Dicky James and the Blue Flames This blog letter is mainly to say that there will be no blog this week. We are taking 2 weeks off for some R & R and to do a little rehearsing. We have a cool new song in the queue and we’ll spend a little time working on it. I’ll be back in a couple weeks to let you know about our next gig at the Banks of the Wabash on 1 June. Well. I guess I just did. I...
Read MoreI have been sort of interested in meditation ever since a close friend learned how to do it when we were about 19-20 years old. Needless to say that was some time ago. Well, last night I finally went to a beginner class. It was all very ‘60s, minus the acid. The instructor taught us some simple techniques then talked at length about the benefits. I will admit after a long day I had a little...
Read MoreDicky James and the Blue Flames I’m trying to write this while my twin 7 year old grandsons, Hurricane and Tornado, ravage the living room as they watch a Star Wars video on the laptop. I may have to snatch some headphones from the studio just to save my hearing. I’ve been playing music for a long time and I’m not sure I’ve ever played as loud as those little monkeys can be. Ok, that’s...
Read MoreDicky James and the Blue Flames This may be the first time I have written this little blog a week early. Wouldn’t want to rush into anything but, what the heck, it’s a rainy night in Georgia. DJBF starts out this week with a gig at The Cabin, 1350 Hulman St. in Terre Haute. If memory serves, and it seems to less and less, we go on at 8 pm. This is a fantastic place and it holds a special...
Read MoreDicky James and the Blue Flames Wow. That describes it. What a cool week we had in Clarksdale at the Juke Joint Festival. We played 4 or 5 gigs, depending on which one of us you talk to. Started Thursday night at the Bluesberry Café. On Friday we played for a large and fun group of Australian blues fans. Saturday I started it out by sitting in with Robert Kimbrough, son of Mississippi Hill...
Read MoreHad a great gig at the Noodle last night but didn’t get home ‘til about 5 am. Hmm. A little tired today but it‘s the good kind of tired. After my coffee IV I noticed while reading the Sunday Trib that today (7 April) is the 80th anniversary of the end of Prohibition. A welcome ending it was. I love these little tidbits of history. See how educational this newsletter can be. Aren’t you...
Read MoreAnother week gone by and another gig coming up. Can’t get enough. Tonight we’ll be doing a little rehearsing and I think we’ll be starting on a new tune. You never know how practice is going to go ‘til it’s over. This Saturday we’ll be at the Slippery Noodle Inn, 372 So. Meridian, Indianapolis, starting at 9:45. It’s always a highlight to play at the Noodle…..always. That will get...
Read MoreWe just received some new bling that we will have for sale at the gigs. Well, t-shirts are sort of like bling. Anyway I think you’ll like ‘em and they’re only, yes only $12. A bargain at any price! Just another added incentive to come hear Dicky James and the Blue Flames. That’s easy to do this weekend because we’ll be at the Southport Bar & Grille, 5220 E, Southport Road,...
Read MoreI thought had better get this down before I start cooking dinner. Thanks to my wife Cass and her cookbooks, my pal Andy at the Wawasee Culinary Institute, and my own hunger I am becoming quite the just barely better than mediocre cook. I must say I do enjoy it. Cleaning up the mess is the part I don’t like. It’s a good thing we have a rule in our house that whoever cooks does not have to do...
Read MoreWhat will I write this week? What is my inspiration? Where is my muse? Hmm……………..Duh. I dunno. Actually I’m trying to remember what I wrote a couple weeks ago. When I finished I hit the ‘post’ button and KERBLOOEY! The site went down. Yes. I said “kerblooey”. Like many thoughts and ideas it’s disappeared into the cosmos. Oh well. As I wrote only last week, this Wednesday,...
Read MoreSince I sat down at the computer about an inch of snow has fallen from what looks like two different directions. We are supposed to have rehearsal tonight but I’m not going to have the boys out driving if the roads are too slick. They’re not kids you know. Well, except for me. This is March 5th. It’s time to put this winter to bed. Hang on. Spring’s comin’! This...
Read MoreAt one time our worth was measured by how many cows we owned or how many vassals worked our corner of the shire. In more recent times people determined their value by money or income. Some of the enlightened, believe it or not, measured worth by character. Not any more. Now we determine what rung we’re on by how many ‘likes’ we get on Facebook. Yes, society has come a long way....
