What’s it like to be on the road with a blues band? What goes into the show and what’s a musician feel when in “the zone”? We hope to capture these feelings with this video. To get the feel and the flavor of some, we like to go behind the scene--as best we can, talk to people and get opinions. We keep an eye and lens on positive and inspiring stories. With so much hard copy news taking place, it’s nice to see some of the good in life. Sometimes, the good can get lost in the bad. The achievement of a dream is a strong feeling. This is what we try to capture and share with viewers. Each person in the band was on a different path when meeting, though heading the same direction. The band is Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo, based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Aaron shared that they met in May of 2008 while he was hosting a blues jam in Madison. He was looking to put together a band, and these guys just kept showing up. Music called out to them. That’s when they formed the band. Little did they know that two years later the same city would present them with five Madison Area Music Awards, including the much sought-after title of Artist of the Year, the first time this award has been given to a blues band.

What is it like to be recognized among your peers and friends for exceptional work? The feeling was still with them when they arrived for two shows this weekend in Wausau. I planned to do a feature on them receiving the awards; moreover, what it meant to them. The story took a different path after meeting the band. The band is Aaron Williams (Vocals, Guitar), Eric Shackelford (Drums, Vocals) and Z (Bass, Vocals). Each has a nice story about their lives and believing in your goals.

We met up with the Hoodoo and spent the weekend discussing many things. Asking question about what’s it like it to be on the road and singing the blues, packing things up in the van and moving from town to town, playing their music. They’ve played on some big stages, television, and have worked with some big name entertainers. Yet, their favorite venues are when they are playing up close and personal with people. They feed off it and each show develops into a unique experience (which we’ll give a review on at the end of the story). From New Orleans to the north woods of Wisconsin, they have been turning heads.

A little background on each:

Aaron Williams plays guitar and sings. When asked when the music bug hit he said. “Music made it's call to me when I was 16. I heard the song “Riviera Paradise” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and was blown away at the emotion a song could bring. I was hooked ever since! It's that emotional connection that makes music and art so beautiful.” He spent years playing music with his father Joe Anderson, known as “Cadillac Joe” in the blues world. His father never pushed the music on him. Aaron said “My father let me decide on my own. He knew pushing it on me would probably have the opposite effect. The time we spent going from show to show is an experience I’ll never forget.” His dad passed away a little over a year ago, but he still lives on in Aaron’s heart and music. He said his father was a huge influence in his life in lots of things. Blues artist Coco Montoya once told him “Kid, you got a real future in this business, keep it up!”

What we liked the most about meeting Aaron was his demeanor: Calm and very kind. Watching him play later that evening was an experience Bobbi and I will never forget.

Eric Shackelford, the drummer and singer, grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In eighth grade he joined the school jazz band. Marching band classes in high school played a strong influence in his falling in love with music. As a kid his mother would often tell him to stop “beating on things.” Video shows he’s pretty good doing what he loves. Eric's been teaching private and group lessons for over 8 years . When asked if any of his students had anything special over the others he said, “All are special in their own way. Each has the drive and love for the music to learn more.” Parents play a huge role in supporting the kids that he teaches.

Bobbi and I were really glad to meet Eric. Not often do you invite people into your home without getting a good vibe from them. He is a really down-to-earth person.

Then we have Z, bass player and singer. Bobbi and I have known Z over 10-years. He grew up in Antigo, Wisconsin. His father and he first walked into a tattoo studio Bobbi and I owned at the time. They drove by, saw the sign, and quickly did a U-turn. That meeting turned into a good friendship. I could not count the hours we talked, or listened to the same CD, while doing his ink. Each tattoo represents something important in his life.

Watching him grow in life has been the reward of this friendship. Music was always important. He mentioned then that he was just starting to learn the bass and “liked how it sounded.” Z always marched to his own drum, so it was no surprise to learn that he and Eric became good friends.

Eric and Z showed up Saturday at around noon. They arrived early so that Z could get some more ink work (go figure). Eric visited with people in the shop and listened to music. He didn’t plan on getting one, but you know how that works. Hang out at a barber shop long enough and you’ll get a hair-cut. It wasn’t long before he was in the chair getting a tattoo.

The two then relaxed a little before the show, at our home. We thought it was a good time to get into what they felt when on stage. When things are going just right and they hit their peak, what does it feel like? We talked about life on the road and taking home the five MAMAs, and even about the economy. We could see them get mentally ready for the night, the show only hours away. The tone was relaxed but the atmosphere had excitement in it. Bobbi and I hadn’t been out to a concert in a long time. We were looking forward to it.

The video then tries to capture the experience. From unloading equipment, sound checks, to the show itself. The gig was at the Intermission in downtown Wausau. Owner Jim Kruesel told me that the band often played here. “There is a strong blues following in town and the Hoodoo helps people forget about their problems for the night. They always put on a great show and was nice to learn they took home so many awards the other night in Madison.” he said.

The concert was fantastic. The band put everything they had into the performance. They brought the house down. This band has a style of their own and Aaron’s rendition of the Star Spangle Banner was on fire (as shown in video). We felt fortunate so see Aaron dazzle the crowd with his baritone voice and gunfighter fast hands. Eric, the drummer, then went on a mission. When he peaked it was crazy! Then to have Z pulling out his best beats was icing on the cake for a great evening.

The band even went outside while they were playing! Out the front door and into the streets with their musical instruments playing their song. Have never seen this before. Technology made it possible. I’ll never forget watching Aaron walk down Fourth Street playing his guitar. A beautiful Wisconsin night and he was just walking the street, doing what he loved, the crowd inside hearing every lick he was throwing down.

Between sets the band mingled with everyone. People were friendly and it was clear they were having a good time. They were able to escape the recent news of job lay-offs in the area, at a time when things were just starting looking brighter. The Hoodoo helped them forget everything for awhile. Intermissions is known for their good music.

The next day we got together again, and talked more about music and the next show in the afternoon. They were performing free at the “Magic Deb” Klossner benefit at Malarkey’s Pub. Eight bands were showing their love to Deb through music.

They remain humble about the awards they took home on May 8, 2010. It was a surreal experience for them. Their manager Shirley Kennedy, based in Atlanta, Georgia, shared with us her personal feelings about the experience. “We worked so hard the 13 months prior to the awards, and it is really rewarding to have that work recognized by others. I've got to say that being the first blues band in MAMAs' history to win the Artist of the Year award is the proverbial cherry on top! I'm just very happy for the band and am so proud to be working with them. I'm glad I was able to be there! She said. “ Seeing these guys’ faces when good things happen is, pardon the cliché, worth its weight in gold.” They also took home, Blues Artist of the Year, Blues Album of the Year, Blues Song of the Year AND Eric "Shunk" Shackelford took home, Drummer of the Year!

It was a great weekend with the Hoodoo. Before we knew it, they were out the door and heading to the next show. A big thank you and congratulations goes out to the band! We wish you nothing but blue skies and green lights in your future. Thanks for sharing with CNN iReports your story. Hoodoo!

WGN Television appearance link.

MAMA’s website link.

Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo website.