major nominations to its name, including 2016 best traditional blues album, 2016 band of the year, two nominations for best traditional blues album in 2015 and one in 2013.
It’s also touted as one of today’s best touring bands on the circuit.
“In all my years presenting music and live entertainment, there is none better than this band,” said promoter Mark Cole.
Fronted by guitarist Andy T., the band formed in 2011 as the Andy T. Nick Nixon Band. Upon Nixon’s retirement, Andy Talamantez dropped “Nick Nixon” from the title and enlisted Alabama Mike (Michael A. Benjamin) as lead singer.
The new blend of blues veterans made its debut June 16 with the release of “Double Strike,” the group’s fourth album.
The album was produced by the band’s longtime producer and supporter Anson Funderburgh. In 2016, Funderburgh joined the band.
If the renown of one’s associates say anything about a musician, Funderburgh, Talamantez and Benjamin can boast “fame by association,” in addition to their own.
Funderburgh, who led the Rockets from 1978 to 2006, has also played with Delbert McClinton, Boz Scaggs, Snooks Eaglin, Grady Gaines, Earl King, Jimmy Buffett and Little Charlie Baty. Talamantez has toured with Smokey Wilson, Guitar Shorty and other major blues acts internationally. And Benjamin has opened for such headliners as Mavis Staples and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
For more information about the band, visit its website at www.andytband.com.
For more information about the concert, visit Upstage’s website.
