9:00pm • $10 Cover
Bobby Thompson Band
About Bobby:
Awe-inspiring master guitarist and vocalist Bobby Thompson is no stranger to the blues and rock world. He cut his teeth learning to play in the old blues clubs of D.C. from the likes of Bobby Parker. After honing his craft as a much sought after support man, Thompson decided to step out as a solo artist, releasing seven albums since 2011.
It’s been said that creativity takes courage, and self-expression is a way to show the world your inner soul. Always with a new group of songs and continually working on a new album, Bobby has let down his guard, and become more than the instrumentalist he gained a reputation for. He loves performing in both acoustic solo and electric band settings, and brings an authenticity and professionalism to both. As a songwriter, Thompson has expanded beyond the guitar techniques and jams he’s been known for, and built a following off of a holistic view of how a live music experience can take the listener on a journey.
“I want to carry on the tradition, of blues and folk music, without mimicking, but with solid interpretation and writing. People like Taj Mahal, John Hammond Jr., and Mississippi John Hurt are top-shelf in my vinyl catalog. Lightnin’ Hopkins and Townes Van Zandt were friends. Bob Dylan sang blues songs. Blues music and folk music are close relatives. That’s the tradition I want to continue in with my songwriting and performances.”, Thompson states.
He continues, “I began my musical journey early on, following in my sisters footsteps by taking piano lessons, and then picking up the guitar. My uncle encouraged me to play electric guitar in my teens, and I never stopped. Over the years, I studied at both the academic level, and the street level, learning the ins and outs of what it means to put on a show that people will remember.”
In 2018, Bobby won a WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) award for 2018 best blues album, and although there are strong overtones of the blues in his writing, he sees himself essentially as a folk-blues singer-songwriter. Songwriting, blues elements, and great guitar merge in this one time concert. Known for rarely slowing down, Bobby's fronted bands like Blueheart Revival and Revelator Hill, and been a sideman for artists such as Justin Jones (930 Club Records), Laura Tsaggaris, and he once even toured with SOJA for three months back in 2009.