The Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series continues in full swing Thursday with an evening featuring live blues performance by main headliner DeaconBluz and The Holysmoke Band.
Review for Deaconbluz and the Holysmoke Band:
Self-described as “an organic public intellectual bluesologist,” Chattanooga native Deaconbluz and his Holysmoke Band’s lively take on traditional blues dance music will have you dancing the night away with loved ones, friends and neighbors. Together they’ve delighted audiences with their eclectic fusion of gritty blues, upbeat zydeco to old school R&B, since 1997.
Growing up, Clark “Deaconbluz” White was encouraged by his family to share his love of music, making his first televised musical performance at the tender age of five when he sang “The Yellow Rose of Texas” clad in a cowboy outfit at Chattanooga’s WDEF studios. Throughout this childhood, his highly-educated parents stressed the importance of higher learning which inspired him to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta and later to earn his Ph.D. from Michigan State University, as well as pursuing post-doctoral work at Harvard University. All the while, Dr. White says he “always knew that from an early age that music, in some form or fashion, would play a vital role in [his] life.”
Together with the Holysmoke Band, Dr. White “Deaconbluz” White takes listeners on a vivid journey across American history featuring raw guitar riffs, powerful vocals and vibrant rhythms that are guaranteed to get you dancing.
Opening the night will be Neshawn Calloway. Born and raised in Olive Branch, Ms., Neshawn Calloway grew up singing and directing choirs in the church. Her formal music training began at 10 years old with piano lessons while also learning to play the clarinet in the middle school band. Upon graduating high school Neshawn attended Memphis State University, currently the University of Memphis, as a business major. It took a couple of years for her to finally realize she needed to follow her heart and pursue music. She began formal vocal training during her undergraduate years at the University of Memphis. In 1994 she moved to Chattanooga to pursue a master’s degree in Music Education at UTC. She also serves as the lead singer for neo soul band, Sound Advice. Neshawn is a classically trained singer versatile in various genres such as jazz, blues, gospel and rhythm and blues.
The free concert series is held Thursday nights on the lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center from Aug. 23-Oct. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m
Neshawn Calloway