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NATCHEZ — First Friday weekend is back and in full force.

In fact, Natchez Downtown Development Director Carrie Lambert said this weekend is going to be the best one ever.

The staples of First Friday weekend that have been around since its genesis in March will be still be going on.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today the Downtown Art Walk will be on Franklin and Main streets where local businesses will host local artists and offer refreshments.

Lambert said 20 shops are participating in the art walk this month.

“Some of the downtown shops are known for their incredible refreshments,” she said.

What’s been added to this weekend-long event tonight is a street dance from 8 to 10 p.m.

Lambert said the 300 block of Main Street will be blocked off and Andrew’s Tavern and Pearl Street Pasta have kicked in to be a part of the event, bringing in the band Osgood and Blacque for live music.

“They play incredible music that you can’t help but up and move your feet to,” Lambert said.

Both Andrew’s and Pearl Street Pasta will be open for business, each having a special drink and a special dish, respectively, for the event itself.

Lambert said both businesses are giving 10 percent of their sales to the Natchez Downtown Development to help out with funds.

Lambert said she hopes the street dance is a success and will continue for the months to come.

OSGOOD & BLAQUE RELEASES NEW CD: 'RAW"

Osgood & Blaque, who currently reside in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is expecting a large turnout at their next live performance scheduled for October 3, 2008 in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. The big-band sounding duo will perform for all who dare to venture into their world of soul blues. Osgood & Blaque is also preparing for their upcoming cd release entitled: "Raw". Since 2003, the duo has released several recordings including The Good Is In The Man (2003) featuring a duet bearing the same name, which song reached the #1 spot on the Number One Music Soul Charts in 2007. Ain't No Harm In Singin' The Blues (2005) was a tribute compilation dedicated to blues pioneers and legends following the likes of Robert Johnson, Little Brother Montgomery and Willie Dixon, among others. Through The Fire presented a 2006 compilation of romantic soul/blues featuring a duet entitled "Never Gonna Give You Up", which reached the #2 spot the same year. Beale Street Blues Here I Come also held the #1 spot on Indie Music Blues Charts for four consecutive weeks, reappearing a second time for a streak of six weeks. The album also highlights the likes of Tyrone Davis and Jimmy Reed. Re-Birth of the Blues, released in January, 2007, compiles an original sound reminiscent of the postwar days of blues, bop, jazz and swing. "Raw", the title of Osgood & Blaque’s latest cd, however, is indicative of a relatively anticipated trend that is breaking new ground.

Greg Osgood, of the group, says: "The production of "Raw" is only possible because, financially, many big band blues artist have felt the enormous pressure of hard times trying to keep work and be able to offer something to the public while bracing themselves to meet the needs of these times. We decided to produce an album that is completely "us",...totally “raw“...no special studio effects, no hype. What you hear is what you get! People love our live performances and the challenge was to get that same live sound onto the recording without having to do any additional editing. I believe we've achieved that goal". Some folks say Blaque's harmonica does not sound like a harmonica. Actually, Blaque's harmonica style has been compared to that of Louisiana born, Little Walter, who achieved a horn-like sound on his harmonica, that “expressed his highly imaginative improvisations reminiscent of the bop jazz saxophonists of his day“.-Bill Dahl, All Music Guide When Blaque joined Osgood in 2003, her words were an emphatic: "I don't want to sound like every other harmonica player on the block". "Well, its been a long time since Little Walter has been on our block!", Osgood says.

Master keyboardist and vocalist Greg Osgood has entertained audiences from around the world since 1982. He has experienced the musical cultures of Asia and Korea. He has performed extensively throughout the American states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee. Though they are not a novice to the big wide world of music, Osgood & Blaque have found much contentment performing in and around Jackson, Mississippi's Malaco Records. Osgood’s keyboard and vocal style is melodiously soothing, even in an acoustic setting, creating a panarama of multi-layered synthesis seldom seen throughout the entire world. Cee Blaque's vocal delivery and careful harmonic phrases are a deep personification of her heartfelt yearnings while growing up in and around the Mississippi Delta and Catfish Row. Osgood & Blaque have maintained their momentum as the “dynamic duo of the south”, performing over 700 shows since their incorporation in 2003. They performed for governors, mayors, businessmen, organizations and foreign delegates and representatives. Ernest McBride, of the Jackson Advocate newspaper states: "Osgood & Blaque is one of the most widely-acclaimed new musical acts to come along in years“. They are just two musicians who can “tango” all the way!

