Photo: QueensPost
March 15, 2013 By Bill Parry
The Sunnyside Reformed Church (48-03 Skillman Ave.) will be rocking to the sounds of Chicago Blues on Saturday night.
The Rohling Band, a New York-based band that is dedicated to the blues, will perform classics by BB King, Muddy Waters and Koko Taylor beginning at 7pm.
The six piece band will belt out two sets, with refreshments served during the break. The concert is free, but donations will be appreciated.
The Sunnyside Reformed Church has used free live music events as a form of community-building for the last several years, and the events have become increasingly popular. “We’ve had progressive jazz mainly,” said Pastor Neil Margetson, “ This will be the first time with the blues, and it will be fully amplified.”
Chicago Blues grew in popularity in the 1920’s during the Great Migration, when blacks moved from the South to the northern and western states. Delta Blues from Mississippi merged with a bigger sound, adding brass instruments and harmonica, becoming the foundation for rock and roll.
“I know the Rohling Band through a friend of a friend back in my music days,” said Margetson, who was once a professional musician. He explained that the church pays for these professional grade artists, but that they never break even. Donations help to fill that gap.
Because of the growing popularity of the events, Margetson hopes to host one a month. He’s already booked a big band for May and a classical performance for June.
The Church, built in 1896, has probably never hosted a concert like this. “I’m looking forward to it myself,” said Margetson adding, “They said they have a really big PA system. I said ‘bring it on!’”
