Onstage at the Freeland brings Blues, Beer, and BBQ to Venue 66

As it has done many times, Onstage at the Freeland is bringing another worldrenowned performance to Bristow for the community to enjoy. This time, Onstage announces a night of Blues, Beer, and BBQ, featuring “King of Strings” blues guitarist Carvin Jones and his band, at Venue 66 on April 8 at 7 p.m.

Oft referred to as “the next Stevie Ray Vaughn”, Jones will perform as patrons indulge in tasty barbeque provided by Freddie Hall’s 3 Rings BBQ and Catering, creating the perfect environment for an immersive blues experience. Like other acts performing this season, Jones has performed on television, toured and performed live for audiences worldwide, and shared the stage with legendary performers such as B.B. King, REO Speedwagon, and Santana in a career spanning decades. Jones’ acclaim also includes being named “one of the top 50 blues guitarists of all time” by Guitarist, a United Kingdom based magazine, in its January 2001 issue. In fact, Jones noted that it was the English people who first dubbed him “King of Strings” while he toured there.

Like many children, Jones often spent time with his grandfather. Their activities consistently played out to a backdrop of the musical stylings of blues guitarist B.B. King. Sometimes, they watched him perform on television together. Exposed to King’s rendition of the blues throughout his childhood, Jones developed a passion for both the blues and guitar. In fact, Jones first picked up a guitar and attempted to play it around age seven. He later played it with serious intention around age eleven and played for his first live audience at a birthday party three years later. He credits those times with his grandfather, listening to and watching B.B. King perform, for igniting his life’s passion.

Following his passion and desiring to make connections and perform for larger audiences, Jones left the small Texas city of his childhood around age 19, moving to Arizona. That move changed the trajectory of his life, sparking a fortynine year career as a blues guitarist and leading him to perform in more than three dozen countries scattered across three continents. While he initially performed solo for about the first twenty-five years, he now performs with two bandmates: drummer Jeremiah Spencer and bass player Darwin Scott.

During their Blues, Beer, and BBQ performance on the evening of April 8, Jones hopes patrons pick up on the emotive expression of his guitar. After all, he chose it, in part, for its versatile expressive qualities. Most importantly, he hopes people come out for a night of great music and fun, excitedly exclaiming “I’m ready to jam out! Come join us. Dance. Let the music move you.” He and the band will offer albums and merchandise for sale at the event, or they may be purchased online at www.carvinjones. com. Tickets for the event may be purchased at www.etix.com.

Of particular interest to patrons and importance to Onstage at the Freeland, the Blues, Beer, and BBQ event serves as a fundraiser for Onstage to fund lighting improvements and purchase a 20’ x 40’ storage building. Multiple sponsors are funding the event so that all ticket sales go toward the building and lighting expenditures. Onstage thanks Blues, Beer, and BBQ event sponsors: Bill Henshaw, The Bolin Family Trust, The Mackensen Trust, Community Bank, Bob and Suzy Jackson, and SpiritBank.