Blues group keeps it groovy

From the Strathmore Times on January 12, 2018.

Charlie B and the Groove Crew performed a highly energetic and witty blues concert at the Strathmore Travelodge on Jan. 6 to prepare for the upcoming International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Jan. 16-20.

“It was a pleasure to perform last night in Strathmore,” said Charlie Butler, singer and guitarist. “As I have commented before it was like coming home to visit with old friends who have supported me over the years.”

The show was a hit for the audience that was up and dancing by the second song – a cover of Splish Splash by Bobby Darin. Audience members waltzed during slower songs and moved to the rhythm of faster songs including line dancing, to which everyone seemed to know the steps.

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Charlie B. heads to Memphis with the Groove Crew and a lifelong love of the blues

From the Calgary Herald, January 11, 2018.

Charlie Butler is not the first musician to find spiritual guidance from the blues.

But the Philadelphia-born guitarist and singer, who currently leads Calgary’s Charlie B and the Groove Crew, decided to put all his spiritual cards on the table with his latest song, a rollicking Bo Diddley-flavoured number called Blues is My Religion.

“It’s sort of a mixture of Bo, and B.B. (King) and Keb Mo,” explains Butler. “In the song, it says:  ‘The blues is a temple made up of gospel and soul. It’s the birthplace of pop, rap and rock ‘n’ roll.’ Because it is.”

It should also fit right in when the band goes down to the International Blues Competition in Memphis next week, a city officially known as “the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.”

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Blues musician returns to Strathmore for one night

Strathmore will play host to Charlie B & the Groove Crew at the Strathmore Travelodge on Jan. 6 to raise money for the group’s chance to represent southern Alberta at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.

The International Blues Challenge, an initiative from the Blues Foundation, represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues acts ready to perform on the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The challenge goes Jan. 16-20.

“We are very honoured to be able to represent southern Alberta and Canada,” said Charlie Butler, the group’s guitarist and singer. “For me personally, coming to Strathmore is like coming home.”

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Interview with 106.5 Mountain FM

Hear Charlie’s interview on 106.5 Mountain FM.

“I’m sure many Bow Valley folks remember Charlie Butler. He was a staple on the local music scene for many years, known to many as the guy who would perform great music while you enjoyed tasty food at the old Bandoleer’s Restaurant in Dead Man’s Flats. You’d see him performing at hotels and other live music venues throughout the year. When I was organizing the music at the annual Relay For Life fundraiser he was always one of my first phone calls.”

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