The musicians were amazing!!  We had a good crowd, and we enjoyed the evening so much!  Everyone was a winner in my book. 

 

When the votes were tallied, the winner of the ICBC Key to the IBC was Robert Sampson, a 27 year old musician from Jacksonville who is a regular in The Pleasure Chest Blues Band.  Robert is amazingly diversified in his talent - he is a fantastic blues pianist, plays superb guitar including lap steel, plays harmonica, and sings.  He has a great stage presence, and has the ability to get the audience involved in his performance.

 

Keith Altevogt is also in The Pleasure Chest Blues Band, and plays lead guitar and is a vocalist.  His performance started off the night right.  Keep singing the Blues, Keith.  We love it!!

 

Deak Harp and Reverend Robert took the Blues Stage next, and their fantastic set had us all tapping our feet.  Many of us enjoyed their music last Monday too, when they sat in with the Springfield Shaky Band.  Deak Harp has worked with ICBC in the past with some harmonica workshops.  We love these guys and look forward to hearing them more and more!!

 

The evening wound up with our own Jake Shane.  Jake is a senior in high school.  We first heard Jake at our 20th ICBC Birthday Party in 2006.  He joined the jammers in the afternoon, and everyone was asking, "Who is that guy??"  He is just wonderful.  Jake represented ICBC last year as the Solo/Duo Act at the IBC.  We didn't have a competition last year, but had a committee selection - and Jake was our pick.  Over the past year, Jake has sat in at some Blue Mondays, and participated in some other ICBC activities, like the Sweet Corn Festival, and we have had the pleasure of watching him grow as a musician.  It has been amazing to watch!  Jake, we expect great things from you, and look forward to being part of your future.