The North Jersey Blues Society held its annual Blues Challenge yesterday at the historic Stanhope House.
11 acts from the Hudson Valley to Atlantic City converged for more than six hours of blues.
The Outcrops won the band competition for the first time and will now head to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. They’re fronted by Cassidy Rain Dube. She spoke to WBGO’s Dave Popkin who was also a judge at the challenge. Cassidy Rain Dube says it's a great hang, especially seeing the young musicians who joined the veterans on stage.
"It was fun to be a part of this event and also to be considered with all the other fantastic blues acts that were here."
The Outcrops started in 2016 with the current lineup together for more than four years.
Yankee Stadium organist Ed Alstrom is also a noted blues pianist, he won the solo/duo honor for the second straight year. Alstrom says last year’s win helped his career.
"I think I grew up a lot as a performer. I think it certainly helped me here today."
Besides playing at Yankee Stadium home games, Alstrom has also performed with Chuck Berry, Leonard Bernstein, Bette Midler, Herbie Hancock and Steely Dan. He's also played in the pit bands for the musicals "Leader of the Pack" and "Hairspray." In 2004 Alstrom took over for Yankees’ longtime organist, Eddie Layton, who retired after 37 years with the team.
