The Blues By Budweiser concert series will feature the Tina Cossey Band at 8 p.m. July 12 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St., in downtown Pine Bluff.
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 sponsored by MK Distributors.
“Tina Cossey, a California native, started performing at the age of five,” according to a news release. “Being no stranger to the gypsy life, she performed and was inspired by all types of music. As a child, her dad would play the blues and though she didn’t know it yet, it would become a part of her life. At the age of eight Tina’s roots would be planted in Arkansas where she evolved and found her sound in the blues.”
“Her soul has always loved blues with the heartache and pain that it conveys, but she was ultimately drawn to the hope that it also offers,” according to the release.
Josh Parks, lead guitarist, found his home with the Tina Cossey Band in 2023. Born in Phoenix, Parks began playing the guitar at 13. After moving to North Little Rock in 2016, his music revealed influences of rock, blues, reggae and soul.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“I play the Blues because I was born to be a musical healer,” Parks said. “The Blues is the root of so many kinds of music and is possibly the most healing kind of music. It hooked me the first time I heard it. It’s what I am. It’s in my blood. It’s what I was born to do.”
Bass player, Ryan A. Hinman, grew up near Texarkana in the small town of Hooks, Texas. He started playing music on the trombone at the age of nine. In high school, he picked up bass guitar then the 6-string, and started writing his own songs.
“The Blues has always been an important aspect in his musical journey, as it has taught him about the freedom and diversity in music even with a limited set of chords,” according to the release.
Daniel Zaliski, resident of Conway, who recently joined forces with the Tina Cossey Band, is an experienced drummer. He is fluent in blues, rock, country and folk genres.
“He is also a multi-talented musician that plays guitar, bass and sings, in addition to locking down the rhythm section on drums for the Tina Cossey Band,” according to the release.
For more information about Blues By Budweiser and Port City Blues Society, visit pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Port City Blues Society, which promotes the concert series, is an affiliated member of The Blues Foundation, which 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 Blues Society also hosts a free blues jam every Wednesday at RJ’s Grill & Bar from 8-11 p.m.