Read MoreThe ever diligent staff at the Indiana Blues Society has let me know that the Dicky James and the Blue Flames’ ’Hard Rain’ album is, after almost 2 years, still in the top five on the Indiana Roots charts. We think that’s pretty cool. Just ask us. Hopefully the next record will do as well. Of course, you have to release the record for it to be successful. It’s...
Read MoreWell we’re back from Memphis. We didn’t win but we had a great time playin’, schmoozin’, and eatin’ BBQ. But now it’s time to move on to the next gig…..and the next…..and the next…………. This Friday we’ll be at the Southport Bar & Grille, 5220 E. Southport Rd., Indy starting at 9 pm. We always have fun...
Read MoreAfter returning from the ocean deep we have wasted no time in getting back in the swing. Get it? Back in the swing. Huh? Ok. Ok. This Friday, January 25, starting at 8 pm CST we’re making our first appearance at the Castle Finn Winery in Marshall, IL Actually it’s not in Marshall but it’s close. Here are the directions. Head north on Route 1 out of Marshall, (watch for Blue...
Read MoreThere are two types of scuba divers; ones who pee in their wetsuits and ones who lie about it. The perfect woman, who is at this moment aboard the great silver bird, and my dive buddy Todd and I have spent the last week on the island paradise of Tobago. Early this evening Todd and I went for a night dive and caught several unsuspecting lobsters for tomorrow’s dinner. Pass the butter and...
Read MoreWell, we’ve come to the start of a new year. One good thing I can say about the year ahead is that there is no election. Hopefully in the next several months I can listen to the news again. We’ll see. We have been busy busy little boys so are taking a couple weeks off to rest all the parts. Some of us will be skipping town. Others will be just mellowing out for a bit. We have some...
Read MoreThe members and staff (we’re the staff) of Dicky James and the Blue Flames wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year! Hold your families close. After the big holiday I’m sure you’ll need to rest up and the best way to do that, the absolute best way is to head over to the Slippery Noodle Inn in Indy for 2 nights of blues on Friday and Saturday, 28 & 29...
Read MoreIt’s Over! Kaput! The End! 23 Skidoo! Unless you’ve been living in the Philippine jungle you know that this Friday, according to the Mayan calendar, is the end of days. I love disaster movies. What better way to go out than with Dicky James and the Blue Flames playing the blues at the Main Event, 7038 Shore Terrace in Indy. We start at 9 pm and only the Mayans know what time we...
Read MoreWhat with gigging, rehearsals, grandkids, and who know what else, the beautiful and vivacious Cass and I don’t get to go to the movies very often. This past Sunday after a great couple nights at the Apple Club I went (by myself) to see ‘Lincoln’. It’s one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time and based on an excellent book, ‘Team of Rivals’ by...
Read MoreAh, the joys of home ownership! Every winter our kitchen is freezing because of the cold air coming down the stove vent. So, after living here for 23 years, I spent the morning devising a Rube Goldberg damper ‘system’ to open when the fan runs and close when I’m trying to stay cozy. When I can find a right angle drill to borrow I’ll see if it works. Oh, I know...
Read MoreExcept for rehearsals we will be taking this week off to spend time with our families. We hope you are able to do the same. To all of our loved ones, friends, and fans we give thanks. We couldn’t do what we love without you. Happy Thanksgiving. Now go watch some football. dickyjamesandtheblueflames.com indianabluessociety.org
Read MoreWe had great fun last week. Packed houses all week. People yelling and cheering. Dicky down on his knees playing like a 25 year old metal head shredder. I was just thankful he was able to get back up! I did get a good chuckle out of it though. This week we’ll be writing but we don’t play on Friday so I may have another date night with the lovely Cass. On Saturday the Flames will be...
Read MoreI didn’t write last week because we played some private stuff and I didn’t think our gracious hosts would want a gaggle of strangers crashing the party. Not that you guys are strange. We have a busy week coming up. Thursday we’ll be starting to put together another tune for the next album. I think it may be an instrumental…..don’t know yet. Friday we’ll be at...
