A Message to Fans from Mike
March 13, 2007

Hola,

This is Michael James Blues Baker touching base with anybody and everybody who's a "blues fan." Needless to say as a music fan in general, this has been quit a month for the Band and myself. We have had some unexpected events as well as a tragedy. I'm sad to report that Mr. Jimmie Downs, husband of Eleanor Downs passed away on the 14th of February at the age of 88. I just have to say I had the honor of doing an acoustical solo performance for Mr. Downs and his fellow roommates at the Severna Park Rehabilitation Center located in Severna Park, MD. Mr. Downs and I had a really enjoyable rapport with each other. I've known the Down's family for over 27 yrs. I am best friends with their daughter Debbie and her daughter Morgan. Please feel free to pull up a memorial picture of Mr. Downs and myself, which was taken during my recent visit. Too bad all "good people go too soon."

On a lighter note, we will be working a few new gigs and a few old gigs (which sounds like a song - joke). Please check the event calendar on this site routinely for updates. Please come out to celebrate with us whenever you can.

Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the closing or soon to be demise of the Full Moon Saloon located in Baltimore, MD, which justly earned the nickname Baltimore's Home of the Blues. The Full Moon Saloon as showcased performers such as Pine Top Perkins, Big Jesse Yawn, David Earl, The Nighthawks, as well as a host of others Blues and Rock musicians over the past thirty years. I would like to send my best wishes to Freida, Linda and Jean including the late owner Zeek. Zeek was a hard-core blues lover - it's been a pleasure performing there since 1991.

Lastly, I would like to say "Hey Hey the blues is alright" to the students at Maryland City Elementary. I had the pleasure of performing during their "Career Day" and "Disability Awareness week" functions. I would like to thank the following teachers for inviting me to come year after year; Pre-K: Ms. Melissa Bohli and Mrs. Tracy Kemp, Kindergarten: Mrs. Angie Holmes, Mrs. Dana Toton & Mrs. Mary Hardy, 1st Grade: Mrs. Krista Hart. Take a peek at the cute thank you letters that I rec'd from the kids.

The children and I had a great time. Giving back to the community is something that every musician and ordinary citizen should give some thought to. I do think music is a gift. Being blind as made me appreciate all the gifts God has blessed me with so I just keep on rollin' as best as I can. I believe that's what God would want me to do so keep your eyes out for Blue Smoke Blue's Band!

We shall be here, there and anywhere that has good music and good people. For now, I'll catch up with everybody next month.

Special thanks to Flying V Productions (Vilma and Virginia), my wife Cindy and my daughter, Patricia, who is one heck of a typist.

Back to top

Click here to go the previous blog from Mike.

Blue Smoke Band c/o M. Baker 411 Old Line Avenue Laurel, MD 20724 Phone: 301·604·2901 Email: bluesmokeband1@verizon.net

COPYRIGHT © 2001, Blue Smoke Band