Gaetano’s Underworld Blues Band (pictured) won the 2014 Memphis Blues Challenge held by the Cleveland Blues Society earlier this year. It was the band’s first victory after four years competing. As a result, Gaetano Letizia will take his band to the International Blues Competition that takes place in Memphis from January 20 to 24. As a bit of a warm-up, the band will perform with
winning solo blues artist Chris Yakopcic at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 at Wilbert’s and at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12 at the Parkview Tavern. Both showcases are free and open to the public. And an open blues jam session will follow each performance. 

This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2014.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.