As one of the more established bands on the local scene, the Blues Deacons have been around for six years. In fact, the Deacons played the first Blowout in 1991. Since then, there've been some changes in the rhythm section. Original drummer Danny Deckard and bass player John Pennell moved to other scenes. Stepping in and filling their shoes more than adequately are local mainstay Al Chapman on bass and Josh Quirk on drums. Rounding out the rhythm section is Billy Galt on guitar and vocals. Bill "Griz" Stephens adds harp and vocals.
The Deacons started out as an acoustic band, playing old-time blues
from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. As they moved toward an electric format, they
got into blues from the 50s and 60s and tunes made popular by Muddy Waters,
Howlin' Wolf, T-Bone Walker, and Albert Collins. "Within the blues
genre, we try to be really versatile," Galt said. "We really try
to dig into the blues catalog to play some tunes that people haven't heard
a thousand times."
Because the current rhythm section has been together a relatively short period of time, they haven't worked in some of the original tunes the Deacons used to play. That will change eventually, Galt said, bringing in tunes he writes, as well as ones by Stephens and Pennell.
Galt, who also plays with Keith Harden, says all the players in the band bring a variety of musical experiences to the Deacons. But they're all "really dedicated" to the blues and take the Blues Deacons very seriously.
The Blues Deacons kick off Blowout VI, taking the stage at 2:00 p.m.