Jim Miller.

The St. Marys Blues Guild welcomes The Hipsters to St. Marys and K.C. Geiger Park to kick off the 2010 Riverside Bluesfest Sunday show on Labor Day weekend.

This northwest Ohio band has been carrying the blues torch longer than any other band in the region. Part of a loyal cadre of blues enthusiasts in the Lima, Ohio area, Al Hasel and Jim Miller and crew were either ahead of the blues curve or behind the blues eight-ball, depending on how you look at it.

Performing a decidedly non-pop playlist of blues, jazz and swing, the Hipsters' influences range from the 'sixties Mr. Smooth of jazz guitar, Wes Montgomery, to perhaps Montgomery's stylistic opposite, current country-blues legend Delbert McClinton. If that doesn't cover enough territory, they also claim to like "anything funky."

Jim Miller has been a freelance guitarist for over 45 years, formerly doing set and session work based in New York City. Projects he played on included bands (The Platters and others), plays (Jesus Christ Superstar), TV and radio work and movie soundtracks. Harp man Al Hasel shares front duties, while Steve Shillings on bass and Tom Thomas on drums also contribute vocals.

In January, The Hipsters web site announced a "new version" of the band for 2010: "We are coming out with a back-to-basics blues band. I hope you all come see us."

Sounds like good news for blues fans. Your chance to take The Hipsters up on their invitation to see them perform will be at 1:30 pm Sunday, Sept 5, at the 2010 Riverside Bluesfest.
 

Discography:
Year	Title	Label
2001	Top To Bottom	Indie
2010	Side By Side	Indie
2010	Hipsters Side By Side Promo (DVD)

Artist merchandise will be available for purchase at the Riverside Bluesfest!