30 years ago this weekend, Roger Naber began boosting the blues in Kansas City.
The Hot Rocks Lounge at 3605 Broadway, was the spot where Naber booked the Lamont Cranston Band, his first show. He continued to promote other shows around town for the next six years until 1985, when he dug his heels into midtown and founded the Grand Emporium. Behold, the venue's first calendar.
Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy and Harry Connick Jr., were some of the names Naber lured to midtown.
This Saturday, join Naber, co-founder and ex-president (1980-1993) of the Kansas City Blues Society and all his people as he celebrates the scene he helped create. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. at Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456) with Trampled Under Foot, the Milan-based, Chicago-backed Sugar Blue and Naber's friend Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Expect slide shows of Naber's 17 years of blues cruises, complete with the greatest hits and tributes to the man himself. Cost is $15.
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CONGRATS ROGER!!!
Gosh, 30 years is so hard to really believe! I'm so glad you persevered, and through those early Uptown Theatre Days...and you "lived to tell about it"! Yeah, you paid yer dues with "blood, sweat, and tears"
So happy you are happy and celebrating.
Be of excellent cheer,
Kati
Roger, congrats on the 30th. Lots of great memories with shows from Lone Star days with you to Uptown KC Blues Society Events...
the time Willie Dixon took his leg off backstage and scared me to death!!
Thanks for all you have done!
We should write a book...
Best Always, Jack
Roger Nabor is a True Blues man inside and out and I feel fortunate to have met him.His history in "Keeping The Blues Alive" and his continued vision of the Blues future is second to none.
I thank Roger for giving me the oppurtunity to work on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.
Randy Oxford
Hey Roger
I had a blast with you... you are the true partier..wherever you are there is the party...
Bella
Have a blast and congratulations. Wish we could be there to help you celebrate. See you in Memphis.
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