Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
As part of this evening’s ‘Brats for Vets’ event, nationally touring blues artist Tom Jordan will be performing live at the Sawmill Brewing Company.
A native of Wausau, Jordan’s unique style of blues has taken him to the national spotlight; touring across the country with his band 20 Watt Tombstone; as well as select solo performances. In fact, Jordan will be returning from tour just prior to this evening’s performance.
“When performing with my band (20 Watt Tombstone) I just call it rock. With my solo show, which is what I’ll be doing on Wednesday, it’s mostly old blues and some country. Mostly pre-war blues,” Jordan explains. “Music from the Delta has always been a love of mine. I don’t do solo shows often, but it’s a part of history I love learning about and showing to others.”
Having performed as a full-time musician since 2006, Jordan and his band have entertained audiences across the southern and eastern United States; including performances in Tupelo, Mississippi, southern Georgia, the Carolinas as well as across the Midwest.
As for his today’s performance, Jordan is excited; citing his profound respect for those who have served.
“Vets deserve our respect,” he adds. “Whether you agree with the current administration or not, these people have risked their lives and health to protect the masses. I respect that and it’s always good to be involved with any charity for veterans and disabled veterans. They don’t get the respect they deserve often times… so i wanted to help in some small way.”
As for what attendees can expect Wednesday, Jordan assures plenty of Delta-style Blues mixed with some old country.
“Son House, RL Burnside and Robert Johnson… that sort of blues. No Stevie Ray Vaughan or Clapton will be in my set. It’s the real raw blues from the hill-country that I enjoy playing. It’s a part of music history that is often ignored. No big shredding solos… just guys pouring their lives out in the most raw way possible.”
Brats for Vets kicks off at 4 PM today; all proceeds benefit the construction of a new Northwoods Veterans Post.
The building will be located on the corner of Sixth Street and Johnson Street and will serve eight essential service organizations which include the local VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. With the help of contributions from the community and local grants, they hope to raise $2.8 million. Church Mutual donated the 4.3 acres of land which will house the new 14,376 square foot building. Other donors include the B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation, American Legion Post 46, VFW Post 1638, Weathershield, and Rock 94.7. One hundred percent of the donations will go towards this project.
The current VFW building, built in 1904, has escalating maintenance, repairs and utility costs, has limited accessibility to veterans with disabilities and is unable to provide the needed support of aging veterans. The amenities in the new building will include a wellness room, fitness center, eight offices, four meeting rooms, an education center, kitchen, storage building, volleyball courts, and access to hiking, biking, ATV and snowmobile trails.