Osgood & Blaque's new cd "Raw", will become available October 1, 2008 after which the cd may be obtained at any of Osgood & Blaque's live performances. Music lovers may also go to Osgood & Blaque's official website at www.gregoryosgood.com for online purchases, downloads and shipping information.

OSGOOD & BLAQUE'S INTERVIEW WITH CROSS HARP CHRONICLES

Osgood and Blaque is a duet with a difference. Although you offer dynamic vocals, and what can be called a seductive blues harmonica, you can also hear drums, bass, piano, strings, horns. How is so many different sounds achieved between the two of you?

ANSWER:

GREG: I've been a fluent keyboardist for several years. What I've always loved about the music industry, particularly when it comes to instrument manufacturers, is that they produce keyboards now that are equipped with extras, the ability to replicate many instrument sounds including drums, bass, horns, strings and so forth. The sound that we have is a culmination of various tones that reflect the musical culture in which we live and perform. For the most part, I have mastered the technique of replicating several instrument sounds by splitting the keyboard so that the bass sound can be played on the left or lower end of the keyboard, while piano, strings, horns or some other instruments are layered with another and played simultaneously. This procedure has never been hard to do, for me anyway, but with the passage of time and much practice, I have refined the procedure so that when we perform before an audience, the music flows like a unit. We have had quite a number of newspaper, radio and television sources who have seen our show document how we sound as a duo when compared to standard bands that have at least six or more members. Because of our versatility and stage experience, we are able to operate like a full-sized band.

A typical case in point is this: Sometimes during a live show, people who like to dance may hit the dance floor somewhere in the middle of a song. If I'm using a pre-recorded track, then the song will end at its pre-recorded time when the song is over. Most songs are about 3 1/2 to 5 minutes long. But, when we perform live, I'd rather play the song. This way we have more control over audience participation enabling us to play the song a little longer or adding medleys and entertaining skits in the middle, things that people are used to because its common with bands. Now, Cee plays harmonica, as well. I like the term "seductive harmonica" because men are often fascinated when they see a woman playing harmonica, as this is not very common. Whenever she plays hamonica during our shows, she makes the music sound really good, especially blues music, which we both absolutely love.

Dwayne, your musical career goes back quite a while. How did you get your start in music?

ANSWER

GREG: Please, call me Greg. I guess I'll start by saying that I'm one of those artist who grew up in the days when professional, experienced or "seasoned" musicians would tell new artists things that would help them along in their career. Many times, their words proved to be more valuable than money itself. I had been performing at private parties, a few restaurants and people who knew me called me "the one man band" after my performing style. At this point, I had never really had a chance to perform for a huge audience or anybody "BIG" in the music business. My first break came in April 2000 in Jackson, Mississippi. An annual festival called The Lynch Street Festival was hosting the Chilites as the headlining act. I was asked to play some soft piano instrumental music prior to the first act. However, when the event started that evening, the piano was not located conveniently so that the audience could see me, so they asked me to play my keyboard instead. I had no problem with that suggestion. I love playing piano, but it was a far cry from what I had in mind to do with my keyboard. This was "my big break", as it were! I would be performing before an audience of somewhere between 800 to 1200 people, maybe more. When I looked out at the audience prior to hitting the first note, all I saw was a packed house and all I new was I was opening for The Chilites! The set went really well and by the time I finished forty-five minutes later, people were joyfully swaying and clapping in sync to the beat. A few other acts came behind me and many left when they finished their set. I remember Rick Lawson, Sweet Miss Coffee and a few others. I stayed around to enjoy the show and because I wanted to see the Chilites perform. I was already backstage. What better privilege could one have? Anyway, the Chilites were delayed for reasons unknown, but I was told that there was an emergency involving a family member. The Master of Ceremonies asked me if I would be willing to perform a little while longer to hold the audience. The proposition was good so I accepted. The audience welcomed me back with open arms. I entertained for another forty-five minutes to an hour and was shocked when I received a standing ovation. Before I left the stage, one of the Chilites members came up to me, shook my hand tightly and said: "Thank you. I really enjoyed your performance. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll go a long way". I replied: "I will...its a pleasure to meet you guys in person!" I must say that I felt like this was the beginning of a new day, and when the Chilites started their performance, it was everything I expected it to be… OUTSTANDING! Now, I had been a performing artist for several years prior to this event, but this particular day was the beginning of something good, and I knew it!

