Eastside Kings was the title Eddie Stout gave to a collection of recordings of mostly unknown African-American blues artists from Austin, released in 1999 on Dialtone Records. It would be one of several recordings like it highlighting extremely talented local blues artists who were mostly under the radar, including Willie Sampson, Clarence Pierce, Little Joe Washington and Donald “Duck” Jennings. This dedication to preserving the heritage of blues, jazz and gospel music by Black artists is at the heart of the Eastside Kings Foundation and the annual Eastside Kings Festival.
This weekend marks the festival’s 10-year anniversary, kicking off tonight with performances at Antone’s on E. 5th, and at Cork & Screw on E. 12th, and continuing through the weekend with an afternoon music workshop at Austin Vintage Guitars, and shows at Eastside venues along E. 12th and Chicon. The wrap-up party is Tuesday night at Justine’s. Of course, this year’s line-up is over the top: Trudy Lynn, Rip Lee Pryor, Soul Man Sam, Johnny Nichols, Little Jimmy Reed, Orange Jefferson, Tokyo-based band Bloodest Saxophone playing with Crystal Thomas (featured on today’s AMM) and Stan Mosley, and many more. Check out the full line-up, schedule and locations at the ESK website, and in the photo below.
