Blues harp master Steve Guyger will be the marquee performer Dec. 6 at the Baltimore/Washington JazzFest, a fundraiser for the African Art Museum of Maryland in Howard County.
The concert will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the museum, 11711 E, Market Place, Fulton. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. The event includes refreshments and a cash bar.
Over the past 40-plus years, 2009 Handy Award nominee Guyger, of Philadelphia, has been dishing out blues in a duo, trio and with his band, the Excellos.
Guyger has toured with the late Jimmy Rogers, among others, and has played with many of the great Chicago bluesmen and contemporary players.
He began playing harp back in the late 60s on a harmonica given to him by his future sister-in-law. Sometime later, his brother turned him on to Paul Butterfield. Guyger's passion for the blues harp eventually took him to Chicago. Each trip taught him skills that he brought back to the local bands in which he paid his dues.
Guyger has shared the stage with names like Little Sammy Davis, Carey Bell, Rick Estrin, Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson, Mark Hummel, Charlie Musselwhite and many others.
Guyger still makes his home in Philly and can be seen on a regular basis at clubs in the tri-state area in addition to touring with the New Legends of the Blues All-Stars.
The African Art Museum of Maryland in 2014 marks its 34th year of operation. It is dedicated to "the encouragement of broader understanding and awareness of the diverse cultures and artistic expressions of the people of the African continent."
The museum collects, exhibits and preserves objects reflecting traditional societies from Morocco to South Africa and from Senegal to Somalia. It is also involved in outreach events and video presentations.
The museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution. Although located in Maryland, it is not a budgetary item for the state.
Call 301-490-6070 for more information.