One of the most dynamic stage shows at the Grand Theatre in recent years was a May 2010 concert by blues singer and multi-instrumentalist Deanna Bogart and her band.
The Grand is pleased to host The Deanna Bogart Band for a return engagement at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27.
In a recent telephone interview, the veteran of the Washington, D.C., music scene fondly recalled her previous Grand Theatre gig. In fact, a portion of the appearance has been captured in a new video.
The 90-minute video, entitled “Everybody Has a Story,” documents life on the road with Bogart and her fellow band members.
“We used (footage) from the (Grand) lobby and dressing room,” she said. “I loved the backstage shots, upstairs getting ready to play.”
When told that the audience was obviously responsive to the band’s music, she said, “It was a good night for us as well.”
Bogart has worked with the same band members for years, consisting of guitarist Dan Leonard, bassist Scott Ambush and drummer Mike Aubin. Bogart handles vocals, keyboards and saxophone.
Having a stable lineup provides Bogart with some excellent opportunities for musical experimentation.
“I sort of feel that each night should have something that is unique to that night,” she said. “I think that when you’re on the edge, when something happens that’s not expected, then we’re not thrown by that.”
Bogart is more than happy to let her trusted bandmates shine.
“I have the best seat in the house,” she said. “I prefer to be the weakest link on stage. It’s a symbiotic relationship. The intention is to serve the song.”
Bogart has been a fixture on the Washington music scene for many years. She started as a singer in a Western swing group, and then joined a seminal R&B group called Root Boy Slim. Along the way, she taught herself both piano and saxophone. In 1988, she formed her own blues band and began writing songs.
Over the years, she has crafted a style of boogie-woogie, contemporary blues, country and jazz that she calls “blusion.” Her musical creativity and audience appeal have been recognized in the musical community; she has won more than 20 “Wammies,” awarded to performers in the Washington area. She was voted the Blues Music Award best horn instrumentalist for three consecutive years.
The Deanna Bogart Band spends a lot of time on the road. One highlight of its touring schedule is a recurring spot on the roster of musicians on the “blues cruise,” in which blues fans and performers mingle, jam and boogie day and night on a cruise ship.
“I can’t even describe how much fun it is,” she said. “It is exhaustively joyful.”
Bogart has nine albums to her credit; she recently finished mixing songs for her third release on Blind Pig Records, “Pianoland,” scheduled for release later this year.
For tickets
Here’s how to purchase tickets, priced from $15-$25: online at the Grand Theatre Web site, http://www.grandtheatrefrankfort.org, by visiting the ticket office, 312 W. Main St., weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., or by calling 352-7469. At press time, tickets remained available in all price ranges.
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