AUBURN – Despite its well-documented roots in America’s Deep South, blues music is an art form now studied and performed by musicians around the globe. A perfect example is Yugoslavian-born guitarist/vocalist Ana Popovic, one of the genre’s hottest young stars.
The 29-year-old Popovic will perform at the Midnight Blues Club and Restaurant Sunday, Aug. 28, as part of the club’s 2005 Sunday Night Blues Series. Popovic is concluding a 30-day tour of the United States in support of her new CD, “Ana! Live in Amsterdam,” before leaving for the Netherlands in September.
Born in Belgrade May 13, 1976, Popovic was first exposed to music by her father. A bass guitarist, he owned an impressive collection of blues and soul records. Popovic picked up the guitar at age 15, quickly moving beyond her father’s talents and impressing her teachers. Her natural ability with the instrument turned heads.
In 1995, Popovic formed her first band, Hush, with longtime friend and guitarist Rade Popovic. By 1998, the band was performing more than 100 shows per year and appearing regularly on Yugoslavian television.
Hush recorded its debut album, “Hometown,” in 1998, as a limited-edition production. After concluding her studies in graphic design at the University of Belgrade, Popovic moved to the Netherlands in 1999 to pursue her master’s degree. She became fascinated with the Dutch blues scene, forming her own band and touring to support her education.
Her first big break came in the form of a recording contract with Ruf Records in late 1999. In October of 2000, she traveled to Memphis, Tenn., to record her first album on the Ruf label. “Hush,” named after her first band, was produced by Jim Gaines of Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughn fame. It was nominated for Contemporary Blues Album of the Year in 2002 by The Blues Foundation.
In 2003, Popovic returned to Memphis to record “Comfort To The Soul,” a mix of blues and rock, with a touch of jazz and soul. The album features a strong batch of thoughtful originals. The instrumental “Navajo Moon” was inspired by a visit to a Navajo reservation in California and by a sunset over the Grand Canyon. Response to the album was positive from fans and critics alike and earned a W.C. Handy Award nomination for Best New Blues Artist. It also vaulted Popovic from little-known foreign newcomer to international superstar status.
The Midnight Blues Club and Restaurant is located at 34 Court St. in downtown Auburn. Tickets for all Sunday Night Blues Series shows are $15. All ages are welcome. For more information, log on to www.3clubs.com.
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