On the 20th anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s passing members of Stevie’s band Double Trouble have organized a reunion show to be held at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday August 27th. Kokomo native Mike Milligan was invited to perform along with other guest musicians with actor/musician Jeff Daniels opening the nights event with his own acoustic set. Mike is a local blues musician who travels around the midwest with his band, Mike Milligan & Steam Shovel performing his own original material. He knows Stevie Ray’s music library all too well as Stevie was such a great inspiration for him. Mike is friends with Tommy Shannon and has long wanted to play on stage with the legendary group known as Double Trouble. For those unfamiliar of the details, Stevie Ray left us early on August 27th 1990 as the helicopter he was a passenger of crashed into the hills of Wisconsin leaving family, friends, and fans who loved the man and his music behind. The reunion will be emotional but welcomed and a show of musicians celebrating that which was Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Members of the Texas blues legend’s band are Tommy Shannon, who has been a member of the Arc Angels, Storyville, and Krackerjack, and was also an early bass player for Johnny Winter. Chris Layton who is also part of the Arc Angels, and a former member of Storyville is currently the touring drummer for Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Reese Wynans is the final member of the famed group on keyboard and resides in Nashville where he works providing his own tracks to other artists music recordings. Reese is yet another connection to Indiana artists as he added his own flavor to the Indianapolis based WT Feaster album “Wish You Well” set to release September 3rd. Members of Double Trouble have shared the stage with a most impressive list of musicians yet may never hold more dear the days with their fallen brother Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Deserving of abundant praise for the music this group of men created, Double Trouble will once again take center stage for an emotional night in remembering the joy, passion, and music which brought a world of music lovers together, forever creating a bond which can never be denied. I too have a significant interest in this performance as it was their music which first pulled on my heart, drawing me into the world of blues and a love for their music I will cherish all of my days. Mike Milligan feels an even greater appreciation to their music and will have a night of unforgettable memories embedded in his head after Friday evenings event comes to an end. Perhaps as strongly as those of Double Trouble, Mike Milligan’s heart will beat as he shares the stage with the very artists who’s music lead him to a life of blues. All the best to those who perform and those who witness this special night and be prepared for a few surprises as there are some special guests not given in the event details. I trust Stevie will be present in spirit with his grin infecting everyone and any tears present being those of joy for the magic of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble.
R.I.P. Stevie Ray Vaughan
http://mikemilligan.homestead.com/
http://www.3rdandlindsley.com/
http://www.jeffdaniels.com/shows.asp
Photo courtesy of RSG Pics