Read MoreIt has come to our attention that a disclaimer is floating around Facebook advising users against unauthorized use of materials contained in personal profiles. We feel this disclaimer does not presently meet our needs, therefore we have advised our crack legal team, Dewey, Cheatum, & Howe, to draw up another as follows: ‘You are hereby notified that you ARE strictly authorized to to...
Read MoreWe are thrilled that again this year we won the Indiana Blues Challenge. We were up against some extraordinary talent so we ‘re humbled and fortunate to represent Indiana at the International Blues Challenge which takes place in Memphis on Jan. 29 – Feb. 2, 2013. Big thanks goes to Mark & Susie Novak and the Indiana Blues Society, Penny Lane of WSVX radio, the Slippery Noodle Inn,...
Read MoreI tried to write this yesterday but my internet was down all day……again. What did Bill Gates say? Something like; “If airplanes were like computers nobody would be stupid enough to fly”. I better write what I need to write before it crashes once more. This Friday, Oct. 12, we’re in a new venue, the Southport Bar & Grille at 5220 E. Southport Road in Indy....
Read MoreI woke up bright and early this morning. Yuck. Before I came over here to write this I was on line and noticed that one of my dear friends implied in a post that if I wasn’t a musician I might be running the streets stealing hubcaps. Why, I am shocked, shocked that someone that might think that a harmless blues guy such as myself could possibly be a...
Read MoreI ride a motorcycle so after rehearsal tonight I thought I would give ‘Sons of Anarchy’ a try. I don’t think so. It’s more of a soap opera than it is about bikes. I turned back to ‘Modern Marvels’ on my trusty History Channel. Can’t get enough history. I have a lot to tell you so I better get moving before the battery on this laptop goes dead. This...
Read MoreIf you were born the same year the Rolling Stones formed you are now eligible for AARP. Although DJBF did not officially play last week I should have gotten on here anyway. Dick and Tommy and I had a fun weekend playing with Carson in Logansport, IN for ’Arts on the Avenue’. After that early gig we headed to Lake Wawasee and met up with Andy & Chris who were kind enough to put...
Read MoreWhat a great night we had at the Linton Music Fest last week. Thanks to Jerry and Ryan and all the guys for making it easy for us. Also big thanks to our video dudes, Scott and Michael, for taking their Saturday to man the cameras. We were a little disappointed with the weather on Sunday ’cause it rained out the Livingston Blues Fest. We had fun anyway. It’s what we are inclined to...
Read MoreYou know when I was a kid I hated Labor Day. It meant the end of summer and we had to go back to school the next day. Depressing. Well, I haven’t been in school for a long time, and besides, that was then, this is now and now it’s turned into a pretty special weekend. We start it out 8 pm Friday at the Player’s Pub, 424 So. Walnut St. in Bloomington, IN. We love this place....
Read MoreIt’s late and I’m a little sleepy but, since I can’t take listening to any more politics on the tube, I better take a break. Wait a minute……let me find the remote…..so I can…..mute the tv. Ah there. That’s better. We had a good rehearsal tonight. Went over a some tunes we’ll be playing this week and enjoyed some adult beverages. Any time you...
Read MoreI just came from one of our excellent local sushi bars where I had some of my favorite food. In this case it was a seaweed salad, a Rainow Roll and some eel nigiri. MMM MMM MMM I love that stuff. You know, my dinner really has nothing to do with the Blue Flame gigs this weekend but it was an easy way to come up with a title and a beginning. Friday night we are not booked so I will probably go...
Read MoreLast night we had a good rehearsal with our friends Carson and Rick in prep for a ‘Carson Deirsing and the Mighty Flames’ gig at the Cincy Blues Fest on Friday the 10th. Carson is a 14 year old harp phenom who Dick and I, with the help of old rock buddy Rick Bozzio on bass, gig with whenever the Blue Flames and not booked. Dick has sort of taken Carson under his wing...
Read MoreOur web guru, the Magnificent Shawn will soon be redoing our website so that I (a computer nincompoop {Is that spelled right?]) can more easily send you our updates. There’s no escaping me now! He’ll also be adding a some cool features. I can’t wait. In the meantime I’ll let you know that we are appearing on Friday, August 3rd at the 2nd annual Weber Fest in Kokomo, IN...
