(MILWAUKEE, WI) – The
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents a celebration of the blues with Chasin’
Dem Blues: Untold Story of Paramount Records by Kevin Ramsey in the
Stackner Cabaret from Jan 17-March 22, 2020. The cast is Maiesha McQueen, Brandin Jay, Eric Noden and James Scheider.
Chasin’ Dem’ Blues is a revival of a Rep premiere (previously titled Grafton
City Blues) that explores the inspiring story of Grafton, Wisconsin’s
Paramount Records.
For a few brief, bright years
at the height of the jazz and blues age, Paramount Records was the leading
label for recording artists of color in the Midwest – and broke down small-town
racial barriers along the way. Artists such as Louis Armstrong, Blind
Lemon Jefferson, Alberta Hunter and Ma Rainey all recorded there. This
exuberant musical celebration of some of the greatest jazz and blues music
features four sensational quadruple threat performers guiding the journey
through story and song.
“Vibrant…the true story of a once-forgotten
blues record label.” — Shepherd Express