Como bluesman

birthday event

News Release

Como bluesman RL Boyce, first recorded in 1970 in Como playing drums on his 15th birthday accompanied his uncle Othar Turner’s Fife and Drum band, will hold his 3rd annual RL Boyce Picnic and Blues Celebration Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 to mark his 64th birthday.

The Labor Day weekend events begin with an opening reception at the Como Public Library Saturday (Aug. 31) from 5 to 8 p.m. where the exhibit RL BOYCE, Aint’ the man, ALRIGHT! – from photos and films created by Yancey Allison from 1998-2018 – will be presented.

The exhibit will continue at the library for public viewing through Sept. 31 during regular library hours. Yancey Allison a Como photographer first met and photographed RL Boyce in the late 1990s.

More of Yancey’s photos will be on display at Como Catfish Bar & Grill when the Ain’t the Man Alright Jam runs from 9 p.m. to midnight. There is a $10 donation for this event.

On Sunday, beginning at 3 p.m. the annual Commencement of the Picnic featuring the Boyce family and friends with the Fife and Drum Band will march from the Dunlap St. entrance to the West St. entrance of Como Park.

All are invited to participate in them march, organizers said.

From 3:15 to 11:45 p.m. the park (located behind Windy City Grill) a live music lineup will highlight the weekend’s activities. The following blues bands and rhythm sections are slated to appear:

Lil’ Joe Ayers, Andrea Staten, Jeffery Evans, Garry Burnside’s 78Band, Beverly Davis, Steve Tony, Kody Harrell,  Australia Neal, Greg & Show Time, Dom Turner, Tracy Hullette, Eric Deaton Trio, Kenny Kimbrough, Boyce Family & Friends Fife & Drums, C-Mal – June2May Band, K.C. Conner, Pork Chop Willie, Guitar Lightnin’ Lee and his Thunder Band, and RL Boyce.

The festival is free to the public and coolers are allowed.

Cutline:  A photo and film exhibit by Yancey Allison will highlight a reception at Como Library Aug. 31 for the opening of the annual RL Boyce Picnic and Blues Celebration. (Contributed)