We were recently featured in the Boston Herald. This is what they had to say about us:

The once-rich Boston blues scene may be a little threadbare, but thanks to one entrepreneur, the blues are still cooking in the Hub.

The era that spawned chart-toppers like Ronnie Earl and Susan Tedeschi is gone. Even the Original House of Blues - the Harvard Square club that launched a franchise - stopped programming blues before closing its doors in 2003.

But at Smoken’ Joe’s BBQ & Blues in Brighton, guitars are smoking alongside piles of ribs, pulled pork and brisket. .

The welcoming Washington Street eatery offers live blues six nights a week, along with owner Joe Dodd’s deep-South dishes.

Dodd’s cozy, 60-seat room percolates with the blues Tuesday through Sunday nights, including regular Friday and Saturday night gigs by the queen of Boston blues, Shirley Lewis.

On any of those nights you’re likely to find Smoken’ Joe himself sitting in the back with a satisfied grin. It’s a new career for Dodd, 53, a Dorchester native and Cambridge resident who, after 32 years, was forced out of the construction business by back injuries.

“My wife and I both share a passion for the blues and this was our dream - to do something like this,” said Dodd, who developed an obsession for barbecue after a pulled-pork epiphany in Houston. “My strong point is the kitchen. Her strong point is the music. Barbecue and blues was the whole plan.”

No one is happier with this arrangement than the musicians. In fact, Dodd’s efforts extend to presenting Lewis, James Montgomery, and Shorty Billups in concert tomorrow at the St. James Cultural Center in Watertown.

His advocacy is something Boston’s blues musicians have come to appreciate.

“You’re keeping the blues alive,” said Ed Scheer, who plays Tuesday nights at Smoken’ Joe’s as a member of the Gumbo Kings.

In Dodd’s mind, it goes beyond a business plan. It’s about preservation and rejuvenation.

“We need to keep the local musicians here,” Dodd said. “It’s good for the community. It’s good for the arts. It’s good for the soul.”

You can read the original article here.

UPDATE: The concert came and went this past Sunday. It was great fun. Thanks to all that came. We’ll have some pictures posted soon.

We’ve been hard at work planning a special music event. On Sunday, October 12 we will be joined by James Montgomery, Shirley Lewis, Shorty’ Billups and the Boston Soul Revue Show Band at the St. James Cultural Center in Watertown. During the show we’ll be doing what we do best: BBQ.

You can get your tickets by dropping by at the restaurant or by ordering them online. $25 for Adults, $15 for Seniors ( you can only get senior tickets at the restaurant). We hope you join us. It’s gonna be a really good time.

(Click to enlarge.)

Food and drink aren’t included with admission.

JB returns to bring his brand of soul again to Smoken’ Joe’s. JB appeared on July 4th and brought the house down. We look forward to seeing JB with his band on Thursday the 25th and for a special appearance as Shirley’s guest on the 26th.

Delaware Floyd will be Shirley’s special guest this saturday the 13th.

Like so many fine soul vocalists, Floyd began in the church choir as a youth, growing up in Ellsmere, Delaware. Also, like so many other talented singers, he gave up a promising musical career to get a “regular” job and raise a family. Now, with his children grown, he is back on stage, with a vengeance! His powerful gospel tinged voice energizes audiences wherever he goes. In recent years, he has appeared at such far-flung venues as The Funky Parrot club on Bourbon St. in New Orleans and the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. His heartfelt rendition of “One In A Million” will bring a lump to your throat, and you won’t be able to stop your feet from dancing when he gets it on with the irrepressible beat of Tyrone Davis’ “Can I Change My Mind”.

As a Deacon who got into the house rockin’ business about ten years ago, Sweet Willie D is living proof that the art of blues shouting (which requires wailing, rapping, testifying, and bleeding charisma) is still alive and still very hip.

Willie is a gem and has brought the house down when he has appeared as Shirley’s guest. On September 5th Willie will appear with Big Jack, Lee Lundy, and Sir Cecil for a one night only performance.