Geoff Bartley will begin a month of Sundays on August 10th from 7 to 10PM. Geoff is one of this country’s best acoustic guitar players and has toured extensively both solo and with artist Tom Paxton and others. His own songs have been recorded by renouned artists such as Mary Black and John Gorka.

 It all began with his deep understanding of Blues and Jazz roots. When Wendy first heard him 35 years ago he was wowing audiences with a fingerpicking style that brought jazz to blues and blues to jazz. In the years since he has developed his own writing style that has fused these beginnings with a deep soulful lyrical style.

Geoff comes to Smoken’ Joe’s  with a strick blues agenda. He’ll be playing blues originating from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Along the way we hope he will share a little of his extensive knowledge of the artists and backgrounds of this rich heritage.

You can read about Geoff on our Artist Profiles page or visit his website at http://www.geoffbartley.com/index.html. Or visit his Myspace page  http://www.myspace.com/geoffbartley

Big happenings this weekend at Smoken’ Joe’s Barbeque.  Shirley will rock the house with her band on Friday and Saturday featuring Big Jack Ward on guitar and Karl Bryan on Sax.  Saturday we will be roasting a whole pig. We are still working on how we will serve this —We will begin serving around 6PM.

Then we will have a special Blues event on Sunday event from 12:30 to 3PM with special guests; It will feature a band and we are going to call it Blues on Sunday.  Alizon Lissance will be playing Wednesday nights all summer featuring her special brand of smokey soulful solo piano.  Also, look for Angela Warner to join our regulars with a Soul Review on Thursday nights starting this week.

You might guess that a singer with the stage name “J. B. Jr.” would be borrowing heavily from the James Brown songbook. You might be right. A native of Richfield, NC, JB grew up idolizing and emulating his musical hero. Making his home in Boston since the mid-60’s, he has spent a lifetime on and off the road, at various times bringing his act to the stage as an opener for such legends as The Blue Notes, Wilson Pickett, Millie Jackson, Maurice Starr, Sam & Dave, and yes, the “real” James Brown. His energy is infectious, whether doing the Camel Walk across the stage, or splits in the middle of the dance floor; the whole audience will just have to “git up, git on up”!

Big Jack Ward, a Cambridge native, will be joining us this Saturday to play a few tunes. Ward comes from a family of musicians and has been playing since he was 10 years old. You might know him from “Five Guys Named Moe” or “The Magic Rockers”, both bands he has played with.  Jack will be joined by Karl Bryant on the sax and Bob Abruzzi on bass.  We’re excited to see what they can do.

On Friday, Shirley Lewis will be taking the spotlight while playing with Jack, Bob and Karl.  Shirley has never let us down and with the combination of these two forces you can bet that won’t be changing anytime soon.

We’re celebrating Father’s Day ( June 15th, just in case you forgot ) the only way we know how, with a nice big plate of smoked prime rib. This special dinner also includes baked potato, choice of collard greens, green beans, or spinach sauteed in garlic, plus a side salad. All for $21.99. Available all day but only for one day. And of course our regular menu will be available too. See you soon.

Angela Warner made her Boston debut at Smoken Joe’s on July 6th.  Direct from Philadelphia, Angela brought her version of blues soul (and comedy) to Brighton.  Smoken!   We hope she come’s back soon.

Rock & Blues artist Alizon will be performing some “Smokey Blues” here at Smoken’ Joe’s on June 18th.  Alizon is a  Boston Music Awards winner, who has worked with, among others, Lavern Baker, Mighty Sam McClain and Laurie Sargent as well as being a founding member of top New England bands Girls’ Night Out and The Love Dogs.  Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new booking.

Alizon - So What About You

We are very excited that Willie D will be playing right here in Brighton.  Willie wil be joining Shirley Lewis as her special guest..  You can listen to one of his recordings here or check out their website here http://www.geocities.com/continentalwalk/.

Also coming June 6, Angela Warner With Billy Walsh, Gary Barcus, and Diane Gately.

We will be having blues every Friday and Saturday night. Shirley, our artist in residence, will play with her band and be bringing in guest artists.  Shirley has brought soul to Boston and the reception has been overwhelming.  We’ve caught a few of her performance on video so you can see and hear.  Don’t forget, Shirley also hosts our Sunday Morning Gospel Brunch.

Smoken’ Joe’s is the place where southern blues meets southern BBQ.  Come on down and stay awhile.

Next shows will be next Friday and Saturday April 18 & 19

Shirley Lewis Band - The new House Band at Smoken’ Joe’s

The Sunday Gospel Brunch will continue on April 6, with a performance by Shirley and her band.  We have a great new Sunday Brunch menu featuring down-home southern food.  Come on in and check out the new prices.

Here is a link to her web page http://shirleylewis.biz/