My NW Indiana and More: Lou Shields

Showing posts with label Lou Shields. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Lou Shields ⁓ our friend

I first met Lou Shields at Paul Henry's Art Gallery in Hammond, December 30, 2011. Some of the other musicians of that time who performed were Melissa Welch, "Keyboard Richie" Mahoney, Mitch Wright, Dakota McCoy, Rich Hall, Joey Humphrey playing the 12-string for the first time, KC Wilkerson who was one cool dude, Lee Watson who at the time I did not know he was my son's boss, Jason West, Don Taylor, and Carl Strain.

Those who I did not know their names at the time and do now were Brabant Lenting, John Brudek, Gary Price, Michael Nowak, the now Lauren Ramirez, Phylis Butler Mamula, Carol Moore, Dimitrios Saranteas, others who have unfriended me, and others who were not in my photographs.

Off all the people there that evening, the person who caught my attention was Lou Shields. I was very timid with camera in hand because I never photographed people like that, let alone musicians. Lou just fascinated me as being different, cool, a person having a care free aura as I put it back then. No beard, wore a hat, rolled up jeans, and a great smile.

Lou has found both a purpose / focus in life, and is well aware that he will have to deal with what life gives him. You figure it out along the way.

So, for me it is always a pleasure when I see Lou. He doesn't even have to play music. He can be just Lou. What I like about the Lou of today is all of the stories he can tell from all his travels and meeting people. Seems he has always been a story teller. You just have to listen to the lyrics. A wealth of knowledge. A kind heart. A man for mankind. He is becoming the storyteller of storytellers, passing on tradition, creating tradition. Just keep on truck'n Lou!!!

Here are some photographs of the evening. One cannot blog without photographs of Paul Henry's Art Gallery either. This place has a tradition of acoustical music every Thursday night, open to the public, a very enjoyable social evening if that is your thing. Or like me, stick to yourself and soak it in. Many artist's work has passed through this place, including mine. My favorites are still Sophia Rapata, Lauren Ramirez, and of course Lou Shields who also draws, paints, and skates (or at least he use to skate). And yes, I own a few pieces of their art.

Paul Henry's Art Gallery

416 Sibley St.

Hammond, IN 46329

(219) 678-5015

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(phone ahead to confirm times, or to make an appointment)

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Friday, November 1, 2019

Lou, Gabe, and Jeff

It was very pleasing to see Lou Shields and Mississippi Gabe Carter again, and in one place. I met Lou about 10 years ago at Paul Henry's Art Gallery. He was the first musician that caught my attention. His delta bluegrass 30's style of music puts you in a simpler time, yet different and perhaps more difficult struggles. Lou can story tell just talking to us, and in the music he rights and sings. He gets his motivation from the vibrations around us during his travels, and his family history and people he meets. It becomes very special when you recognize one of those stories, because you were there. Like the story he told about Meredith Judd. Judd's photograph is above.

I met Gabe Carter (Mississippi Gabe) from our roots music Office Sessions. This was a unique time in my life and with the local (Chicago) roots music scene. Gabe's voice, tone, play, and deep down connection with God, all harmonize in to his Mississippi Bentoia distinctive style of blues. Gabe soulful music storytelling puts you in the moment as it was meant for.

Jeff Stone accompanied Mississippi Gabe, playing on his harp(s). Talk about blues revival, Jeff was amazing! (This was the first time seeing Jeff.) He stepped in, body and soul, giving us a night to remember.

Of course this evening would not have been possible without the upcoming Chicago Cigar Box Guitar Festival this weekend, held at the Friendly Tap in Berwyn. Here is the link. I really enjoyed the family and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you, Brian!

Lou Shields