When the Ghost Town Blues Band walked on stage Saturday night and kicked off its energetic show with a rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In," the crowd enthusiastically clapped to the rhythm.
WBFO's Buffalo Blues Bash attracted a capacity crowd to the WNED|WBFO studios in downtown Buffalo. Alden resident Debbie Yard said this was her third Blues Bash.
"Great venue, great crowd, good music," she said as she waited eagerly for the show to begin.
WBFO's Pat Feldballe hosted the event. The Patti Parks Band, which has distinguished itself as one of Western New York's most versatile groups, opened the show.
The Ghost Town Blues Band is Memphis-based group that has been touring the U.S. since its inception in 2009. The six-piece band was the second place winner in the 2014 International Blues Challenge.
Even though this was Dan Bielat's first Blues Bash, the Lancaster resident said he's a big fan of the genre.
"It's earthy. It's common people," he said.
Kenmore resident Paul Weaver put it a different way, suggesting that the blues in some ways is a state of mind.
"If you have the blues, then you enjoy the blues," he said.
The event, sponsored by WNED|WBFO Buffalo-Toronto, aims to lure top-performing acts to the region while also fostering local talent.
