MUSIC: Blues music and the essential stink-face

Jonny Lang performing at Orlando's third annual Blues and Bar-B-Q event. (Credit: Miriphoto)

I got my greasy groove on yesterday when I came out to eat barbeque and photograph downtown Orlando’s Third Annual Blues and Bar-B-Q event. The block of Orange Ave and South Street was cut off from traffic and a stage was set in the middle of the road on the corner of Anderson and Orange. Thousands of people of all ages and stations in life filled the area in front of City Hall to dance, drink and eat barbecued meat. It was actually kind of weird to see drunken citizens waving beer bottles in the air as they danced on the steps of city hall. Nonetheless, it was peaceful good time for child and adult alike.

I got to the show in time to catch Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials. I could see quite well from my spot a block away, and the sound system and acoustics of the area did right by this outdoor music display.  I got a little closer for the main Jonny Lang event. I’d never seen him perform before so I’m glad I got the chance to experience his amazing talent for making music with his face. The dude expresses major face drama while shredding out those complicating blues riffs. Since I was hard pressed to capture images of him without the stink-face expressions, I’ve come to believe that they are an essential part of this music making process.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out the photo gallery from the event and decide for yourself.