A nice-sized contingent of the Bowling Green music community, both musicians and fans, gathered at Wha Bahs to help out one of its’ own, Willie Smith, well-loved lead singer of the Fender Benders. Recently diagnosed with brain and lung cancer, the popular crooner is facing a tough battle, and predictably, the medical bills are starting to pile up and will continue to do so. After witnessing his spirited performance, the crowd can attest to the fact that he’s obviously made the decision to fight the disease and, against tough odds, determined to become victorious over it. So he and his family could use a little help. Other benefit shows are to follow; one at Twisted Tap on December 23, and another at Wha Bahs on December 29. If you’ve ever enjoyed an evening of entertainment with the Fenders Benders, and I know hundreds of you have, think about coming out and supporting Willie at one of these shows.

This show was sponsored by the Kentucky Blues Society as a special Blues Jam event. Sunday nights at 6 PM are always Blues Jam nights at Wha Bahs (no cover charge), and often, when someone is in need, the evening will be dedicated to a special cause. This usually happens quickly, as the need arises, and you never know who will show up and what will happen. On this night there was magic in the air. I missed the first set by Ernie Small, with special guest Jane Pearl.  But by all accounts they were great. Then the Fender Benders took the stage. I don’t know if it was advertised, but I was pleasantly surprised to see Willie up there with the band looking dapper as ever. Better yet, he was in fine form doing favorites such as “If Loving You is Wrong (I Don’t Want To Be Right)”, which was exceptional, and “I’m Easy”. It was a standing ovation performance, and the smiles were beaming throughout the room. As Kenny Lee of the Blues Society mentioned to me the next day, “You just can’t plan nights like that”, and he is so right. They just happen.    

A jam followed with some of the regulars, including Lee on keyboards, and featuring David Preston on vocals. Lee informed me that Preston was a road warrior years ago doing the blues circuit all over the country, and the experience certainly shows. The man has some set of pipes. Another surprise was newcomer Leah Marie King, who recently moved to the area from Calgary in Canada. This lady can play the blues on that guitar (electric), and she sings well too, although not in the typical hard-edged blues style of blues icons like Bonnie Raitt or Susan Tedeschi. But her sweeter vocal style worked well enough for the room to take notice. Her guitar playing alone is enough to captivate a room. She definitely turned some heads. 

But the night was all about Willie Smith. Show him some love by coming out to one of the upcoming benefits, be on the lookout for others, and treat yourself to some fine music. You won’t be disappointed.

The Willie “Soul” Smith Benefit was at Wha Bahs in Bowling Green, KY on 12/18/2011.

About the author: Pennman boughthis first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. Hehas spent much of his disposable income on music, especially liveperformances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps akeen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has aBA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbledin music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more ofPennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.htmlor visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bgor www.facebook.com/pennman

Twisted Tap on December 23

Wha Bahs on December 29