TONY ENGELHART: JUST DAD TO ME >>>

Little Bill is and always will be just dad to me. While other dads went off to the office, the shop or the store to work, my dad went to nightclubs to sing and perform; this seemed totally normal to me, but unusually cool to my friends. Whenever I’d go see dad play, I was proud, but not overly excited; after all, it was his job. Whenever dad would release a new CD I was proud, but not overly excited; after all, this was his job. Whenever dad would win an award I was proud, but not overly excited; after all this was a part of his job.

However, when I found out that dad’s music was going to be recorded by 60 fellow musicians for a CD titled Big Blues for Little Bill, I was very proud and VERY EXCITED. When I found out that the proceeds were going to benefit research for a condition which I’ve had since the age of 13 â€" Dystonia â€" that pride and excitement only grew.

Big Blues for Little Bill was the brainchild of one-time Little Bill and the Bluenotes member Randy Oxford, and features some of the brightest blues players in the Northwest. Saturday, March 28 these blues all-stars will converge at the Rialto Theater to honor my dad. Artists include Henry Cooper performing “Comin’ Home,” Billy Roy and the Rectifires performing “Texas,” Patti Allen and the Randy Oxford Band performing “Another Rainy Day,” Merrilee Rush and Rusty Williams performing “Better Things to Do” and the Blues Vesper’s All-Stars featuring Leanne Trevalyan, Paul Green, Mark Riley, Jho Blenis and Jim King will perform “Thangs Gonna Be.” Of course Little Bill and the Bluenotes will be on hand to throw down some blues of their own.

Dad has been writing, recording and performing since he was 16, and to see him honored in such a way makes me extremely proud to be his son.

[The Rialto Theater, Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. $19, $29, $50, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, 253.591.5894]