by guest author Teresa Ramirez, KCBS Board Member
As we gear up for our second annual Blues in the Bottoms, I had a chance to sit down and chat with Nick Schnebelen about his new album What Key Is Trouble In, released March 2023, and what’s been keeping him busy these days. After nearly 2 decades of writing, performing, and touring, Nick said he’s still enjoying the rush of performing and the magic of being onstage. When asked where his inspirations for songs come from, he said growing up in the country and life experiences. Being true to himself and his music is his focus.
I asked if he had any names for his musical equipment, he smiled and said, “Horton and Green Pea to name a few.” The Blues Cruises are so enjoyable, getting to jam with friends he hasn’t seen for a while till wee hours of the morning. He’ll be performing on The Big Easy Cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale as part of the Bender Brass Band in January 2025.
While his favorite place to play is still BB’s Lawnside BBQ, he’s been able to perform in Norway and India making him an international star. He loves playing festivals, something about being able to look into the audience and see the reactions and feed off the energy from the crowd. Nick has been with the Vizztone Label since 2016 and said the partnership has been great. He was actually the producer of his album. Being able to tour with George Thorogood has been a highlight of his career and he’s looking forward to being able to be on tour with him again.
We’re looking forward to Nick’s performance along with Washington DC’s Blues Artist, Carly Harvey at the Blues in the Bottoms on October 19, 2024, at Knuckleheads.
I got to visit with Carly Harvey on the phone, and boy are we in for some great music and talent! Carly combines blues, jazz, soul and Indigenous American music to produce her unique sound. A multi-talented woman, musician, singer, songwriter, teacher and entrepreneur. She is a three-time DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands winner. She was on the cover of Big City Blues magazine in 2018 and in 2021, had 7 nominations and won the Wammie Award for Best Blues Artist.
Carly recently returned from touring for a month in Europe. She absolutely loved Madrid, the nightlife, the people, eating tacos every night from Tiki Tacos. While Tuereno, Italy was beautiful and fun, she said her favorite was Madrid. Carly was able to use pick-up bands across Europe and gained some great new friends. Carly has performed in Las Vegas at The Big Bender which is where she got to first perform with Nick. She has a big following in New England area.
Carly is getting ready to release her new album, Kamama, on August 25, which also happens to be her birthday. She said what better way to pay homage to herself. The album is straight from her heart, it’s her story, her life, her journey. Producing an album takes a lot of time and money which is why she said it took a year and half to make. The title, Kamama, which means Butterfly Dancer, is her Indigenous name.
Her first performance in the Midwest will be for us at Knuckleheads, for Blues in the Bottoms, on October 19.
Looking forward to a great night of music from these wonderful musicians.