Scene and Heard

Horseshoe Casino Southern Indiana celebrated Independence Day in grand style   The evening began with legendary bluesman and 1987 Grammy Award winner. B. B. King.

The 84 four year old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987),  guitarist was backed by his long time  eight piece band,  greeting the audience with his smile, conversation and popular song “Rock Me Baby”.

King played his co star Gibson guitar “Lucille”, who he described as “his employer”.

Playing many of his famous songs and ending his set with “The Thrill is Gone”. Although he has slowed a bit King and his band kept his fans entertained with his stories and music.

During the encore of “You are my Sunshine” King asked the audience, “kiss somebody, if your with someone special give them a kiss”

As the show ended he repeatedly thanks everyone for coming telling them”We love you”.

As the spectacular fireworks show began with synchronized music to the National Anthem and other patriotic songs, King and his band remained on the darkened stage to enjoy the festivities. Later on his bus, King mentioned ‘that show touched my heart” , and described receiving a letter  while living on a plantation in Itta Bena, Mississippi telling him to report for Military Duty.

“I went through boot camp and after six weeks the sent us back  to the plantation to wait  for an assignment”  Fortunately for blues lovers everywhere that call never came.

“I like to talk with and meet people”. That was evident in the after show asking his visitors to “sit down and chat for a while”, happily answering questions and telling stories.

B. B. King is a national treasure and a perfect fit to celebrate America’s Birthday.

For more photos: Mikeseye@phanfare.com