Read MoreAfter about the best weekend ever at the Apple Club we will he hitting the road this coming Friday, June 30th. Well, the short road over to Bloomington. 1316 East 3rd St, to be exact. And what is that address? I’m glad you asked. Bear’s Place! This is a cool sort of retro place with an excellent dark beer selection and good eats. We start playing the Blues at 9 pm. On Saturday...
Read MoreYou know, if our web guru, the Magnificent and Meticulous Shawn, has signed on here lately I’m sure he is not too happy to see that I haven’t signed on lately. We took the whole month of May off to do some mechanical work but, man, did we come back with a bang. Last weekend we did the world famous Slippery Noodle Inn to packed crowds. We appreciate all the great compliments. We also...
Read MoreWe’ll be taking off the month of May to rest and recoup before the busy summer…….and so Tommy and I can continue our 26 year tradition of going to the 500. We go back to work on June 1 & 2 at one of our favorite places, the Slippery Noodle. In the meantime make sure you get your daily dose of the BLUES!
Read MoreMan, we had a super time in Clarksdale at the Juke Joint Fest! We played 3 gigs on Saturday on the Wade Barbershop Stage. the Delta Furniture Stage and at Channel Zilch. The whole band and/or parts of it got to play with some blues greats including Earl the Pearl, Robert ‘Wolfman’ Belfour, Fiona Boyes, Butch Mudbone and more. We need to thank Sean ‘Bad’ Apple for...
Read MoreIf you’re reading this you already know that, thanks to the efforts of the webmaster, Maharishi Shawn, our site is back up and running. It’s good thing because I know you must be getting DJBF withdrawal and because I need to remind you that next week we’ll be heading for the home of the BLUES, Clarksdale, MS to perform at the Juke Joint Festival. On Friday the 13th we’ll...
Read MoreWe discovered a new place in Shirkieville, IN called the Midway and played there for the first time last night. Owner Charlie made us feel more than welcome and what a blast we had! It’s a late crowd but when they roll they roll in. By the time we finished at 2ish the place was packed an hopin’. I’ll let you know the next we’re there ’cause I highly recommend it.
Read MoreI admit I have not been on here posting as I should. I know that you have been sitting on the edge of your seats for weeks wondering when, oh when, is he ever going to let us know what the Blue Flames are up to. We have been busy starting on some new tunes for the next album and, unlike in the past, we may even learn them before they get recorded……….nah. Next month we’ll...
Read MoreWe have returned from Memphis safe and sound. We didn’t win but we did have fun and, I think, impressed a lot of people. We also connected with a ton of great blues people, did some interviews and learned a wealth of information about the blues world. We are already looking forward to next year. Hey, that’s past history. This week we’re playing three nights at the Apple Club...
Read MoreWe had a great gig at Hoosier’s Bar in Bloomington, IN last night. I didn’t get to bed until anout 4:30 am so I’m a little sleepy but I thought I better get on here and fill you in on our upcoming trip to Memphis. Since winning the Indiana Blues Challenge some great things have happened and we expect much, much more as we compete in the International Blues Challenge which runs...
Read MoreOur tune ‘ A Real Good Blues’, from the ‘Hard Rain’ CD, has been selected as one of the Best Songs of 2011 by Rue D’Auteuil on CKRL-FM in Quebec, Canada. We are honored to be included with such artists as Gregg Alman, Elvin Bishop, and Joe Bonamassa. Thank you! We love you Canada!! We are really looking for good things to happen with our upcoming trip to Memhis. But...
Read MoreWe want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! (I refuse to say “Happy Holidays”.) We had a tremendous weekend at the Noodle last week. Got to see a lot of old friends and met some new ones. We also had fun talking with our buddies Biscut Miller and his band – good guys. We’ll be off until Jamnuary 14 when we’re back at in The Corner Tavern in Marshall, IL. Until then
Read MoreMark, our bass player and resident electronic guru, reminded me that I haven’t put enough reviews on the site so here they are, at least some of them. I couldn’t list any more ’cause my eyes are starting to hurt. We are taking next week off so that some of us can head to grandma’s house for Christmas. But, just as your hands start to shake from blues withdrawal,...
