Introducing…Haley Crouch
She may only be 16-years-old, but newcomer Haley
Crouch is a seasoned blues harmonica player who
interjects a hint of classic rock into her mature
repertoire. The youngster lives in the tiny but hard
working town of Streator, IL and found he way to
performing in her early youth when family friend David
Musil taught her “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on
harmonica. After learning the initial contours of the
instrument, she was introduced by the same player to
the music of Sonny Boy Williamson, with whom Crouch
immediately fell head over heels.
After memorizing his material inside and out (while
playing alongside those songs), Crouch also dug deep
into the catalogues of Junior Wells, Rod Piazza, plus
Cephas and Wiggins (to name a few). By age 13, she was
performing on major stages, such as Peoria’s Miller
Lite Illinois Blues Fest (where she first met members
of the famed local band Cobalt Canopy). Soon enough,
the hopeful entertainer and already established group
joined forces, leading to a two year plus partnership.
Another turning point came in 2006 during a
performance at the area’s Winter Blues Fest, where
Crouch competed against six other players in the
“Harmonica Blowout Competition” (where she took first
prize). The honor led to a 2006 Miller Lite Illinois
Blues Fest gig opening up for headlining act Jimmy
Burns.
In current contexts, Crouch is performing regularly
with blues rockers Rolings-Tones (featuring Cobalt
Canopy members Ron Roling and Bob Roling, plus Van
Johnson and Bill Morrow). She also stays grounded
spiritually by performing every Sunday night during
mass at St. Mary’s church with the youth oriented
group The Revelations, while also participating in
Music For a Cure throughout the past two years.
Yet all the seasonings have led to her personal
project, wrapped around the banner Haley Crouch and
the Comet Blues band. The group just wrapped up a CD
with BMI Award Winning songwriter/producer Kevin
Chalfant (of The Storm fame and a also writer for Cher
amongst many other artists). Only time will tell what
will come next in Crouch’s impressive career, but you
can bet it will be loaded with a glorious blend of
rock and blues that showcases a remarkably fresh
talent.
For Immediate Release
KEVIN CHALFANT TO RECEIVE AWARD OF HONOR
SUN. JANUARY 28, 2007 @ PARK WEST THEATER
COME AND SHOW YOUR LOVE & APPRECIATION!
(CHICAGO- January 2007) Rock/Country producer and singer Kevin Chalfant will be honored with an Award of Honor for his extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry!
The presentation takes place at the 26th Annual Chicago Music Awards gala Sunday, January 28, 2007
(VIP Reception: 6 pm; Awards Ceremony/Concert: 7 pm) at the Park West Theatre, 322 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL.
As family, friends and/or associates of Kevin Chalfant, you are invited to attend and show your love, respect and appreciation for this outstanding Chicago icon. Tickets can be obtained from www.ticketmaster.com, 312/559-1212, Park West box office, or 312/427-0266.
Visit www.chicagomusicawards.com for more information!
The special recipients for Lifetime Awards are:
Gospel legend Delores Washington of the Caravans; Jazz icon Fred Anderson; historic black film maker Ronn Pitts; Veteran radio disc jockeys Richard Pegue, Dick Biondi and Clark Weber. Special recipients for Award of Honor are: Chicago Gospel Festival coordinator/radio host Pam Morris; Oprah Winfrey XM radio producer, writer and radio host Mark Ruffin; Rock/Country producer and singer Kevin Chalfant; Veteran radio jockey Robert (Bob) Stroud, and from the land of Ethiopia, veteran African/Reggae Entertainer Zeleke Gessesse, who in the last three years help to build several schools in Ethiopia for thousands of children.
Among the performers will be: Darius Brooks, Rachel Barton, Malik Yusef, Indika Reggae Band, Nythia Rivera, Guayacol y Ale Nova, Lil Mann, D. Lawrence and others will be announced later.
The ceremony will be hosted by NBC 5 TV LeeAnn Trotter and Bluesman Frank Pelligrino of Kingston Mines.
