Barrelhouse Bonni” McKeown’s stage name recalls the old upright pianos in the juke joints that once peppered southern cotton fields and lumber camps. Her left-hand rhythms lay the groove for her low, smoldering voice. She brings back some toe-tapping boogies plus slinky songs from the classic 1930s blues divas, throwing in some 1960s soul ballads and her own 21st century originals including train-riding songs “Travelin’ On” and “Green Line Blues.”
Bonni plays as an acoustic solo or piano-saxophone duo for parties, clubs, restaurants, senior homes and small festival stages. Featured in West Virginia’s Arts in Education directory 2005-06, she has taught blues classes and workshops for all ages.
Bonni is a longtime social, environmental and political activist who is pushing for a return of the roots of blues to the African American community. With strong black leadership, the blues will reach more fans, and music artists from all backgrounds will benefit.
MORE at her website www.barrelhousebonni.com
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