Read MoreYou know if our web guru, the Magnificent Shawn, knew I hadn’t written anything on here for over a month he would not be pleased. I am a little lazy sometimes…….but only sometimes. Even since our win in the Indiana Blues Challenge, our Best Self Produced CD award, and our #1 position on the charts (Notice how I deftly work those in.) we’ve been gigging and writing some...
Read MoreWe’ve been on a great run lately. Last month our album, ‘Hard Rain’, went to #1 in the nation on the Blues Roots charts. Last night at the Slippery Noodle Inn, we won both the Indiana Blues Challenge and the Best Self Produced CD. We are on cloud 9. We want to thank the Noodle, the judges, the Indiana Blues Society without whose help we never could have achieved this, and...
Read MoreSeveral months ago we recorded a couple segments for airing on the Full Circle television show starring Susanne McAlister. One of these segments will be rebroadcast this month. Tune into the following stations to see us all dressed up on TV. WHMB Indianapolis- Oct 11- 10a, Oct 13- 10:30p, Oct 15- 11a. WHME South Bend- Oct 14- 10p. WIWU Marion- Oct 11- 9:30p, Oct 12- 5:30p, Oct 13- 9a. For more...
Read Morehttp://rootsmusicreport.com/index.php?page=charts&name=int_blues When I first clicked on this link and read what it said I had to pinch myself. Dicky James and the Blue Flames album, ‘Hard Rain’, is #1 in the country……..the country!! We’ve all been at this music thing for a long time and it is extremely satisfying after all these years to be recognized. We want...
Read MoreThanks to all our new friends and fans from the Kickapoo Kick Festival. We were fortunate enough to win the battle of the bands over some stiff competition. A our prize we will be to headline the Kick next year and also play at the big ABATE meet next July. I think that’s also known as the Boogie. (If that’s not right somebody please staighten me out.) We had a great time and I...
Read MoreRichard Wagster is better known in the blues world as Dicky James, and he and his Indiana-based band, The Blue Flames, have been tearin’ it up in the Midwest since their formation in 2008. With their second album, “Hard Rain,” they have taken a major step forward in the heady playing field of contemporary blues. It consists of nine originals and two covers, and showcases...
Read MoreSo we just found out that as of July 29 our new album, ‘Hard Rain’ is #2 on the Indiana blues charts and #29 in the country. That, combined with a two SRO nights at the Slippery Noodle, made for a tremendous weekend. Life is goooood!!
Read MoreNext weekend on July 29 & 30 we’ll be back at the Slippery Noodle Inn. We start playing about 10 pm so, even if you have to get up early to head to the Brickyard 400, you’ll need your dose of blues. Things are really happening. We are now getting airplay in many major markets around the US as well as at least 10 countries around the world and it’s growing daily. The blues i
Read MoreIn addition to our new association with Blind Raccoon we are happy to announce that we are now hooked up with Kross Productions out of Houston, TX. Kent and his staff will be handling the booking…….so I don’t have to. This is beginning of a beautiful relationship. But, more immediately, this Saturday, July 16 at 10 pm, we’ll be playing the Blu Katt in dowtown Terre...
Read MoreDicky James and the Blue Flames would like to annouce that we are now associated with publicist Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon in Memphis. This is our first step in this direction and we are hoping for a long beautiful relationship. It’s all about the BLUES baby!!
Read MoreReposted from LottaBLUESah headquarters: In this, the 65th edition of the wildly-popular LottaBLUESah! dance concerts ~ Every Third Friday at Players Pub ~ I am tickled blue to tell you that we are featuring two of the most fun and talented bands in South Central Indiana! Both deliver a Chicago Blues style with an Indiana smile. Dicky James and The Blue Flames and O2R Blues Band will fill the...
Read MoreWell do ya? Better get ‘em while they’re hot ’cause we got babies to feed! The band will taking Memorial Day weekend off so we can enjoy the time with our families and so I can go to the Indy 500 which I never miss. If you are a Hoosier you should go at least once in your life. But let not your heart be troubled! We will be back on June 3rd at Show Me’s in Terre Haute...