Cee how did you start performing professionally?

ANSWER

CEE: After The Dominoes parted, Greg formed another blues band which he named Mississippi-145 Blues Band. This time, however, Greg would split the keyboard and play bass and piano with accompaniment instruments. Again, I was background vocalist but he asked me to open the shows for the him. We had a guitarist and drummer. I would perform my own set with the band before bringing Greg out. This put me out front, which also meant that I had to learn every aspect of leading the opening performance from welcome to the introduction of Greg Osgood to the audience. When you're the opening act, every show you open determines whether or not you work again. I say this because word of mouth from your audience spreads fast and I never want to leave a show with my fans saying: "What the hell was wrong with Cee tonight?" Greg expected the band to take their careers seriously, just like he did, but some had more important things on their mind, I suppose. The guitarist was more about trying to direct the show rather than learn his part on the guitar. The drummer we started out with was late all the time or didn't show up at all, and eventually, Greg ending up playing bass, drums and piano, but the shows still went over well. Of course, that meant that he had to be on stage at the beginning of the performnce, so there was no room for me to bring him out like we had previously planned. So, after we were stood up one too many times, the light came on in my head and I knew what we had to do. Greg was really "the band". He was playing everything except guitar! We didn't need five or six people that we had to chase down to play. I pointed at his keyboard and said: "The six-piece band has been right there in front of you all this time!"

The two of you did not always perform as a duet. How did you start performing together?

ANSWER

GREG: Let's see, I was performing with a local band, The Dominoes, out of Jackson, Mississippi. There were five of us, a bass player, drummer, guitartist, a background vocalist and I was the lead singer. We performed up and down Mississippi mostly and the band was quite good. After a few years, egos started to manifest themselves. Now, as a songwriter, I was working on my own album. I wanted to get the band in on the recording but all they wanted to do was demos and covers of somebody else's songs. So, I decided to record the album myself, at home, in my own studio using my keyboard, a mixer, a 4-track recorder and a state-of-the-art cd burner. I put the album together

in a relatively short time since most of the songs were written a few years earlier and I already knew how they would be arranged. In April, 2002, I took the song to the local radio station WMPR in Jackson, Mississippi and one of my favorite DJs promised to play the first track entitled "Back To Back". The song went over really well and the station requested copies for all its DJs. Other stations were requesting copies also. Soon enough, we started getting requests for the song at our shows from those who had heard it on the radio, but the band didn't know the song. So, after a band meeting I insisted that the band learn to play this song so that we could perform it at our shows. The song was in the same genre of music that we perform all the time so there was no conflict. People knew us as a top-40 R&B/Soul group with a good sound. We played 60s, 70s and 80s covers and a lot of my influences were from this era. However, after numerous tries to get the band to play atleast three original songs from the album, the ones that were receiving airplay, the band flat-out refused to play those songs and ignored me whenever I brought it up. So, after deep consideration and much thought to the question: Where do we go from here?, I met with the members and told them I was quitting. I explained that by being a singer, songwriter, musician and independent recording artist, I have much more to offer than just one talent. Most serious groups would feel privileged to have a multi-talented, gifted artist like me in their group. So, without putting the group down, I just told them that I was quitting.

