R&B singer plans weekend at bar

By Jeff Lowe
Staff Writer

     Fans of the musical stylings of Al Green and Otis Redding will get a chance to see blues legend Johnny Rawls this weekend at the Knickerbocker Saloon, 113 N. Fifth St.
     Rawls will perform starting at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
     Johnny Rawls has garnered a local following thanks to his R&B style music.
     Nick Vukas owner and general manager of the Knickerbocker, said, "Rawls has been one of our regulars for years.  He is an excellent soul-blues artist.  People shouldn't expect the guitar-smoking sound of Kenny Wayne Shephard.  He is much more soulful.  He also plays a lot more original music."
     Vukas picked Rawls to perform Friday and Saturday night in the light of the Jazz Festival, which will be in Lafayette this weekend.
     Vukas said, "It is also the first weekend of school, so everyone should get out and celebrate."

johnny rawls
PHOTO COURTESY OF JSP RECORDS

BLUESY:  Johnny Rawls will perform at 10 p.m.  Friday and Saturday at the Knickerbocker Saloon.
 

Rawls has been frequenting the Knickerbocker for years and Vukas said that Rawls is one of its best recurring acts.
     "Rawls is as good as, if not better, than most of the acts that will be performing at the Jazz Fest.  So once people get done there they can come here and see him play.  He is going to play well into the night on Saturday," he said.
     Johnny Rawls is also enthusiastic about the show.  He said, "I love the people there.  I have a great fan-base.  I like going back there and seeing my old friends and making new friends."
     It will also be a special occasion for Rawls.  "It will be my 51st (birthday).  So everyone should come out and I'll help them celebrate and they can help me celebrate," he said.