A small but enthusiastic crowd braved one of the season's first cold frigid nights and showed up to watch Lonnie and his band tear it up. In fact, pretty much all of the crowd were Blues West patrons. Montrose is only about 10-15 miles west of Delano, which makes it a short jaunt for Blues West's blues lovers.

By now, everyone pretty much knows Lonnie's history. He spent his early days with the legendary Jokers Wild and had a stint with the Hoopsnakes. He later started his own band Easy Money, which has since evolved into what is now Big Shoes. Big Shoes itself has recently went through a few changes. Lonnie has added long time Sunday Night open blues jam drummer Marc Bohn of The Blues West All-Stars (formerly of Pork Chop) and Scott Greenwood on keys and vocals. Scott is another long time familiar face on Sunday nights at the jam. The band sounded solid and had the audience roaring and applauding after each song. Lonnie even threw in some new tunes that he's working up for his new CD. Catch Lonnie Knight & Big Shoes next time you get a chance, you won't be disappointed.

And, check out the Montrose VFW, they're bound to start heating it up on the west side. Manager Pam Felde appears to have the drive, the commitment and the dedication to make it work. Montrose is about 10-15 miles west of Delano on Highway 12. Take a right (north) at the light, cross the tracks and you're there. Call (763) 675-3408 with any questions.

This review is copyright © 2001 by Rico Anderson, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.