Swing on in to the Pearl for Carl Rey and the Blue Gators

Carl Rey, a 40-year veteran of the Jazz and Blues music scene, blends his classic “old style” to the contemporary edge of his band, The Blues Gators, this Saturday night for a swing dance and concert at The Pearl.

“Audiences have been asking for music that gets them on their feet, and this will be the perfect band for that,” says Lynn Haworth, Performance Committee Chair at The Pearl.

Carl Rey and The Blues Gators have a reputation with the Inland Empire Blues Society as a “tight in the pocket band” with a varied and danceable blend of Jump, Blues, and Swing. Those who know blues have heard of Carl Rey, with his strong vocals and clean harmonica sound, as well as his band. The Blues Gators features Truck Mills on guitar and vocals, Deirdre Hill on double bass, Don Kellman on tenor and baritone sax, and K.C. Curtis on drums. Special guest Frank Chiaverini often joins on guitar.

The Walla Walla Blues Society calls Carl Rey and The Blues Gators “one of the best kept secrets of the Inland Northwest,” but this band is earning a reputation across the globe, earning recognition from Indie Blues, in the U.K., who says< “

Carl Rey has received the I.E.B.S. awards as best harmonica for multiple years, garnering him a “Hall of Fame Award” as well as “Best Male Vocalist” in 2001 and “Best Blues Harmonica” in 2006. He and The Blues Gators have also received I.E.B.S. award nominations for “Best CD (Northwest Region)” and “Best Blues Band” for two years.

In addition to earning awards and nominations over the past twenty years, Carl Rey and the Blues Gators has kept audiences swinging at blues festivals in Spokane, Sandpoint, Ritzville, Kennewick, Walla Walla, Kennewick, Libby, and Helena. Organizers keep coming back for more, filling their dance card across the Pacific Northwest.

This show is the cherry on top of an already incredible season at The Pearl . . . a great chance for music lovers who come to every show and fun-loving locals who have never been. The Pearl Café will serve decadent desserts, light menu items, and a wide selection of beverages.

Make a date night with your spouse or friends to check out Carl Rey and The Blues Gators!

Advance ticket purchases suggested for this season show, which may have a larger than average crowd. Tickets: $15 advance, $17 door, and $5 student on sale now at Mountain Mike’s and Bonners Books, call 610-2846 or check out the website for online ticket sales: thepearltheater.org.

The Pearl Theater is a non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering the performing arts throughout Boundary County.