November 19, 2007
PRESCOTT BAND WINS 2007 AZ BLUES SHOWDOWN
Will represent the state in Memphis international finals
Prescott's Big Daddy D and the Dynamites took top honors in the final round of the 2007 Arizona Blues Showdown on November 18. The First Place win qualifies the band to represent Arizona in the annual International Blues Competition (IBC) in Memphis early next year.
Sponsored by the Phoenix Blues Society, the Arizona Blues Showdown finals took place at Alice Cooperstown in Phoenix. Ten qualifying groups from around the state competed for points this year in two rounds of shows for panels of judges who rated each entry on talent, originality, blues content and stage presence. This is the first time a Prescott band has won first place in the competition.
Dynamites founder and front man "Big Daddy" Darryl Porras said, "It's surreal. I'm very proud of what we've done, and of the way we approach the music with respect." The band has been steadily refining its sound and approach at Prescott-area clubs and parties since 1997. With Porras on guitar and vocals, the band includes Drew Hall (guitar, vocals), Anton Teschner (tenor sax, backing vocals), Carlos B. Jones (drums) and Steven Ayres (bass, vocals). Also frequently seen with the band is veteran Fort Worth guitarist and showman Freddie Cisneros (aka "Little Junior One-Hand") on guitar. Hall: "Darryl and I first worked with Freddie in his band The Leisure Kings going back to 1994, and he's kind of our blues guru." Cisneros will accompany the group to Memphis.
Along with the chance at national honors, the Phoenix Blues Society will provide $1,000 to help defray expenses for the trip to Tennessee. Ayres: "That will help, but over the next few weeks we'll also be looking to our friends in the business community for sponsorships." The national competition will take place at 16 Memphis venues over the weekend of January 31-February 2.
Phoenix Blues Society President Kyle Deibler: "Big Daddy D and the Dynamites beat one of the most competitive Showdown fields in recent years to advance to the IBC in Memphis. While on Beale Street they will be competing against representatives from blues societies around the world. Last year's competition featured 157 acts, and this year's field will be equally daunting. Big Daddy D and the Dynamites have been one of the premier blues bands in Arizona for a while now, and I'm sure they'll do their best to represent Prescott and the Phoenix Blues Society at the IBC."
Big Daddy D and the Dynamites celebrate their victory at Alice Cooperstown. From left: Steven Ayres, Carlos B. Jones, Darryl Porras, Drew Hall, Anton Teschner