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Little Ivory Blues Band heads to Memphis
Whoever thought that a group of self-proclaimed “goofballs” couldn’t make it big in the music industry might want to check out Little Ivory Blues Band on their next trip to Memphis. Yes, you read that right. A band composed of four current Central York High School students and two Central graduates will be playing in Memphis, Tennessee- the heart of American blues music, and quite possibly the center of the music industry as a whole. Established blues artists ranging from B.B. King to Howlin’ Wolf, to Ike Turner, were all discovered in the recording studios that line the streets of Memphis. But LIBB isn’t just playing in Memphis. They’re playing at Club 152 on Beale Street- arguably one of the most prominent streets in blues music. “It’s a big street for music,” said Garrett Stoner, lead guitarist for LIBB and a Central sophomore. “All of the big blues artists have played there.” LIBB landed this exciting gig when they placed second at a competition held by the Blues Society of Central Pennsylvania on September 7, 2008. While the members of the band expressed that the results of the competition were controversial, the BSCP decided three weeks later to invite LIBB to head to Memphis to be featured in the Annual IBC Blues Challenge which will be held this coming February. The Blues Foundation chose to add a Youth Showcase this year, to the already internationally renowned event, in which LIBB will be featured. The Central members of LIBB simultaneously received a text message one day during school that informed them of the exciting news of their upcoming travels. The text was from Seth Shoemaker- Central graduate and bassist for LIBB. It read, “Pack your bags boys; we’re going to Memphis.” Needless to say, Stoner and the rest of the guys couldn’t have been happier. The nerves haven’t quite set in yet, but there is surely an intimidation factor. “There is going to be professionals there,” said Lucas Hough, a junior at Central and keyboardist for LIBB. “And we are trying to get to that level.” However, getting to that level won’t be an easy task. Gaining a legitimate record deal while in Memphis is definitely something the band hopes to achieve. But, it’s not that easy. The process of drawing up a record deal includes a long procedure involving extensive contracts and precise conditions. In addition, LIBB has to impress an official recording company. “They have to think we have potential out the wazoo,” Stoner said. While most agree that this group of “goofy” guys certainly has potential, they are grounded in the fact that there is a huge possibility that they won’t land a record deal on their first trip to Memphis. “No one guarantees we’re going to make it on the first shot,” said Logan Kurtek, a Central junior saxophonist for LIBB. If the plans for getting a contract in Memphis are tarnished, the guys of LIBB are confident that they will have more opportunities to come. But for now, this group of young musicians is looking forward to February. They’ll be trying hard to make their mark in an industry where first impressions, can make all the difference. Back to Anna's Homepage