I was traveling to Austin for a wedding last Friday when the great pianist Henry Butler reached me by phone. Henry was on the bill for our March 4 Boogie Woogie Blues Piano Stomp.
Turns out, Henry has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and must travel to Germany for a series of treatments that will keep him in Europe and in chemo therapy through our March 4 show. Henry expects to be back touring soon after and I promised we would get him back here next season.
I hadn’t spoken to Henry before – our dealings had been via email and through agents – but I was touched by what a gentleman he was and how his worry was less about being ill then having to cancel his Palladium show.
I told him to get better and we will get him back here when he’s healthy.
We hated to lose Henry, but fortunately, Palladium favorite Rob Rio, the LA piano sensation, was available and happy to step in. Rob joins the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, another legendary performer, known for his great piano playing and hilarious songs, along with regulars Bob Seeley and Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues.
Our boogie woogie show ALWAYS sells out the big hall, and we’re already half-way to a sellout now, so don’t be shut out. Call our box office at 727 822-3590 or follow this link for online tickets.
Liz Pennock, the artistic director of the annual show and a member of the Boogie Woogie Piano Hall of Fame, praised Rob’s talent and charisma.
“He’s one of our favorites,” She told me. ” He’s not only an incredible piano player, he’s a great singer too. Plus he’s got a great sense of humor and those fabulous clothes. He’s the full package.”
Rob Rio
Sure he’s a great showman who has headlined the stomp twice before, but Rob also delivers true boogie woogie and blues piano.
“He is really true to the tradition,” Liz said. “There’s no fakiness about it.”
Liz and I were both upset about Henry Butler’s illness. Liz had played with Henry at the Cincy Blues Fest and I’d seen him numerous times in New Orleans. We were excited to have landed him for the Stomp.
“The word I would use for Henry would be power. He’s a powerhouse of music. He’s pounding and shaking the piano. And he has that New Orleans funk and gospel thing and a powerful voice as well,” Liz said.
But Henry promises to come back strong and we agreed to get him to the Palladium next season -either for the Stomp or headlining his own show.
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