Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and Steve Arvey to Perform at Fogartyville
Adopting a persona that’s equal parts revival preacher, professional wrestler, social satirist and keyboard wizard, Reverend Billy C. Wirtz is unlike any other performer on the touring circuit. Steve Arvey is a well-known presence on the blues circuit in Southwest Florida. The two will trade songs and accompany each other on Saturday, April 17 at an outdoor concert at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court. Tickets are $15 for members, $18 for the general public. Advance tickets are available online.
American Musicologist at Fogartyville
A comic genius and American musicologist, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz blazes a trail across the country playing nightclubs, comedy clubs and performance art centers, bringing his First House of Polyester Worship services to legions of fans and new converts. Although by no means a straight-ahead blues player, much of his material is based in blues and classic R&B, and his sharp social commentaries, sprinkled with humorous observations about politics and life in 20th-century America, make Wirtz one of the most sought-after performers on the festival and club circuit. He’ll be joined by drummer Walter Shufflesworth who’s played with Lightnin’ Hopkins, Joe Turner, Musselwhite and Johnny and the Hurricanes and Bill Singletary on bass.
Steve Arvey Plays the Blues
Steve Arvey is a Chicago-born musician who has been playing the blues since the age of 18. When starting his career, Arvey worked as a sideman on the Chicago blues scene playing bass guitar, guitar, and drums behind such legends as Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Rogers, Big Smokey Smother, and many others. He went on to found the famous blues band West Side Heat, and toured around the world for over a decade. Now living in Florida, Steve is a fixture at major festivals and nightclubs throughout the South, Europe and the Caribbean. He is also considered by many to be one of the top cigar box guitar players in the world today.
The WSLR+Fogartyville Team
525 Kumquat Court
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 894-6469
Photos from Fogartyville