SIX NATIONS — The Big Joe Rockin’ Blues Band will be hosting a pre-2019, dry-party at the Six Nations’ Community Hall, Saturday, December 29th which is being billed, “Jump-Start 2019 with the Big Joe Rockin’ Blues Band” beginning at 6 pm.
“Just because you quit drinking’ and doing drugs doesn’t mean you have to quit having fun,” says Big Joe. “A lot of people don’t wanna stay out until one or two in the morning. I know I don’t any more. That’s why we are starting early and ending early, 6 ’til 10.”
Joe knows of what he speaks. There was a time when music, cocaine and booze were all tied together into one package for the veteran blues singer. It took a long time and a few false starts, but Big Joe is clean and sober, and has been for eight years, and he wants to help encourage others as well. A crack cocaine addiction took Joe from the stage and almost destroyed his marriage and life.
Big Joe conquered more than one demon along the way. He has also made significant headway in his fight against a food addiction, and has lost close to 100 lbs. on his road to recovery.
Joe made his return to the big stage as an opening act for Tom Wilson at the Six Nations Fall Fair two years ago, and headline the fair’s main stage this past fall, amongst many other community and corporate events, and private parties.
“I talked to some people about doing a dry dance and the response was great,” says Joe. “There are lots of people here that are in the same place I am, having given up alcohol and drugs and wanna still have fun and dance, but don’t want to be around alcohol or drunken people. That’s why I wanted to do this.”
When Joe started looking for sponsorship and support from the Six Nations business community, he was overwhelmed by the number of people that said it was a good idea and that they would help with door prizes and other in-kind donations.
“I would like to commend “Big Joe” for accomplishing his journey to a clean and sober life and for giving back to the community,” said elected Chief Ava Hill. “He is using his music to get the message across, especially to our young people, that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time.
He will be hosting a dry pre-New Year’s Eve Event and I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy themselves and listen to some of Big Joe’s classic tunes.
Pizza, wings and pop, are being provided by Village Pizza and Karen Hill, and the Six Nations Elected Council has donated the use of the Community Hall for this non-alcohol community event.
Also performing that night along with the Big Joe Rockin’ Blues Band will be Six Nations country songstress, Crystal Lynn Bomberry. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and are available from Val and Joe Sharrow at 226-583-0213, Jim Windle at 519-732-5700, or at Two Row Times office, 50 Generations Road, Oneida Business Park, during business hours, or from Crystal Bomberry. Watch for more ticket outlets as they become available.
