Soulful Chattanooga-based blue trio Rick Rushing III and The Blues Strangers are set to bring their unique blues-rooted soundscape, blending jazz, R&B, and reggae, to The Woodshop listening room this Saturday, August 22nd.
The band’s sound is funky, chock-full of soul, and is guaranteed to get you up and dancing. It helmed by frontman, lead vocalist, singer-songwriter, and Chattanooga local Rick Rushing III.
Originally a Cincinnati, Ohio native, coming from a music family and someone who is deeply connected to the jazz and blues scene there, as he is related to Jimmy Rushing, a legendary blues and jazz vocalist and singer for the Count Basie Orchestra.
Rick has forged his own path, one steeped in honoring the traditions of blues past, creating a unique sound with his band while also working for years in social work and community outreach, using his music and his life experiences to help shape and educate future generations. He created a program called "The Healing Blues Experience," which is a performance concept combining blues and African American history with vivid storytelling and music.
Also serving in the past as board chair of the Folk School of Chattanooga, Rick has been an integral part of the local music and arts community here in the Scenic City, and The Blues Strangers band has made waves as a regional touring act, playing gigs at local venues like Cherry Street Tavern, Riverfront Nights, and Mainx24, to name a few.
In speaking with Rick about how he got started playing music and what it means to be a Chattanooga musician, he detailed playing cello at first before learning blues on the guitar when he moved to Chattanooga, and that while it’s been hard work to build a name for himself in the Scenic City, he’s grown a lot through the process.
“I always wanted to play the guitar, and I played the cello in elementary school, but the guitar seemed very challenging to learn on my own. When I moved to Chattanooga, I met a guitar teacher who started me off playing the blues, which helped me build the foundation for the music I play today. I never thought I would be able to do this professionally.
It means a lot to me personally because 20 years ago, I would never have thought I’d be able to play my original music and classic blues covers to huge crowds like at Riverfront Nights. Also, me not being from Chattanooga, I’ve had to work hard to make a name for myself and my band, starting from ground zero to Rock City Billboards. Chattanooga is a calm city with cool people who love music, and it’s allowed me to grow a lot. My students also have helped me grow in learning more about the art of music.”
Rick went on to discuss what performing at such a special venue in the city for blues, The Woodshop, means to him, and what his plans for the future are, suggesting that there is an electricity in the beloved Chattanooga venue that is unparalleled, and that he is most excited to continue to teach and perform music with people who enjoy performing and creating music.
“Jhett Black and his partners at the Woodshop have given Chattanooga a blues club which has been needed for a long time. There is an excitement and electricity when you are at The Woodshop that starts as soon as you walk in the door; you can feel it, which helps me get going.
I am most excited about growing on the guitar and watching my students progress on guitar, ukulele, and vocal coaching. Teaching others how to play music is a great feeling. It helps me practice what I preach and practice myself. I’m also excited about playing with musicians who love playing as much as the blues strangers. We’re pretty tight with the songs we like, and we enjoy playing together.”
Rick Rushing III and The Blues Strangers
- 6 p.m. Saturday, August 22
- The Woodshop Listening Room. 5500 Saint Elmo Ave. Chattanooga
- $18.44-$103.84.
- thewoodshoplisteningroom.com