Craiger's Restaurant & Lounge (5400 N. 59th Ave. in Glendale) will present Evejim recording artist Vernon Garrett in concert on Saturday, May 1st. Garrett is known as one of the finest blues/soul singers on the international scene today. Also appearing will be local blues artist Frank Ace. The emcee will be Reuben "Walking Cane" Wilson, with a tribute to James Brown presented by Joseph Fitzpatrick. Admission is $15 at the door and $12.50 in advance. Call (602) 272-3045 or (623) 935-4844 for show time and ticket information. Frank Ace will also be playing at Char's Has the Blues on Friday, April 30th.

Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets featuring Sam Myers will return to the Valley for a one-night stand at the Rhythm Room on Friday, May 7th at 9:00 pm. An early show that same night will feature jazz legend Pat Martino.

Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, with opening act Ellis Hooks, will be appearing at the Rhythm Room on Sunday, May 9th beginning at 8:00 pm.

Blues returns to a long-standing venue in the East Valley when Minder Binder's launches its new Blue Wednesday series, starting on May 5th. Appearing each Wednesday night from 8:00 pm until midnight will be Jimmy Peyton's Midnite Blues. Minder Binder's, located at the intersection of McClintock and University in Tempe, has great burgers and plenty of room to dance. Stay tuned for other exciting blues events coming to this historic club.

Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns featuring Small Paul will be at the Rhythm Room on Friday, April 30th. Be sure to check out the new Cold Shott band history page  ... it's full of great historic pictures.

Loose Cannons Blues Band has a full slate of gigs over the next week. They will be at Monroe's on Friday, April 30th, at Copper Canyon Brewing & Ale House, 5945 W. Ray Rd., Chandler (SE Corner of Ray & Kyrene), from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am on Saturday, May 1st, and then at Amvets Post 5 (3805 S. 16th Street) on Sunday, May 2nd from 7:00 until 10:00 pm; no cover charge. Finally, the Loose Cannons will be playing a free show at the Concert In The Park series at Dobson Ranch Park, 2425 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, on Friday, May 7th from 6:00 until 7:30 pm.

One Class Act covers the weekend schedule at Philthy Phil's with shows on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st.

Buzz and the Soul Senders will be at the Rhythm Room on Wednesday, May 5th. Not only will there be plenty of great music from one of Arizona's hottest blues bands, but it's also Mona's birthday! Ladies are admitted free to this show.

Friday, May 21st - "PBS Members Free" night at the Rhythm Room. Appearing will be Jackie Payne / Steve Edmondson.

Sunday, August 22nd (tentative date) - Back Porch Blues - artists to be announced soon.

Sunday, September 19th - Arizona Blues Showdown (Solo/Duo division) - applications and rules to be available soon.

Sunday, November 7th & 14th - Arizona Blues Showdown (Band division) - applications and rules available in August.

Sunday, February 27th - Blues Blast 2005.

Other events throughout the year will be announced, including a new series called "Blues Field Trips," with sponsored outings for PBS members to local blues clubs and events.

Bar Nun
40th St. & Chandler Blvd.
480-706-5564

Barcelona's
900 N. 54th St.
480-785-9004

Brass Rail
3738 E. Thomas

Char's Has the Blues
4631 N. 7th Ave.
602-230-0205

Craiger's Restaurant & Lounge
5400 N. 59th Ave.
Glendale
623 934-8071

Fat Cats
915 W. Grand Ave.
602-252-0988

Minder Binder's
McClintock & University
Tempe
480-966-1911

Monroe's
3 W. Monroe St.
602-258-1046

Pat Murphy's
32nd St. & Thomas
602-522-0669

Philthy Phil's
2939 N. 16th St.
602-279-4339

Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Rd.
602-265-4842

Sugar Daddy's
3102 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-970-6556

Warsaw Wally's
2547 E. Indian School
602-955-0881