will have a case of the blues tonight and not just because of the weather.
The Rough Grooves Blues Band takes the stage as this week's entertainer in the O'Fallon Jammin' summer concert series. They are newcomers to the program.
"I've not heard them live but in reviewing web sites and their electronic media kit they look good," said Marsha Seymour, manager of tourism and festivals for the city. "I like to mix things up so it's not rock and roll every week. We haven't had a blues band in a couple of years."
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The outdoor performance runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, in Civic Park, 308 Civic Park Drive, O'Fallon. Bring blankets or chairs for seating on the lawn around the bandstand. Admission and parking is free, concessions will be available for purchase. In the event of extreme heat, the concert start time might be delayed. Call the O'Fallon Event Hotline at 636-379-5614 for the latest update.
The Rough Grooves Blues Band features Rich McDonough on guitar, Eric McSpadden on vocals and harmonica, Sharon Foehner on vocals and bass and Joe Pastor on drums.
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"We've been together five or six years," McDonough said. "Me and Eric played off and on together for over 20 years. I knew Sharon when she was with another band and I'd sometimes play with them. We all kinda knew each other from the scene."
McDonough was 12 years old when he began playing guitar. At age 17 he found his musical calling when he heard an album by blues legend Albert King. "He's the guitar player's guitar player," McDonough said.
By age 19 McDonough was going to clubs and meeting the players in the St. Louis blues scene. "I joined a band at 20/21 and played a few years," he said.
McDonough has been in the music business a quarter-century now and is recognized as one of the top guitarists in St. Louis. He has opened for a number of blues legends, including Robert Cray, Junior Wells, Tyrone Davis and the man who inspired him -- Albert King.
The Rough Grooves Blues Band keeps McDonough busy these days. "I would say we play two or three times a week, pretty much year round," he said.
What drew him to the blues?
"I just love the way it feels," he said. "It's a lot of fun to play. It's expressive. It's a good way to express yourself."
The O'Fallon Jammin' series runs most Tuesdays through August and continues with The Younger Brothers (July 26), O'Fallon Jazz Band and (Aug. 2), Laytham and Holmes Duo (Aug. 9), Fanfare (Aug. 16), Trixie Delight (Aug. 23) and Mirage (Aug. 30).
For more information visit the city's website.