First Posted: 3/6/2015
LIMA — There’s the blues, and then there is Pickle’s version of the blues.
This was the weekend when a staple of the local music scene, Pickle’s Blues Extravaganza, would have been taking place. However, when the Allen County Commissioners closed Allen County Memorial Hall last year, it forced Jerry “Pickle” Felter to cancel his event for lack of a venue. The decision set Old City Prime owner John Heaphy in motion to bring blues music to the restaurant’s Upper Lounge.
“Pickle has built his brand,” Heaphy said. “He knows what people will respond to.”
Heaphy contacted Pickle, who in turn set up “Blues at the Upper Lounge” this weekend. The event sold out both nights. Performing was local blues group No Right Turn and headliner Lindsey Alexander, of Chicago.
Felter said the event is not connected with the annual blues show, but he said that it does provide some relief for blues fans who had attended the local event for many years.
“We will see about 10 percent of the people we did with the extravaganza,” Felter said. “At the extravaganza, we would see about 2,000 people over two nights. Here we will see 200. I have the blues because tonight was when the extravaganza would have been starting, but tonight we have some great medicine. For those that were feeling good, they will leave feeling even better.”
Felter said the Upper Lounge provided a “juke joint” type of atmosphere, something blues fans enjoy.
Most in attendance said they had been regular visitors to the annual event. Most were also familiar with Alexander’s style, who played at the extravaganza six years ago.
“I seen him here six years ago, and I seen him once in Chicago,” said Hank Tolbert. “He is always good.”
John and Sharon Bilopavlovich had spent years working with Felter on the extravaganza, helping set up and tear down, and working at the door.
“We are usually working at the door in zero-degree weather right now,” Sharon Bilopavlovich said. “We are enjoying the atmosphere. There needs to be someplace for adults to go.”
Felter said he knew people would enjoy the show, and in the meantime he will continue his search for a new venue for the Blues Extravaganza.
“You have to have certain requirements,” Felter said. “You have to accommodate 1,200 people. You need to have the parking. You need to have the right atmosphere.”
Felter said he been in touch with people at two locations to renew the festival next year, but discussions are just beginning.
