Traverse City Record-Eagle

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  • Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues Special to the Record-Eagle

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January 27, 2012

Branch works with students, performs

FROM STAFF REPORTS ----

TRAVERSE CITY — Billy Branch brings his Chicago blues music — and his Sons of Blues band — to the Dennos Museum Center Friday, Feb. 3.

Branch, who grew up in Chicago and Los Angeles, first picked up a harmonica when he was 10. After spending his formative years in LA, he returned to Chicago in 1969 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. During those years, he immersed himself in Chicago blues, hanging out at legendary blues clubs and learning from harmonica players such as Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell.

His big break came in 1975 during a harmonica battle when he beat Chicago legend Little Mac Simmons at the Green Bunny Club. He made his first recording and began working as an apprentice harp player in Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars.

During this time, Branch formed the Sons of Blues (S.O.B.s) featuring musicians who were sons of famous blues artists. The original band had Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon and Garland Whiteside. They toured Europe and played at the Berlin Jazz Festival.

Branch will be doing a weeklong "Blues in the Schools" workshop with students at Traverse City High School. There also will be a concert for students Friday, Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m., at Milliken Auditorium. Teachers who would like their students involved can call Diana Bolander, 995-1029, or email dbolander@nmu.edu.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door and $22 for museum members, plus fees. Tickets are available at www.dennosmuseum.org or calling 995-1553.

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