Chris Fitz Band to Perform at Chan's This Weekend

Chris Fitz, a local legendary guitarist, lead singer and prolific song writer will be at Chan's this Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 with his band.

Fitz first came on the scene back in 1994 after spending five years in the San Francisco area. Over fifteen years, 3000 shows and a string of awards, The Chris Fitz Band has surely made their mark.

Fitz's awards include "The Blues Audience Magazine Readers Poll Awards" for "Outstanding Acoustic Musician" in 2006 and again in 2009, "Outstanding Blues Band" in 2008 and "Outstanding Guitar Player" in 2007 and 2011. Awards also came his way at the "Boston Music Awards" in 2002, and in 2005 when the guitar legend won the "Boston Blues Challenge."

During a performance at the Rock n Soul Holiday Show in December at the Regent Theater in Arlington, Massachusetts, Fitz rocked the house. When he came out on stage, you couldn't help but listen. His powerful stage presence along with his intensity, passion and electric fingers on the guitar captivated the audience. He is truly an iconic veteran blues guitarist with the licks of a blues icon.

His influences include Jimmy Page of "Led Zeppelin" (who he fantasized about becoming,) Pete Townsend of "The Who," Keith Richards of the "Rolling Stones" and his all time favorite performer, Eric Clapton. Fitz would listen to all of their music and taught himself how to play.

But it wasn't until he heard Stevie Ray Vaughn, who at the time, was opening for the Moody Blues back in 1993, that Fitz decided this was the life he wanted: to become a guitarist.

Songs have many aspects so to put it all together, you need engaging lyrics that reach out to people. Fitz has stated "A well written song is the essence." But seeing Fitz play, there is much more to it. Fitz puts his heart and soul into every perfomance no matter how many people are in the audience.

Fitz has a long list of CD's. His newest is a double live CD entitled "Live at Dodge Street Bar and Grill" which has been hailed as his best recording.

His band includes Jeffrey Majeau on bass, Steve Wolpe on drums and back up vocals, Ken Clark on the Hammond B3 organ and Fitz on his guitar. Band mates Majeau and Wolpe may be familiar to the audience, as they were once part of the "Bruce Marshall Band."

Fitz's band has toured all over Europe and has done live shows in California and Memphis, to name a few. He has yet to hit national recognition, though with all of the band's small victories and increased success, it could happen and day. Fitz's talents were recently showcased on the Talk Stream Radio show, "Live at Chans" which high lights the talented musicians who perform at the Woonsocket venue, and is sponsored by Chan.

Tickets are $12 and the showtime on Friday is 8 p.m.