Grafton's status as a hub for one of America's greatest musical exports remains rooted in history. It's that connection to the past, nurtured by people who care about maintaining that legacy, which fuels the Paramount Blues Festival, held this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18, at Lime Kiln Park at 2020 S. Green Bay Road.
The event, now in its fifth year, is named for the record company run as a subsidiary of a furniture company in this Ozaukee County city from 1918 to the mid-’30s. The label's greatest commercial success came from its "race" records line, which included some of the earliest recordings of such luminaries as Alberta Hunter and Charley Patton.
Grafton Blues Association President Kris Raymond assures attendees that the genre's diversity is represented at the Paramount fest more than it is at many other blues outings. From the acoustic sounds by which its namesake label made its reputation to more contemporary manifestations, Raymond promises, "We offer all types of blues over the weekend, from country blues, Delta blues and gospel to what some call ‘blues rock.’ You will find something you like no matter what you consider to be blues music."
The variety shouldbe an ideal fit for Milwaukee’s wide range of blues lovers, including those who listen to the weekday afternoon and Saturday morning offerings on WMSE-FM and the DJs on African-American talk/blues/gospel AM signal WMCS.
Newbies and aficionados will not only be able to experience a wide breadth of blues over the weekend, but they also will get it at a bargain price compared to other events of similar size. Paramount has gone so far as to buck economic trends because of its bang for the bucks.
"Our attendance has always gone up, despite the economy,” Raymond says. This year, two-day passes to the festival are $20 in advance; Friday-only passes are $10.
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In addition to getting their fill of music, attendees coming from across the country and overseas will get some local flavor. Nationally known acts like folk blues duo Joe Filisko & Eric Noden, longtime sideman guitarist/singer gone solo Zac Harmon and colorfully electric and eclectic veterans Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials are rounded out by some Wisconsin players. Milwaukee’s Leroy Airmaster will take the stage with two of the city's senior bluesmen, Greg Koch and Jim Liban. Among other Milwaukee-area acts taking the stage are October Soul, Maple Road and Robert Allen Jr. & The Zoot Suits. Making the trip from Madison are hard-touring Aaron Williams and The Hoodoo, hailed recently by readers of the city's Isthmus as the state capital's favorite hometown blues band.
At the same time people will be coming from all around to attend and play at Grafton's current contribution to blues culture, the burg will be honored Saturday for its past. A historical marker to be placed at the site of Paramount Records' original factory locale will be unveiled at the fest as part of the national Blues Trail project.
Paramount has been gaining international notice as it brings accolades to the state. "We are getting more and more recognition from the blues community,” Raymond says. “The press increases each year. We feel it's our responsibility, given the history, that we include music recorded here on a regular basis. Those that understand the relevance of the history have been with us since the beginning."
