By MARY STEGMEIR, Courier Staff Writer

WATERLOO --- The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue ended its U.S. tour this weekend at KUNI's Winter Blues Blowout, but the energy that propelled the musicians to take their act across the country was in full force Saturday at the city's Electric Park Ballroom.

Between 400 and 500 people filled the historic building to enjoy the stylings of guitar-slinger Tommy Castro, keyboardist/saxophonist Deanna Bogart and harmonica man Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz. The three artists, along with guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks, formed the Revue last year after playing together on Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruises, week-long voyages on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

"We thought this was something we should do more than one week, once a year," Castro told the crowd, promising fans "a good long night" of blues. "It's been a very interesting tour, and I hate to see it come to an end."

Each musician played a 30-minute set of his own material, backed up by the Tommy Castro Band. After intermission, the three artists jammed together, playing several songs from their upcoming album "Command Performance." The musicians' combined efforts compelled more than half of those attending to head for the ballroom floor during a rendition of James Brown's "I Feel That Old Feeling Coming On."

"I think being on the cruise allowed them to have more of a group mentality," said concert-goer Scott Schnabel. "They are definitely pretty tight. Technically, they are all excellent musicians."

Like many Blues Blowout attendees, the Waterloo man was familiar with the featured artists. Schnabel has followed the work of Magic Dick for more than 30 years, and even brought along a record of a concert the musician played at a Puerto Rico blues festival in the 1970s.

"I think it's just real neat to have all of them here," said Schnabel, himself a drummer. "It's very real and personal music. There's always something to relate to."

Blues fans had a variety of styles to delight in Saturday night. The always-personable Castro showcased guitar work that would have made any classic rock fan salivate, especially during the do-wop inspired "Big Sister's Radio." Bogart let loose on the keyboard, ramping up the tempo, never missing a note. And Magic Dike succeeded in turning the harmonica from a back-porch pastime to a show-stopping star. His "Whammer Jammer" got the night's loudest applause.

Blues fan and recently retired drummer Jim Dooley was impressed by the evening's lineup.

"I spent a lot of time playing myself, so it's nice to be able to come to these sort of things and just enjoy the night," said the Waterloo man. "The blues aren't like people think. It's not always crying, and your wife left you and you truck broke down. It's toe-tapping music. It gets you out of your chair and keeps you moving."

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.

Photos by MATTHEW PUTNEY, Courier Staff Photographer

Bud Nielsen and his wife, Bonnie, dance to the music of Tommy Castro at the KUNI Blues Blowout Saturday in Waterloo.

MATTHEW PUTNEY, Courier Staff Photographer

Tommy Castro performs at the KUNI Blues Blowout Saturday in Waterloo.

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