Ira Stanley & Blues Power Go Old School on Oddbody’s Music Room – Dayton Blues Showcase

On Friday, May 29, Oddbody’s Music Room was the home to the Dayton Blues Showcase featuring four of the area’s top guitar slingers, including event organizer Doug Hart. Hart assembled an All-Star cast of area Blues greats that include friends Noah Wotherspoon, Scotty Bratcher, and veteran Bluesman Ira Stanley.The line of excited fans outside when the doors opened was proof positive that Dayton Blues fans were anxious and ready for this one! The end result was one of the best shows of the year, so we thought it fitting that we showcase each band individually. We begin with Ira Stanley & Blues Power!

Blues fans will recognize the name Ira Stanley from his work in the 70’s with the band Dixie Peach. The band produced three albums, including their 2013 release called “Blues with Friends” which features a special guest appearance by Scotty Bratcher as well as some of Nashville’s brightest stars like Lee Roy Parnell and the ever so talented Etta Britt.

Recently, Stanley has been seen frequenting Dayton clubs with his band Blues Power consisting of fellow band mates Dan Connaughton (Bass), Steve Benson (Drums), Dave Benson (Guitar, Vocals), and fellow badass Guitarist Lee Swisher.

Ira Stanley & Blues Power opened the Dayton Blues Showcase with a lively collection of American Blues that set the tone for the entire night! Stanley and Swisher traded riffs on several great original tunes including an awesome version of the song “Night Ride” from the Blues with Friends CD.

Stanley’s slide work is smooth as silk and Ira is not shy when it comes to showing off his skills. The bands mix of Southern Rock, Blues, and Jazz was a definite crowd pleaser and just what the doctor ordered to kick off the Dayton Blues Showcase.

Ira Stanley & Blues Power’s summer schedule includes stops at Brixx Ice Company on Saturday, June 13 and Hank’s Pub on Friday, June 19.