Love of music drives local musicians to begin performing late in life
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
They may officially fall into the “blue haired” category, but the only thing blue about the members of a local band is that the “blues” are one of several genres they enjoy jamming to.
The Blue Haired Jammers is comprised of Jean Anderson – lead guitar and pedal steel; Bob Anderson – drums; Sue Miazga – keyboard and guitar; Dino Riviera – rhythm guitar and vocals; Barry Blaskowski – bass guitar, and; Irene Blaskowski – rhythm guitar (some lead) and vocals.
The group, whose members hail from Palmyra, Franklin, and Menomonee Falls, performs a variety of music, including a few originals as well as Booker T & the MGs, old Hank Williams tunes, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Moody Blues. They also perform improvisational versions of Jimi Hendrix and blues music. This type of ensemble is able to turn their hand to so many different musical genres with what they are playing. To really make it their own on the stage, they have looked at the possibility of custom-made instruments like painted guitars and a DW drum wrap so the whole group can stand out as they belt out their tunes.
Irene Blaskowski said they like to have a broad spectrum for the music they perform. And, according to Miazga, “We never seem to have a shortage of suggestions for new songs but there seems to be a shortage of time to practice them all.”
The core members – Irene Blaskowski, Miazga and Jean Anderson – have been together nearly three years. They connected through music, specifically their love for playing the guitar.
“Sue and I met at a guitar seminar by given by Cascio Music in New Berlin. I was impressed by one of the men giving a seminar and Sue, who I happened to be sitting next to, was one of his students,” Blaskowski explained.
The man Blaskowski was impressed by was Keith Pulvermacher of the group Chasin’ Mason. It wasn’t long before Blaskowski began taking lessons from Pulvermacher.
“Keith then connected me to Jean, who is as crazy about guitar playing as Sue and I are,” Blaskowski said. “Things took off from there with the three of us jamming together to the evolution of the Blue Haired Jammers.”
Regarding the name, Blaskowski said it’s simple: “We are three gals in our mid- to late-50s, early 60s and since my hair is starting to gray – turn ‘blue’ – I thought it was a catchy name.
“Rather than doing, say, a quilting bee, we get together and jam with our instruments,” she added.
Much like the variety of music they perform, their personal favorite musicians also cover the gamut.
“I like a guy by the name of Johnny A. who is an awesome guitar player out of the Boston area,” Blaskowski said, adding Kenny Burrell, Grant Green and Barney Kessel – be-bop jazz players from the 50s, to that list, as well as Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and Jeff Beck.
Miazga’s father is one of her favorite musicians. “There always seemed to be music in our house and so much of how I play goes back to the musical inspiration he provided.”
She said he used to jam with other concertina players in their basement and now, “I’m jamming with other musicians,” Sue said, adding that she also admires Paul McCartney, as well as guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.
Anderson said Pulvermacher, who, in addition to being her guitar teacher, mentor, motivator and positive influence, is her favorite musician. As a bonus, she said, Pulvermacher has helped her explore many other great guitarists including Tommy Emmanuel, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa and Robben Ford.
Most of the Blue Haired Jammers are retired or close to it and their careers – pharmacy technician, school teacher and maintenance planner/scheduler, for example – vary as much as the genres of music they perform.
But put them together with their instruments and all that matters is their love of music.
“I never played in a band before this. I always wanted to but never knew anyone in a band or felt I was good enough to play,” Blaskowski said.
As a piano player, Miazga said she was used to playing alone in recitals as a child or being the accompanist at high school plays and chorus performances, “but never dreamed of playing in a band until I met Irene and Jean.”
The group has appeared several times at the Cornerstone in Palmyra as well as a few other venues. A couple of weeks ago they were the featured band at Cars N’ Guitars in North Prairie.
Whether it’s the wisdom they’ve gained in 50-plus years of life, their genuine appreciation for music or a combination of the two, their enjoyment while performing together is nearly palpable, leading Blaskowski to share one small regret.
“I wish I would’ve pursued this when I was younger but my thoughts are to never look back and never have regrets… just keep going forward and follow your dreams,” she said.
“As someone once said, ‘You are never too old to start something,’ and I feel we have something special within our group,” Blaskowski added.
“We have so much fun together and share such a love and passion for music. Then, to have the opportunity to perform for others and share that love and passion is awesome,” Anderson said.
The Blue Haired Jammers admittedly, are busy people but are open for bookings that fit in with their schedules. For more information contact Blaskowski via email at [email protected].
