Local Artists Star At Blues Fest

Words and photo by Brian McCalden

Texas's finest, Sherman Robertson, may have been topping the bill at the opening night of the Belfast Blues Festival at the weekend, but his distinctive vocals were only one highlight.
Wholly professional in the flesh, Sherman (pictured) wowed an appreciative audience in the Oh Yeah Centre, but it was NI-bred blues that really rocked the hall.
The Pontiax Blues band, one of the Friday night 'warm-ups' before the Texan 'big name', really had the crowd on their feet - although the lack of seating makes it a foregone conclusion in this most individual of post-industrial venues.
Their 'rough' cover of Mustang Sally was a festival hit on Friday that was much appreciated, with the band well worth seeing again on closing night too.
The local band, all amazing musicians in their own right, played again on Sunday night in anticipation of the other big highlight - the Rab McCullough Band.
The local legend really showed off his prowess as he blasted out Jimi Hendrix numbers including Voodoo Chile - even strumming the instrument behind his head at one stage - in a top-notch display of guitar expertise and stunning vocals.
One surreal moment came as Terri Hooley - soon to be immortalised in a movie about his record shop and label Good Vibrations - currently on location in Belfast - leaned on a pillar in the Oh Yeah.
In life imitating art, the iconic music producer relaxed into the groove as The Mercy Lounge Blues Band launched into their Sunday evening session - unaware that the same pillar was adorned with a life-size photo of himself.
Part of an eclectic collection of music memorabilia on display, Terri is recalled alongside Them and Van the Man - and many others - as part of a continuing presentation at this most singular of musical venues.
Atmospheric - and recalling the original Pound Club in Oxford Street - the Oh Yeah touch was the finalé to a weekend that also successfully included a host of free gigs across the north side of the city centre and even a booze/blues cruise along Belfast Lough - again with delightful entertainment by the Belfast blues guitarist McCullough and company.
(BMcC/DW)