Big Joe Fitz

The name Big Joe Fitz has been synonymous with soulful music in New York's Hudson Valley for more than 30 years and there's a very good reason for that. When you see Big Joe Fitz & The Lo-Fi's in performance not only will you experience outstanding musicianship and an eclectic playlist that ranges from Bobby Bland to Johnny Mercer to Ernest Tubb and beyond, but you will be entertained by a live show that is always warm, always engaging, and always fun. Big Joe and the fellas love what they do, and they do it very well indeed.

Guitar/Vocals/Harmonica: Big Joe Fitz was born into a musical family in New York City and was drawn to the blues early on. At that time it was still possible to see the biggest names in blues in the small clubs of Greenwich Village, and early encounters with Muddy Waters, BB King, Paul Butterfield and others set him firmly on the blues highway. An extraordinary encounter with Howlin’ Wolf at The Newport Folk Festival in 1966 and meeting Lightnin’ Hopkins at the 1st Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1969 sealed the deal on a lifelong devotion to the blues. In the 1970s he performed in and around the New York City area with the guitarist Smokin’ Sal Cafiero.

The 1980s found Big Joe living in New York’s Hudson Valley Region and beginning his long tenure at radio station WDST which ran for 30 years Big Joe Fitz is a warm and engaging performer. “My goal is to connect with the audience… that’s what I’m thinking about every time I step on the stage.” He is a singer of uncommon sensitivity whose roots are deep in the Blues but whose music also combines elements of jazz, swing, funk, and soul. As a performer Big Joe has opened for or shared the stage with such notable names as The Holmes Brothers, Marcia Ball, Mighty Sam McClain, Eddie Kirkland, Little Sammy Davis, Madeleine Peyroux, Janiva Magness and more

The Bailiff’s Café will be serving up pre-ordered dinners at $20 each.

Menu options:

• Mediterranean bean salad served on a bed of mixed greens with a roll
• Seafood chowder, salad of mixed greens with fresh veggies and a roll

Doors open at 6pm.
Dinner is served from 6:30 – 7:30pm.