The blues are alive on Sundays at Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill in Fort Myers.
The schedule has been changed for March.
The popular blues concert series continues in March with Frank Bang on March 7; an All Star Music Fest on March 14; Memphis Lightning on March 21; and Harper and Midwest Kind on March 28.
All shows run Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 with $5 off your entree purchase.
Memphis Lightning
Memphis Lightning was born out of tradition with a pedigree second to none. Having played with the blues legend Eddie “Blues Man” Kirkland, Memphis Lightning are the real deal.
At 12 years old, Darren “Lil Bluesman” Thiboutot was riding shotgun and playing ol’ school, rock solid, tasty guitar on stage with the late great blues legend Eddie Kirkland, and Buddy Guy. Now as an adult, he is the youngest member to fly the funky skies with Memphis Lightning.
On the skins, riding the back beat, and the backbone of Memphis Lightning is Grammy nominated and international touring and recording artist Darren “Big Red” Thiboutot.
As the eldest statesman Rick “Slow Driver” McLennan has been laying down the bottom end for the Piners, the Late Great Eddie Kirkland, and now Memphis Lightning.
Harper & Midwest Kind
Born in England, Peter D. Harper’s musical journey began early, performing in brass bands playing the trumpet and euphonium. At the age of ten, his family moved half way round the world to Perth, Western Australia and his grandfather introduced Harper to the harp. In Perth, one of the most isolated cities in the world, there was a thriving blues and folk scene. The blues had a rawness, an honesty and a passion of the soul which spoke to Harper deeply.
Then, like every blues/ folk lover, Harper began his journey backwards to discover the deeper roots of the music. “I think Muddy Waters really hit me hard. There was something incredibly special about his sound, his powerful voice and his songs. I also really dug Sonny Boy Williamson II as well. I loved his rhythmic use of his harp. I was also inspired by a pretty wide range of players and styles like Little Walter, Sugar Blue and Stevie Wonder who guide me in my harmonica playing.”
Fascinated with the spirituality and culture of the American Natives, he found the same intrinsic qualities present in the Australian Aborigines of his homeland. On adding the native didgeridoo to his music, Harper says “It is a sound I grew up with, so it seemed natural to add it to my songwriting particularly when the lyrics related to the plight of the Aborigines in Australia. When I added the didgeridoo to more traditional instruments, it worked. The deep woody qualities and its haunting drone seemed to enhance the emotional quality of my stories.”
Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill is located at 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers. For more info, call 239-990-9901, visit www.coconutfalls.com or follow them on Facebook.
