A poster announcing the Big Nancy benefit.
Nancy Wertheim Swarbrick, who performs under the name Big Nancy, is not only one of the best blues musicians in New Jersey, but one of the real cornerstones of the state’s blues-rock scene. I can’t tell you how many times, over the years, she’s contacted me to tell me about a benefit for one ailing local musician or another.
Well, she’s had some health issues herself recently, and needs some help to keep up with her bills, so many of her friends have put together a benefit for her, “Big Nancy’s Big Benefit,” March 28 from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Roxy and Dukes in Dunellen.
The Slaves of New Brunswick, led by Glen Burtnik and also featuring Tony Shanahan of Patti Smith’s band, will reunite for the event. The all-star band grew out of jam sessions at New Brunswick’s Melody Bar in the 1980s, and released a self-titled album in 1991.
Others on the bill include the Bob Lanza Blues Band, Coach ‘n Commando, Barbecue Bob and the Spareribs, New Road, Slackjaw, Dennis Gruenling, T.A.N.K, the Ross Griswold Band, Lenny DiPiano, and the Chuck Lambert Band.
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