After a few weeks the group fell apart. In the spring of 2003, one of the former members called me and asked if I would consider rejoining the group. I agreed on the condition that they would play my original songs. We rehearsed a lot but the background vocalist demanded extravagant compensation for her time, an amount the band could not afford, even though she was frequently late for rehearsals and shows and put out an even worse performance. A few weeks before, I had met a female singer at a local club where I was performing, so I asked the group if she could audition for a background vocalist part. They agreed, and we brought in Cee Blaque from Vicksburg, Mississippi. The band really liked her vocal skills and felt she should be part of the group. This didn't go over well with the other background singer. She felt threatened by "the new girl" even though there was no reason for this. Eventually, egos clashed, everybody took sides and the next thing you know, the band was dissolved. So, I considered playing solo again. However, Cee brought up an idea that was just what I needed to hear and I felt that she could compliment what I was doing on the keyboard. We made a pact that we would stick together no matter what and help each other nurture our talents and skills as we progressed along the road to success. Since I met her, I have no regrets except that I didn't meet her sooner! We have been performing as a duet for well over three years now. We perform over 75 shows annually. I have never had a more dedicated, cooperative companion to work with. My job is to keep the music flowing lively on keyboards while Cee and I alternate songs during our show. She often plays "seductive" harmonica and adds accompaniment background vocals. We sound like a six-piece band and we love what we're doing. I only wish that people everywhere could see us perform. I am absolutely convinced that in the very near future, Osgood & Blaque will traverse boundaries that many duet groups just haven't been able to cross.

Since you started performing together, you have performed at a number of interesting venues at a number of interesting occassions. Tell us about these.

ANSWER

CEE: There are two that really stand out. The first was at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi. When you walk in the club you feel the blues still hanging around in the air from great performing blues artists. Every space on the walls, including the support beams throughout the building has the signature of patrons and artists who have been there. The second is Windy City Grill in Como, Mississippi. This is one of the best kept secrets of restaurants that have served up blues with your evening and night meals. Such blues greats that have played there include Jimbo Mathes and a personal friend of ours, the young and very talented guitartist, Slick Ballinger. The moment we walked through the door the people made us feel like family and friends. They were hungry for the blues and believe me, Osgood & Blaque quinched their thirst as well as ours. When your fans really enjoy the performance you give, it makes us emit stronger and deeper. We give our total mind, heart and soul to make our show exciting and enjoyable.


Being as you are from Vicksburg, less than two hundred miles due north of New Orleans, did you experience any affects of Katrina? Can you describe your experiences here?

ANSWER

GREG: I must say that hurricane Katrina's affected just about everybody I know, including many of my musician friends. Fortunately though, we only experienced a few problems with power outages and travel and had to stay in a hotel to beat the heat. Many of our bookings were cancelled or rescheduled, but our desire was to help victims of this catastrophe. There wasn't much we could do outside of supporting the local shelters because gas was scarce, the lines were too long, and you couldn't travel too far anyway. Our regular show schedule at Borrellos Italian Restaurant downtown Vicksburg continued every Friday. Steve Birchill, a well known jazz/blues pianist from New Orleans, sat in on our show one Friday night and everybody just fellowshipped and had a good time. Several weeks later, after full power was restored to Vicksburg, we performed at the Vicksburg City Park Pavillion, a fund-raiser to help victims of Hurrican Katrina. We also performed at a fund-raiser organized at the American Legion Building to raise monetary donations and canned goods to help support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We received no pay for our services, but we were compensated with a few voluntary dollars from the sponsors of the events. Our hearts are with all those who have suffered during this time, but especially our fellow musicians who experienced exceedingly hard times as a result of Hurricane Katrina. As a musician, I know from experience that we have hard enough time tyring keeping our momentum. Lord knows, we certainly don't need any "set-backs"!

With the hurricane season quickly approaching, how are you preparing for things this year?

