Mid-life Crisis Blues?

My brother-in-law picked up the blues harp about three years ago. While he falls within the baby boomer age range, his playing did not constitute a mid-life career change. More likely it followed his need to release his inner rebel.

I didn't give this too much thought at the time. I just thought "Cool." But then we arrived in the Chicago area for a family reunion and started talking "the blues," and I learned that he had temporarily set aside his playing because his band was developing into more of a rock band.

I began wondering if there was a connection between mid-life and rediscovering a passion one had in his youth. I ran a search on mid-life crisis and this is how I discovered half a dozen mid life crisis bands. I'm not making this up. That's how they refer to themselves. I'm providing links so you can visit and support these local bands: Blues from Warren, MI. High Energy Blend from Jacksonville, FL. Doo Wap and R&B from South Philly, PA. Classic Rock from Grand Rapids, MI. Or better yet, if you have a band and a website, send me the link, and I'll include it in my "Mid-life Crisis Bands" listings.

Back to my brother-in-law: Because he wasn't playing regularly I sensed the need to feed his inner rebel and told him about a Delta Blues Road Trip traveling Hwy 61. Starting in Memphis, TN at the Peabody Hotel, it takes you to B.B. King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Café, and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi to the Biscuit Company Café in Vicksburg, MS where Wednesdays feature an open-mike night and Fridays and Saturdays live music. Hours are 11 a.m. "until the last person goes home." That's the part I like best.

P.S. If you know of a blues band in Chicago that's short a harp player, let me know. I'll pass the info on to my brother-in-law.