Being new at writing for this venue, I was amazed to hear about two local competitions right away.  Though unable to attend the audition for the Capital District BID event I found highlights to list the bands auditioning.  The three winners have been gracious with their time and patient with my questions.  I also learned of the Capitol Region Blues Network’s competition, and spent some evenings taking photos and lining up times to meet up with busy musicians that wear numerous hats, either hosting gigs or playing in other bands, giving time also to other parts of their lives which include careers, and families.

I was fortunate to catch George Boone by telephone the other day, as he was in between performances and was packing to head to the Lake Placid Blues Festival.  He and band members Raoul Bowman and Vance Smith have also played in Saratoga and Schenectady this summer, and will be playing on July 5 at Alive@5 in Albany with the Blackboard Blues and Joe Lowry bands.

“Basically, we have been together for 23-25 years, ” said Boone last week. “Raoul and I were childhood friends from kindergarten and playing was a lifelong dream.”

His website claims that the trio shows passionate musicianship when playing together and “where the fans win with every note of their instruments” when they are heard.

“We play all over, and we have played around the states,” he added.  “We have played halfway around the world.

“Basically, I love playing music, and I like people,” Boone said. “Come and watch us play, our music speaks for itself.”