A favorite during the International Blues Challenge every year has been Bob Margolin’s Jam at the Rum Boogie Cafe, famously located on the corner of the original Highway 61 and Beale Street. The jam is gearing up to Margolin is one of the most talented and electrifying slide guitar players alive — and he should be. The blues master learned slide from Muddy Waters himself. Among his esteemed guests at the jam are Chuch Botton, Bob Corritore, and if the playbill is to believed, Elvis will make an appearance.
Margolin is heading up the VizzTone Blues Revue for the VizzTone Label Group, headed by Chip Eagle, is a long-time innovative blues record label, promoting and publishing exciting artists who play amazing blues.
Several prominent labels, talent agencies, and blues entities host “Showcases” at various bars on Beale. Showcases are always free, and are a great way to discover talented, established acts from some of the best blues agencies and labels in the business. Since all showcases end before the nightly competitions begin, the worst choice a blues fan on Beale will have to make is which showcase to check out!