Read MoreAfter months of anticipationwe have finally released the follow up to our first cd, ‘The Blues Taste Good’, entitled ‘Hard Rain’! This is a collection of 11, or maybe even 12, tunes that we wrote and recorded over the last year and a half in our top secret studio location. You are gonna love these songs. They run gamut from hard core blues...
Read MoreWe have a big week coming up. On Thursday we will be traveling to Indy to do a taping for the Full Circle television show. I’m not sure when it will be broadcast but I’ll let you know. Friday we’ll be cruising to Bloomington, IN for a return engagement at the Player’s Pub. We love this place but how can you not love a bar that serves Flying Dog Gonzo! On Saturday...
Read MoreWell, after months of making up stories, delaying and obfuscating, our new cd is actually, really, positively about to come out. It’s in post production and will be released in about two weeks. It will be a good one. You’re gonna like it. In the meantime you should think about joining us next Friday, April 8th, at the Hollywood Bar in Robinson, IL; one of our favorite places to...
Read MoreWe played the Apple Club this past weekend to great crowds and I’m happy to report that the Dickster held up well on his first gig back after his surgery although I’m not sure how he feels today. The highlite of the week was on Saturday when we were joined by the amazing James ‘Papa’ Taylor. This guy can blow the sax! I have a feeling it won’t be the last time we...
Read MoreWe are happy to report that the Dickster survived rotator cuff surgery and is recovering if not very comfortably. He is already hot to start playing guitar so Karen is having a little trouble keeping him down. We’re playing the Apple Club in the middle of March so he better rest up. We heard the first mix of the new cd so it shouldn’t be too long ’til that comes out. Blues
Read MoreWell, due to the nasty winter weather tomorrow’s gig at the Hollywood in Robinson, IL got canceled. Look for us next Saturday at Sparky’s Roadhouse east of Rockville, IN. We’ll get going about 10 pm. The new cd, ‘Hard Rain’, is in the able hands of Curt Hall of CLH Sound for mixing. After he works his magic it will be off to the record company for reproduction. I...
Read MoreHappy, healthy, and prosperous new year to all. We had a super gig in Robinson, IL last night. I told you those people down there can party! I didn’t get to bed until about 5 am so I will probably spend most of today in a semiconscious state on my couch but I’ll let you know when we’re back on the road. Rest up blues fans. It’s gonna a great year!
Read MoreI think I forgot to mention that back on November 7 we were runner up in the Indiana Blues Society Challenge. Although of course we wanted to win we were pretty happy with being 2nd in the whole state. Most importantly we got to here some great blues bands and were able to get our tunes out to a wider audience. Plus, it was fun!
Read MoreThanks to all our friends and fans who came from 3 or 4 states to hear us at the Noodle. Except for a photo shoot for the cover of the new cd we’ll be taking Christmas week off. We’ll be back on New Year’s Eve at the Robinson, IL Elks Club. I don’t have to tell most of you that these people from Robinson know how to party so make your plans early to spend NYE with Dicky...
Read MoreWe’ve been telling you about this gig ad nauseam for weeks now but, hey, this’ll be a blast. If you’re like me and don’t handle malls well, you’ll need to de stress with some BLUES and the best way to do that is with Dicky James and the Blue Flames at the Slippery Noodle in downtown Indy. We are there Friday and Saturday on the back stage starting at 9pm....
Read MoreWe have a great weekend coming up on November 5-7. On Friday and Saturday, the 5th & 6th, we return to Sparky’s Roadhouse on Hwy 36 east of Rockville, IN. The owners, Bob and Michelle, are super and run a biker ( Although if you ride next week you might freeze your buns off) and Blues friendly bar. Blues being the key word when we are in town. We go on at 10pm. Who knows what...
Read MoreWe are taking a couple weeks off while Lighting Boy Beeson is in Texas to put some final touches on the new cd. We have decided, after much hand wringing, to call it ‘Hard Rain’. We still have some horn parts to add and we’ll be cruising up to Chicago to record some piano parts that will be contibuted by the great Barrelhouse Chuck. After that it’s off to post production....
