Wild Women of the Blues
Madison Blues Society
by Dave Leucinger
February 2015
Lisa Wenger
It’s an unimpeachable fact: the history of recorded blues music started with women. From Mamie Smith to Ida Cox, Bessie Smith, and the bawdy Lucille Bogan, women’s voices were the mainstay of recorded blues in the 1920’s. It was in that tradition that the Madison Blues Society began its annual “Wild Women of the Blues” seven years ago. Since then, the event has become a showcase for local and regional artists, and one of the largest fundraisers for the organization.
Last year, the organization looked to share its success and outreach by partnering with another organization dedicated to support of women: Dane County’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS). From a 24-hour help line, to programming for children from violent homes, to legal advocacy and support groups, and the county’s only domestic violence shelter, DAIS brings nearly four decades of service to crisis intervention and recovery.
This year, the Wild Women of the Blues event returns to the High Noon Saloon on Thursday, March 5th, at 7 PM. The featured artist will be Lisa Wenger, a staple of the Twin Cities music scene. Blending R&B, soul, blues, rockabilly, and other rootsy genres, Wenger’s powerful vocals and vibrant stage show has won over some of the toughest customers. Her latest CD, Simple As That, documents the range of her and her band.
For more information on the event or on DAIS, go to the Madison Blues Society website at www.madisonbluessociety.com , or DAIS, at abuseintervention.org