One of the unique characteristics of the Collinsville Farmers Market is the recruitment of quality musical talent. Over the next few days, About Town will be speaking to some of the musicians who will be appearing at the Market, to find out what makes the match of music and going to market work so well.
Like many people who pick up their first guitar, Dave “DC” Jones started playing pop songs, a little Beatles and other rock guitar standards. However soon enough, his interests branched out to classical guitar, which then became his focus. In 1996, Jones and friends put together the blues band Chili Blues, which continues to play all around the state, opening for Roomful of Blues, Savoy Brown and other national acts.
AT: Tell me more about yourself.
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DC: My interest in electric blues guitar went on for quite a few years. Then, I started getting into the roots of blues music and listening to Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Blind Boy Fuller and so many more of the great acoustic blues artists.
I was very interested in this style of Delta and Country blues music and studied it and practiced it every chance I got. I became very proficient at finger style acoustic blues guitar and slide guitar. I also managed to pick up the harmonica along the way to accompany this style of music.
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Most recently, my musical tastes have changed once again and I have discovered the world of Spanish and Flamenco guitar.
AT: What do you like most about playing farmers markets?
DC: I like playing in front of people of all ages. I also like the fact that it's a relaxing atmosphere at the farmers market.
AT: Have you played CollinsvilleFarmers Market before?
DC: I have never played at the CollinsvilleFarmers Market.
AT: What are the biggest challenges facing a musician playing a farmers market?
DC: The biggest challenge is trying to play the type of music that everyone will like. Which is why I like to play a variety of music.
AT: What can the CFM audience expect from you?
DC: I will be playing songs people are familiar with. I might play some acoustic blues and then I'll also play some Spanish and Flamenco guitar.
AT: What's the value of having music at a farmer's market?
DC: It will bring more people to the market and the people that come to the market may also stay longer because of the music. It also makes for a more relaxing experience.
Here’s the Deal
DC Jones; 860-817-4508: www.dcjonesmusic.com: dcjones56@comcast.net. Appears at the market July 24 and Aug. 28.
Downright Music and Art, 100 Main St; 860-693-6530: www.downrightmusicandart.com.
DM&A provides the electricity, the deck space and other logistic support to make music at the Collinsville Farmers Market happen.