Read MoreOk. Ok. We are aware that our website has become, well, a little stale. And yes these old pictures are kind of geeky. (Geeky. That may be an actual word.) We have our resident web guru, Shawn the Magnificent, on the case. In the next couple weeks the site should be updated with new photos, a link to hear tunes, and, most importantly, a way for you to purchase our soon to be release cd,...
Read MoreWe survived four gigs in one day. We were all a little tired this morning at 3 am. Well, all of us except Icehouse. If we had been able to find a gig that started at 4 am he would have played it………….alone. But then, I’m heading out to the studio in a few minutes to practice. It’s a sickness. We want to thank Connie from the Crossroads Blues Fest, Jason...
Read MoreI know this is a little early but it’s never too soon to make plans. On December 17 & 18 we’ll be at the Slippery Noodle in downtown Indy. Come into town, do your Christmas shopping then come come to the Noodle for a night of the BLUES. Party time!!
Read MoreOk I admit I haven’t been very good about keeping up with these posts. Spank me…………please. No, no, no I didn’t mean to say that. It’s a little too personal. On to the business at hand. We have got a busy few weeks coming up. On Saturday of Labor Day weekend we’re having a sort of fan appreciation (or maybe a beer appreciation) get...
Read MoreYou know, we sure do like it when we don’t have to roadie out our gear after a long, and in last weekend’s experience, hot day of playing blues. We had a great time playing for the bikers at the Mayor’s Ride. We want to thank Trapper and the rest of the gang at Wabash Valley Harley Davidson for all their help and for treating so well. The only thing that went wrong is...
Read MoreThis is gonna be a fun week but then…….they’re all fun if we get to play the Blues. On Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, we’ll be at the Terre Haute Holiday Inn. We start around 9:30 pm. Now, as you know, this is normally not a blues venue but when we go in we sort of change the atmosphere. Then on Saturday afternoon at 3 we brave the heat for a show in front...
Read MoreBeing healthy but maybe not so young American males we are looking forward to this coming Saturday, June 5. We are playing at Show Me’s in Terre Haute. If you’ve been there you know why. If you’re a guy you’ll love the place and if you’re a gal….well….that’s where all the guys will be especially if they’re Blues fans. That’s right...
Read MoreThe annual Banks of the Wabash Festival in Terre Haute starts this Thursday, May 27 and runs through Sunday, June 6. There will be great music all week on the Fairbanks Park stage but the highlite, of course, will be Thursday, June 3 when, at 7:30pm, DICKY JAMES AND THE BLUE FLAMES take the stage for two hours of the best blues in the midwest and beyond. This event is always fun. You...
Read MoreThis Friday, May 28th, we’ll be bringing the BLUES to downtown Brazil, IN for their annual Street Fest. At least I think it’s an annual event. Anyway, we play at 8pm so grab your lawn chairs and your can of deet and come on out.
Read MoreThis weekend, May 14 & 15, we will playing our unique brand of blues at the Terre Haute Holiday Inn on south US 41. I know, the Holiday Inn may not sound like a blues venue but it is when we’re there. We like playing here mainly because it’s a no smoking room. I wish they’d all go that way. Next week we hope to get back to recording on our new cd. We...
Read MoreFirst of all, if you’ve been to this web site (which you should have) you already know that we are playing at Proud Mary’s in Tuscola, IL this Saturday at 9pm IL. What you don’t know is that Dick and I along with our gorgeous wives Karen and Cass and our friends Matt and Jamie, just returned from our annual inspirational motorcycle trip to Memphis and Clarksdale, MS. We...
Read MoreToday’s gig at Eastern Illinois University had to canceled because of the all weekend downpour. Electronic musical equipment doesn’t like water very much and neither do electric guitar players. Ouch! We will be back there in the not too distant future with our brand of blues. We did have great night at the Hollywood on Friday and, I gotta tell ya, the band was never better. We were...
Read MoreThis Friday, the 23rd, we’ll be traveling south to the Hollywood Bar in Robinson, IL. The BLUES starts at about 8:30 pm (IL). Saturday we’re off so I think I’ll take my beautiful wife Cass out for a date. But on Sunday we begin our whirlwind one day college tour headlining at the “Celebration: A Festival of the Arts’ on the Eastern Illinois University campus in...
