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| Hard times ideal for feeling the blues Money's tight, but musicians fine playing for less as Dark Season Blues starts Thursday
A global recession is certainly reason to feel the blues, but turns out those asked to play a less lucrative gig at Longyear-byen's biggest music event are still plenty happy to do so. Local, Norwegian and international musicians – new and familiar – will perform at venues throughout Longyearbyen during the seventh annual Dark Season Blues festival Thursday through Sunday. Organizers said they had to work harder to raise funds, coordinate schedules more carefully and appeal to players' goodwill, but are anything but blue about the results. "When I am booking bands it's important to have a range of bands because there is such a wide range of blues," said Gry Sneltuedt, who organized most of the lineup. This year's ranges from newcomers like multi-genre vocalist Tina Lie to longtime bassist Bill Troiani, although even the latter promises to bring something new. "Billy T. has been here many times, but with different bands," Sneltuedt said. The festival also features the release of a live album by vocalist/accordionist Jan Tore (J.T.) Lauritsen and harmonica player Billy Gibson at noon Saturday at Barentz Pub, one of four concerts they are scheduled to perform. New York guitarist Dave Fields is scheduled to appear at the other three., plus a jam session with Gibson at the pub at 9 p.m. Sunday. Nearly all of the performers are just as busy with multiple gigs, allowing listeners who miss or can't get into a concert ample opportunity to made amends. Passes for all events are 1,000 kroner and individual concerts cost 150 to 200 kroner, but those on a budget can hear free performances during jam sessions and school appearances Friday through Sunday. Two multi-band shows will be featured on separate stages Saturday night at Huset, with 500 kroner covering admission to both, Sneltuedt said tickets for concerts at a trio of locations Thursday and Friday should be available at the door for those arriving early. Those with passes, sold at the Mix kiosk, should also arrive early to ensure seating if there's a show they prefer. She said admission shouldn't be a problem Saturday night, even though Huset will likely be full. Schedule Thursday Saturday Sunday
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