Maine blues legend celebrates album release at Johnson Hall Opera House
David Wakefield has spent nearly six decades making music in Maine, and this weekend the blues scene will come together to honor the veteran musician's 79th birthday while celebrating the release of his latest record.
The celebration is scheduled for Sunday evening at Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 in advance and can be purchased through the venue's website at johnsonhall.org or by calling 207-582-7144. The opera house is located at 280 Water Street and is fully accessible for patrons with disabilities.
Wakefield's new album, "Turnpike Crows," was completed late last year at The Root Cellar studio in Hallowell. The record was produced by Bob Colwell and Steve Jones, with The Boneheads serving as the studio recording band. The Boneheads will also back Wakefield during Sunday's live performance, joined by several other well-known Maine musicians.
Over his lengthy career, Wakefield has established himself as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, playing saxophone, harmonica, and guitar while singing. His musical journey began alongside his brother Bruce Wakefield in Jupiter Blues and Shack Bully, later moving through bands including The Rockin' King Bees, Big Chief and The Continentals, The Blue Willow Band, and The Upsetters.
Wakefield spent three years performing with the late legendary musician Bill Chinnock. He also served as a member of the house band at The Peter Giftos House of Blues in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1996, Wakefield performed with The Swinging Blue Matadors, together winning the Strawberry Bank New England Road to Memphis competition.
More recently, Wakefield has been a longtime member of the Portland-based blues band Red Light Revue and Central Maine's Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations. He continues to perform regularly with Continental Shakedown, Kris Day and his New Imperials, and various duo configurations with local favorites Steve Vellani, Dave Archibald, Dave Gagne, and Mark Storer.
