Last night we travelled up to Telegraph Point to attend an event run by Dan Hopkins at the Old Butter Factory.  As we drove over the old railway bridge it felt like we had been transported across the world to America’s deep south, where blues first found its roots.

In an instant, we knew it was going to be an exciting night. 

We were greeted by the smell of great food and the happy faces of a large crowd of excited guests.

On the stage and responsible for cracking out those powerful blues, was the up-and-coming local youngen, Ethan Stewart and his band.  

Next up was Dan Hopkins and his band, who never fail to mix up different styles to encompass the best of the blues and roots flavours.

Dan uses multiple instruments incorporating slide guitar and harmonica to channel old school & new school blues, ensuring the audience is always entertained by his constantly evolving talent.

Dan definitely brought in the big guns with respected Queensland Bluesman, Pop Standen and joined by his guitarist Grant, closed the show with another powerful performance.

The two mesmerised the audience with their driving, foot stomping, rocking country blues!  Pop had an incredible vocal range, using low growling style for some songs then changing it up and using smother tones the next.  His music swooned around the audience and filled the space with the magic charm of great blues music.

As a fellow musician and blues performer, I was particularly interested by the depth of sound produced by his stompbox.

It looked like a sawn-off piece of timber, discarded by a lumberjack after cutting down a tree but it had a deep thumping sound, better than any foot percussion instrument I have ever heard.

When I caught up with Pop after the show he told me that it is a one of a kind stomp box made from Jarrah Burl timber with BigFoot electronics.

I was interested to also discover that Pop draws his inspiration from many different performers and he is currently enjoying listening to American blues musician ‘Watermelon Slim’.

Pop also said he really liked the venue and playing at this event so much he has already planned to return to do another show.

The night was without a doubt a success and it was gratifying to see it supported by a number of local musos as well as many locals and out of towners, with over 70 guests attending.

Keryn-Lee (Kez) and her partner Chris, travelled up from Tinnonee to attend and she said “It was an awesome night with great music, great company and it was lots of fun”.

The event Organiser Dan says Hopkins reports that they already have a 2nd show booked for the Old Butter Factory, scheduled for the 26 Sept with the headlining act Urban Chief.