Bar hosts blues artists

By Kelly Lucas
Summer Reporter

The Knickerbocker Saloon will be smoking this month, but it won't be because of the rising temperatures outside, it will be because of the smoking blues performers inside.

Numerous blues acts including Percy Strother, Scott Ellison, Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel, Jimmy d. Lane and Governor Davis will play throughout the month of July at the Knickerbocker Saloon, located in Downtown Lafayette.

According to Nick Vukas, owner of the Knickerbocker Saloon, each performer has his own style of blues. "You definitely won't see the same thing every week," said Vukas.

Percy Strother will kick-off the month of July at the Knickerbocker with two shows, one tonight and one tomorrow. According to Vukas, Strother has played at the Knickerbocker before and has been a real crowd-pleaser.

The following weekend, July 14 and 15, Scott Ellison and his band will play their mix of original material and traditional blues hits. Ellison, a native of Tulsa, Okla., will play the Knickerbocker for his first time.

"Scott is a very renowned blues musician," said Vukas. "It should be a great show; I'm looking forward to having him and, more than likely, we will have him back."

Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel will play July 21. According to Vukas, Milligan, a regional entertainer from Muncie, has played at the Knickerbocker in the past.

However, one of the most anticipated acts may be Jimmy d. Lane, son of legendary blues artist Jimmy Rogers. Lane, a native of Chicago, has played with such legendary artists as Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Mick Jaggar.

Lane describes his music as blues rock, somewhere between Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix.

"Jimmy d. Lane is one of the best weekend shows you can catch at the Knickerbocker," said Vukas. "Every time he has performed at the Knickerbocker it's completely full. He is truly a master at what he does."

Winding down the month of July, Governor Davis will play the weekend of July 28 and July 29.

"Governor is a regular at the Knickerbocker," said Vukas. "He is truly an entertainer and crowd-pleaser; he gets the whole crowd up and dancing…and likes to mingle with the crowd."

Although the Knickerbocker has a maximum capacity of approximately 225, Vukas said Governor Davis draws in over 300 people throughout the night.

"Overall, the performers are very entertaining and upbeat. It's music that will put you in a good mood, make you dance and party a little bit," said Vukas.

The cover charge is $3 for each performer and the shows start at 10 p.m. For more information, contact the Knickerbocker Saloon at 423-2234.