Following an ominous and soggy Saturday morning June 20, the skies cleared by noon, and a grateful crowd of music fans and a proud Pike community celebrated the 14th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival. Once again, several blocks of S. Walter Reed Dr. just north of the Pike were transformed into a lively street party with a great variety of delicious foods by Big Daddy’s BBQ, Rincome Thai Cuisine, Restaurante Abi, Bob & Edith’s Diner and others, cold Yuengling Beer, colorful arts & crafts, kids activities and more. Early sets by Deja Blue and Paul Mark & the Van Dorens revved things up and the crowd continued to grow throughout the afternoon. Next, to the delight of the audience, Danny Blew & the Blues Crew got their groove on, and then made way for the big vocals of Nadine Rae & the Allstars. Finally, with the sun fading in the west, this year’s headliner Memphis Gold brought it on home with his unique brand of southern soul and blues. As these photos show, it was indeed a perfect way to kick-off the summer!
Click here for photos by Pike area photographer Lloyd Wolf and more by CPRO staff, as well as information about the performers.
Did you forget to pick up a stylish 2009 Columbia Pike Blues Festival T-shirt? A limited supply is still available for sale. Call the CPRO office at 703-892-2776 to obtain yours.
Chester Chandler, aka Memphis Gold, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1955, the thirteenth of fourteen children. By the age of 8, he was a regular on Beale Street, where he played the guitar and danced for pocket change. At age 12, he was mentored by the Rev. Robert Wilkins, and by the time he was an adult he was packing blues joints as a successful professional musician. A seasoned performer, Memphis Gold describes his authentic sound as “sanctified Beale Street urban gutbucket blues.” The Washington Post has praised his true-blue sound: “Memphis Gold invariably evokes the vintage sounds of southern soul and blues and further reveals his golden knack for resuscitating southern musical traditions without ever hitting an emotional false note, either as a singer or a guitarist.”
NADINE RAE
The Chesapeake Music Guide called her “…the voice...” and "...a guaranteed show stopper...” Nadine Rae has worked with some of the nation’s top blues and/or R&B artists such as Bobby Parker, Tommy Lepson, Ron Holloway, Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings, Tom Principato, Tommy Castro, Deanna Bogart, Ronnie Baker Brooks, just to name a few. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, this lady began her musical experience at an early age, and had her first recording experience when she was 10 years old. Nadine has the ability to captivate audiences wherever she performs. Her rugged, yet soulful delivery and on-stage energy are addictive, and her performances are filled with heart, laughter, and soul. Nadine was nominated in 2007 & 2006 as the Washington Area Music Association’s (WAMA) Best Female Vocalist (Blues/Traditional R&B).
DANNY BLEW & THE BLUES CREW
Thrilling audiences throughout the metro area for more than 10 years, Danny Blew & the Blues Crew will play their stylish blend of traditional Mississippi Delta and Chicago blues. Their 2003 release Howl No More won them a loyal following. This is a different kind of blues band known for their great live shows and their hypnotic boogie beat.
PAUL MARK & THE VAN DORENS
Paul Mark & the Van Dorenslatest collection, Blood & Treasure, on NYC-based indie Radiation Records was recorded in 2008 at Ardent Studios in MemphisTN. It’s the seventh CD release by multi-instrumentalist and singer Paul Mark. Blues Revue Magazine called the release “Electrifying... Exceptional musicianship, witty songwriting, and a unique sound rooted in blues…” Over the past 15-plus years he and his band have performed thousands of sets of live music along the North American bar and festival circuit. Mark grew up in Connecticut and now lives in New York City.
DEJA BLUE
Deja Blue is a five-piece blues band based in Northern Virginia whose roots are deep into Classic Chicago Blues, as well as the Blues/Rock and Rhythm & Blues of the 60’s. Their play list covers the Blues Greats: Muddy Waters, Albert King, and Little Walter along with the more current sounds of Rod Piazza, Robben Ford, Tab Benoit, and Harmonica legends Kim Wilson and William Clarke. Deja Blue has been entertaining fans at private parties, nightclub gigs, and festivals for years.
Following an ominous and soggy Saturday morning June 20, the skies cleared by noon, and a grateful crowd of music fans and a proud Pike community celebrated the 14th Annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival. Once again, several blocks of S. Walter Reed Dr. just north of the Pike were transformed into a lively street party with a great variety of delicious foods by Big Daddy’s BBQ, Rincome Thai Cuisine, Restaurante Abi, Bob & Edith’s Diner and others, cold Yuengling Beer, colorful arts & crafts, kids activities and more. Early sets by Deja Blue and Paul Mark & the Van 
Dorens revved things up and the crowd continued to grow throughout the afternoon. Next, to the delight of the audience, Danny Blew & the Blues Crew got their groove on, and then made way for the big vocals of Nadine Rae & the Allstars. Finally, with the sun fading in the west, this year’s headliner Memphis Gold brought it on home with his unique brand of southern soul and blues. As these photos show, it was indeed a perfect way to kick-off the summer! 
Chester Chandler, aka Memphis Gold, was born in 
