GLADSTONE - Paws for the Blues, an annual tribute in memory of Jim "Smiley" Lewis, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Terrace Bay Inn in Gladstone. Lewis, an Escanaba native and gifted musician, passed away in 2005.
A long-time pet owner, he left behind a generous amount of money that helped fund the Snip 'n Clip, a low-cost pet spay/neuter program which was discontinued shortly after his death.
In October 2006, Lewis' friends in the music industry came from around the country to honor him in a day-long music festival, and Paws for the Blues was born. The event has continued to be held yearly with profit being used to help the local pet population.
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Studebaker John
On Nov. 24, national recording artists Studebaker John and The Hawks will be ripping up the dance floor with rocking blues "that helps people forget their troubles." John Grimaldi (a.k.a. Studebaker John) began playing the harmonica on the streets of Chicago at age 7 and first performed as Studebaker John and the Hawks in the '70s. The band name referenced the Studebaker Hawk, a car Grimaldi still owns today.
A prolific and gifted musician on the harmonica and guitar, Studebaker's first album was released in 1994 on the Blind Pig label. His newest CD, Old School Rockin', was release in February of this year.
The door opens at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8. Tickets are $15. Advance tickets are available at the Record Rack in Escanaba. While supplies last, a Jim Lewis CD will be included with all advance tickets purchased.
All profits will once again be used to assist the public with low-cost pet spay/neuter.
For more information, call 906-786-6420 or visit www.studebakerjohn.com.