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Coffeehouse- “Diamond” Jim Greene Opener- Mark & Walt

Diamond Jim Green was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. His family moved frequently, spending time in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Kansas, and West Virginia. Over the years, he has performed in numerous blues band configurations, including with the Southern California-based acoustic group, the “Blues Ambassadors,” during the mid-1980s.

For the past 25 years, he has performed unplugged and solo, often collaborating with harmonica players, upright bassists, and occasionally with pianists and tubists. Some of his major influences include the late John Cephas with Phil Wiggins, the late John Jackson, the late Archie Edwards, Paul Geremia, Roy Bookbinder, and fellow Chicagoan, the late “Honeyboy” Edwards, all of whom he had the pleasure of meeting and playing with during the mid-1980s.

Since 1995, he has toured extensively throughout Europe, sharing the good news about acoustic blues on major festival stages in the U.S. and abroad. His performances include multiple appearances at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Long Beach Blues Festival, and several years at the International Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland, among others. His instruments of choice are prewar National Steel guitars and 12-string guitars. "At most of my gigs, I play my Nationals plugged in or in front of an SM-57 microphone," he says. He has had the incredible opportunity to open shows for renowned artists such as James Cotton, Buddy Guy, the late Ike Turner, Otis Clay, the late Koko Taylor, John Hammond, Duke Robillard, the late John Cephas, the still-active Phil Wiggins, Saffire (the Uppity Blues Women), Sherman Robertson, Joe Louis Walker, Mississippi Heat, Lonnie Brooks, and many other well-established blues performers.

https://diamondjimgreene.net/bio/

Opening the evenings show is Mark & Walt

Mark Groves and Walt Dabell deliver an engaging performance that showcases their unique blend of musical backgrounds and personalities. With a captivating repertoire, they skillfully traverse the sounds of blues, rock, folk, americana, and more. 

Their dynamic playing style and mix of genres create a memorable musical experience that delights their audience.

https://www.facebook.com/mark.n.walt