Alabama blues musicians Debbie Bond and “Radiator” Rick Asherson will perform twice in Greensboro over the coming week, with both performances dedicated to honoring Greensboro native and Detroit blues legend Aaron “Little Sonny” Willis. Greensboro’s mayor and city council recently recognized his contributions to music and culture by proclaiming a “Little Sonny Day” in the city.
The first performance will take place Friday, May 9, at The Stable in downtown Greensboro. Music will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until 9:30 p.m. The Stable is located at 1304 Main Street. For reservations or more information, call (334) 218-2109.
The second event, held in partnership with the Alabama State Council on the Arts, will be an in-school “Blues in the Schools” program at Greensboro Elementary School on Wednesday, May 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. The program will feature blues singer Carroline Shines, daughter of the late Tuscaloosa bluesman Johnny Shines, alongside Bond and Asherson.
Bond has long been active in blues performance and preservation, both in Alabama and internationally.
She and Asherson are dedicating both upcoming events to Little Sonny, a harmonica player, vocalist, and photographer whose work has documented the Detroit blues scene for decades. Now 92, Little Sonny continues to be celebrated for his musical legacy and his roots in Greensboro.
For more information on Bond’s music and work, visit debbiebond.com.
