Two members of the Joint Rockers have been inducted into the Columbus Blues Alliance Hall of Fame. (Submitted photo)
BY SHERI TRUSTY
PORT CLINTON – For over 40 years, the Joint Rockers have been bringing their unique mix of classic blues, R&B, soul and early roots rock to audiences around Ohio. The band perform on The District stage on Saturday, July 5, from 8 to 11 p.m. as part of Main Street Port Clinton’s summer concert series.
The band features Chuck “Albino Red” Moore on sax, Sam Williams on bass, “Johnny Mack” on vocals and guitar, Rick Collura on guitar, and Dave West on drums.
West was inducted into the Columbus Blues Alliance Hall of Fame in 2019, and Collura was inducted in 2022. According to the alliance website, The Columbus Blues Hall of Fame was created with funding from an Ohio Arts Council grant and is “a recognition of the artists, promoters, producers, and others who have made an impact on the central Ohio blues community through their work, lives, and passion.”
The Joint Rockers formed in 1981 to pay homage to and share the music of artists who perform blues, R&B, soul and early rock. They have opened for several national acts including Charlie Musselwhite, Duke Robillard, Gatemouth Brown, Lonnie Mack, Levon Helm, Buckwheat Zydeco and the legendary Charles Brown.
Dave West’s wife, Maggie West, who helps schedule their concerts, said one of the things that sets the band apart is its longevity. Collectively, the band brings over 200 years of music experience to their concerts.
“They’ve lasted 40 years, and they’re still in high demand because they’re really good,” Maggie said. “And their music sets them apart because they play songs from a different era and put a different spin on them.”
The District crowd can expect a fun night of entertainment from the band on July 5.
“They’re energetic. You can dance to their music,” Maggie said.
The band played on The District stage for the first time over Memorial Day weekend, where Brick House customers enjoyed them while they ate pizza, burgers, wings and grinders.
“We had a lot of people from the Brick House say they liked us, and Mayor Mike Snider said he liked us,” Maggie said.
It’s that connection with the audience that has helped the band endure for over four decades.
“I think it’s their ability to command the attention of the audience that makes them popular,” Maggie said.
For more information on the band, visit The Joint Rockers Facebook page.