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Friday was a great night at the Player’s Pub. The place was packed and we can’t wait to go back. Hey, that kinda rhymes doesn’t it?
Read MoreYou haven’t heard from me in a while because I’ve been enjoying the warm waters off the coast of Honduras scuba diving with some buddies but I’m home now and it’s time to play some BLUES. This Friday, March 19th, Dicky James and the Blue Flames will be at the Players Pub in Bloomington, IN. We go on about 8pm. It’s a short drive and they have great food and...
Read MoreYou know, if I go a couple weeks without playing the blues I get grouchy. My wife, Cass, is thrilled that Dicky James and the Blue Flames is back at it this weekend. On Friday we are doing blues night at Bear’s Place in Bloomington, IN. For all you baby boomers (and, yes, I am one) the hours are 6-9:30pm so you can hear some smokin’ blues and still be tucked away early. On...
Read MoreWhat kind of a sound does a moose make? Hmm? I don’t know either. Just let me use this bad segue to let you know that Dicky James and the Blue Flames are playing at the Sullivan, Indiana Moose Lodge this coming Saturday, the 23rd, at 8:30 pm. It’s small intimate sort of room so it should be relaxing evening with the BLUES. Joining us will be John Ford filling in on bass. John likes...
Read MoreExtra! Extra! Alert! Alert! I have already told you about Dicky James and the Blue Flames’ appearances this week at the Slippery Noodle on Friday and Bear’s Place on Sunday.But now we have picked up a last minute gig at Sparky’s Roadhouse just west of Raccoon Lake on IN 36, about 8 miles east of Rockville, IN. The Blues starts on Saturday at 10pm. From what they tell me (whoever...
Read MoreOn Friday, January 15, we will be at the Slippery Noodle Inn in downtown Indy. We’re starting at, oh, about 9:30. We were supposed to be playing on Saturday the 16th also but we have been preempted by the Colts. Can you imagine? The nerve! It’s hard to believe that fans in Indianapolis would rather see the Colts in a playoff game than spend an evening with Dicky James and the Blue...
Read MoreDicky James and the Blue Flames wants to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year. We will be taking a couple weeks off to rest (and avoid the snow) but we’ll be back in action on January 15 & 16 at the Slippery Noodle in Indy and January 17 at Bear’s Place in Bloomington, IN. Keep the blues alive people!!!
Read MoreOk, go with me here. Let’s pretend it’s next Saturday, the day after Christmas. Even though you got those plaid pants you’ve always wanted; even though your husband bought you that really cool vacuum cleaner, aren’t you tired of hearing your mother-in-law tell you how you ruined the turkey? Aren’t you sick of Uncle Bernie telling the same stories over and over and...
Read MoreDig out the sunglasses ’cause we are headed to Hollywood this Friday. Huh? What? Oh, well maybe it’s not that Hollywood. It’s the Hollywood in Robinson, IL. It’s not California but it’s still a cool place to hear Dicky James and the Blue Flames do the blues. We are playing at 8pm (IL). Get on your Christmas cheer and cruise down to the square in Robinson....
Read MoreThe following is an…..uh…..interesting email we received. The band sounded great. The line dancing to Blues was an interesting twist though. On our way home, Jody got a Dicky James tattoo on her good ankle…it looks like Dicky is singing when she moves her ankle up and down…Wendy got the CD image tattooed on her low-low-back. They then discussed the benefits of being a...
Read MoreBaby it’s gonna be cold outside but the blues will be smokin’! On Friday starting at 9pm Dicky James and the Blue Flames will be at Mulligan’s in the Fore Seasons behind Honey Creek mall. Mulligans’ is newly remodeled and they’ve added a ton of acoustic treatment so this will be a cool new place for us to play. Not to mention they have some yummy dark beer. On...
Read MoreDJBF would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and to express how fortunate we are to live in the greatest country ever conceived. Let’s try not to screw it up.
Read MoreWe have some great news. Smith Custom Amplifiers has announced a new addition to it’s lineup of super guitar amps; the Dicky James Blues Series Signature Amp. This amp was built to Dicky’s specifications and he will soon be receiving model #001. This is very cool! Good things are happening!!
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