Beat Them low down and dirty Winter Blues

The Clear Lake Arts Center is beating those low down and dirty blues with a night of live music performed by North Iowa Blues guitarist Melvin LaVert and Andy Blumenthal on the harp (harmonica). As LaVert plays, he will share a little of the history of this genre of music and the special world of the Blues songwriter. ?I?m a traditionalist in the Blues,? says LaVert. ?In the vein of Lightnin? Hopkins and John Lee Hooker.? LaVert has been playing guitar since he was 9. Although he grew up in Washington DC, he was raised by deep southerners and immersed from a very young age in the culture and the sounds of traditional folk or downhome Blues. LaVert calls it ? low down and dirty Blues. LaVert has played at Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian National Museum in Washington DC and other DC venues. He is a past president of the DC Blues Society, having held that position for 10 years. Since moving to the North Iowa area, LaVert has played in Mason City at MacNider Art Museum, Coffee Cat and the Brewery; and in Charles City at The Underground. There is no admission fee for this event, a freewill offering will be accepted. Doors open at 7pm. All are encouraged to come early, as seating is limited. Cash bar (beer and wine) and refreshments (BBQ) will be available for purchase. The Clear Lake Arts Center?s January Jam is sponsored by Todd and Kristen Charlson.