By CALEB FOX
Staff Reporter
Just like every stereotypical garage band, The Fabulous Blue Notes practiced for their upcoming show in none other than a basement. As they would have many years ago, Rick Jones and Lonney Hallum brought together their friends to perform blues, jazz, classic rock, and even country music.
It was in the mid-1960s that Lonney Hallum and Rick Jones first formed The Midknights in Oakdale.
Jones reminisced that the two 13-year-olds got their start “playing junior high parties, high school dances, and the grand opening of Renfro’s Pancake House in Oakdale.”
In 1990, Jones and Hallum reunited and formed The Fabulous Blue Notes, along with other talented musicians in the area.
“The Fabulous Blue Notes are a professional band and have been a modular experiment since its early beginnings,” band members note.
The band at times has been an 11-piece ensemble, and reunited in 2023 as a four-piece band playing classic rock hits of the ‘60, ’70s, and ’80s.
Making up the band now are Jones on rhythm guitar and vocals, Hallum on lead guitar and vocals, Adrian Uribe on drums and backup vocals, and Armondo Osuna on bass and backup vocals.
In classic Oakdale fashion, the group will take the stage on Friday, Aug. 30 for the final summer show at Dorada Park.
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., The Fabulous Blue Notes reunite once again to play at the finale of the Concert in the Park series, put on by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce. Friday night marks the first time in 14 years that the Fabulous Blue Notes have closed for the Concert in the Park series. This reunion is exciting news for fans of the band, and members of the community who attend the Friday night concert can settle in for some great music.
A recent ‘Blue Notes’ practice session gave a sneak peek of some of the songs they will be playing at the concert. Jones, Hallum, Uribe, and Osuna prepared with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones, “Lodi” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money, “Take it Easy” and “Lyin’ Eyes” by the Eagles, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, and many other rock classics.
Throughout their long and varied career, members of The Fabulous Blue Notes “have collectively been opening acts for Elvin Bishop, Lee Presson and the Nails, T Graham Brown, Slim Man, The Drifters, The Coasters, and Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders,” Jones stated.
Concert goers are urged to arrive early on Friday night; bring blankets or low lawn chairs. You can also bring a picnic dinner or take advantage of some food trucks and sweet treats for sale on site.
For booking information regarding The Fabulous Blue Notes, contact Jones at 209-402-7626.
