The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series will feature “Big Al and the Heavyweights” at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at RJ’s Sports Grill and Bar, 128 S. Main St.
The doors will open at 7 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free, and admission is $5 for others. The concert series is being sponsored by MK Distributors.
“Hailing from south Louisiana, the Heavyweights have absorbed the rich cultural spirit of the region, from greasy funk to grinding blues mixed with some dance hall bayou soul and infectious zydeco,” according to a news release. “Their high-energy shows are legendary, and they are a beloved touring band. The Heavyweights have a storied history, and over the years they have featured an impressive lineup of band members and special guests.”
After losing longtime keyboard player and vocalist, Wayne Lohr, the band has returned to its original lineup of harmonica, bass, drums and guitar. The current band features drummer and band leader Big Al Lauro, guitarist and lead vocalist Marcel Anton, and new members Dangerous Dale Robinson on harmonica and Dennis “The Menace” Cedeno on bass.
Big Al and the Heavyweights originally formed in 1996 as the Unknown Blues Band with founding members Al Lauro, Warren Haynes and Rick Gergen (Sweethearts of the Rodeo).
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Of course, Warren is no longer in the band but Big Al has formed a solid array of musicians that continues to tour extensively playing venues and festivals throughout the U.S.,” according to the release.
On April 30, 2023, the band was inducted into The Alabama Blues Music Hall of Fame. A 2025 release on the VizzTone label, BLUES POWER, is available now on CD and all digital platforms. This is the band’s second VizzTone album, and their eighth overall.
“While the band is soaring with energy infused from new members, this album is a particularly strong showcase for guitarist/vocalist extraordinaire Marcel Anton. Marcel is a vocalist, composer, guitarist, percussionist of Native American and New Orleans Creole descent.
“The first single ‘IF’ is a minor blues ballad, sung by Anton in the classic bayou soul tradition, his powerful baritone delivering the heart-wrenching tale of lost love and reaching a natural falsetto that recalls some of the region’s masters. Intensity builds after a bridge and a stop as the band modulates into the final chorus, ‘If you’re gonna let me down, don’t make it easy.’ Other early favorite tracks are the high energy ‘Freight Train’ and the Zydeco-flavored ‘Red Line.'”
Big Al and the Heavyweights’ live performances are family oriented.
Port City Blues Society, an affiliated member of The Blues Foundation, seeks to preserve and promote blues music, the culture of Delta blues, and educate the public about the history of the blues in the region. Port City also hosts a free blues jam every Wednesday at RJ’s Sports Grill and Bar from 8-11 p.m.
Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.