Dr. John and Blind Boys of Alabama Play for a Die-hard Crowd

It was a night full of beautiful music, mixed emotions, and a surprise around every corner.  When we arrived at the Bourbon, we found out that Dr. John was in the hospital, wouldn’t be performing, and the venue was offering a full to partial refund for the event.  Now, I have to admit, my first thought was, “Well, that would be our luck…” and had a Dr. John moment of my own (“I was in the right place, but it must’ve been the wrong time…”)  Of course, my next thought went immediately to the man, in hopes that he was alright.  And while I never expected him to show, I am not surprised that the good Dr. didn’t want to let his fans down. 

I heard several folks indicate they would be getting a refund, most were jazzed to see The Blind Boys of Alabama anyway, and a few even shared our sentiment – we’ve already got a sitter, so…

We reflected that the Blind Boys should feel good – that everyone who had come in was there to see just them.  And they didn’t disappoint.  The slow spirituals had us swaying, and when they kicked it up-tempo, the tunes ranged from gospel to New Orleans funk.  The already appreciative crowd stepped up the volume when 87-year-old founding member Jerry Carter shook the microphone at us, and kudos to those charismatic guys for still bringin’ the music. 

Eventually, a buzz broke through the crowd and sure enough, Dr. John came slowly across the stage and sat at the baby grand.  He played and sang with as much ferocity as we’ve come to  expect (in spite of seeming – with good reason – rather “out of it”), and even though it was only twenty minutes or so, our souls felt filled and we got what we came for.  I have to say, the collaboration between Dr. John and his band and The Blind Boys of Alabama was a rare musical treat that we in Lincoln were blessed to have been offered.  

But those who went over to the Zoo Bar later felt like they were in the right place at the right time as the music didn’t stop at the Bourbon!  The encore performance was organized by local musician Josh Hoyer (at the keys) and featured Sarah Morrow (trombone player for Dr. John) and Joey Williams (lead guitar, vocals for Blind Boys).  Two of the Blind Boys actually sat and listened to their colleagues play a couple tunes before being guided up to the stage to sing themselves.  The magnitude of the impromptu performance was evidenced by the size of the smile on Hoyer’s face as all four guests jammed on the home stage.  It was definitely a special moment.  We truly are lucky to live in a place that values and maintains a home for live music like that.