Ramblin’ Dan Stevens (right) of Old Lyme performs with Clayton Allen this Saturday before leaving to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.
1/23 UPDATE: We have just heard that the concert scheduled for tonight in East Lyme by Dan Stevens and Clayton Allen has been cancelled due to the weather. Instead, Stevens and Allen are heading off to Tennessee to compete in the International Blues Contest being held there next week. Good luck, guys!
Local musicians Ramblin’ Dan Stevens of Old Lyme and Clayton Allen recently won the Connecticut Blues Society Challenge Competition in the solo/duo category. As a result, they will be representing the state at the International Blues Challenge on historic Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn., between Jan. 26 and Jan. 30. Join the duo this coming Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. at the barn at Old Orchard Farm, 22 Scott Rd., in East Lyme when they wrap up their Road to Memphis Tour with one final local appearance
Stevens and Allen will be showcasing original material along with their Memphis set in this last Connecticut concert prior departing for Tennessee. Admission to the concert is $10. The concert will feature a raffle of one of Steven’s homemade, three-stringed Cigar Box Guitars — a fundamental instrument used by early bluesmen and featured in the show — plus other prizes.
For more information about Saturday’s concert and to reserve tickets, visit this link.
In a melding of diverse blues styles, Stevens and Allen have forged a unique sound, representing a wide variety of traditionally-based fingerpicking with a hint of primitive blues and early blues rock and roll. Allen’s raw energy and emotional delivery contrast with Stevens’s soulful approach creating a dynamic mix. A dose of one-stringed Diddly Bow and Cigar Box guitar backed with a driving rhythm and gospel-influenced vocals convey a deep authenticity.
The 2016 International Blues Challenge presented by the Blues Foundation (www.blues.org) is the world’s largest gathering of Blues acts and represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations for artists, who compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition.
The four-day event will fill venues up and down Beale Street culminating in the final round at the renowned Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 30. In 2008, Stevens and fellow musician Chris D’Amato advanced all the way to the final round and finished in the top six.