ANSWER

GREG: Cee and I have decided that our goal is to do our part in keeping the blues alive here in Vicksburg and anywhere that blues lovers exist. Though storms are unpredictable and very hard to circumvent, we want people in our community and everywhere to know that we are available during these times to offer our hand in supporting those who experience difficult times. And we need support too.

You know what they say: "If you haven't experienced the blues yet, just wait." Whether its "Stormy Monday Blues" or "Everyday I Have The Blues", Osgood & Blaque, like the blues itself, is here to stay!

This past year you were elected by the Vicksburg Blues Society to represent them at the IBCs in Memphis in the solo/duet category. How did this come about? How many other artists from your area did you compete against for this?

ANSWER

CEE: Representing the Vicksburg Blues Society at the 2006 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee was truly rewarding. We are active members of the Vicksburg Blues Society (formerly Willie Dixon Blues Society). Everybody knows Willie Dixon was born and raised here in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Blues societies are great avenues that enable blues artist to perform on stage for blues music enthusiast worldwide. We remain active and are currently the only duo blues performers in the Vickburg Blues Society. About two months before the 2006 IBC, THE VBS board met and voted not to have a competition this year but instead, elected Osgood & Blaque as representative act in the solo/duo category. Actually, we were in the middle of our second performance at the Windy City Grill in Como, Mississippi when I got a message on my cell phone asking for our approval to represent the Vicksburg Blues Society in Memphis. We accepted, and it was probably the second-best decision we ever made.

How was your experience at the IBCs?

ANSWER

CEE: Thursday night we led off as the opening act at Handy's Blues Hall. Neither the crowd nor the judges could believe the sound that was eminating from the stage by two people. Obviously, they wondered: "How could two people, without a band, deliver a big-band sound like this?" Osgood & Blaque proved that they could. On Friday night we were scheduled to perform almost last. An unsually development took place. Some acts finished up early before their time was up. Our start time was listed as 10:30 pm. The act prior to us finished at 10pm. We approached the stage to set up but the Venue Coordinator asked us to take our time setting up and stall until 10:30.

GREG: Well, I wanted to know why we should wait since the IBC's rules clearly state that any act that does not start on time will be docked one point. The Venue Coordinator replied: "Because people were leaving other acts up and down Beale Street to see Osgood & Blaque from Vicksburg and they wanted to be here in Handy Hall for your performance. I don't want them to miss it, so stall...a little!"

CEE: Honestly, at 10pm, there was about eight people in the club, but at 10:30 when we took the stage, there was standing room only cheering us on. Greg had brought his camcorder and had asked a fan to record our performance. We got it all on tape. We didn't win this time, but that's fine. And besides, the blues is not something you win, like a prize. You either love it or you don't. We love the blues. In our hearts and minds, we've already won. Next year, our goal is to bring the title to Vicksburg. This would make Willie Dixon and Robert Johnson proud. I say Robert Johnson because Greg was born and raised in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, next to the true birth place of Robert Johnson. Greg grew up with and knows many of Robert Johnson's relatives, friends and descendants. For me, it was my first appearance on Beale Street and, believe me, I was like a wide-eyed child at Christmas, the experience is something I will be talking about until I can't talk anymore!

How many CDs have you recorded together?

ANSWER

GREG: Though I've recorded two solo albums beginning with Back to Back(2002) and The Good Is In The Man(2004) and Walking On The Backstreet(2005, I must say that these past few years with Cee at my side have been most exciting. Osgood & Blaque have just completed and released our first and latest cd entitled Through The Fire(2006, a compilation of songs which combines both traditional blues and modern soul; an original collection of persuasive ballads mixed with smooth vocals and jump blues featuring classic piano and "seductive" harmonica.

Resurrecting styles and techniques similar to those of the legendary Jimmy Reed and Willie Dixon, to name two, "My Mojo's Workin'", "Mississippi Blues Woman", "Candy", "Piano Man" and "Beale Street Blues Here I Come", offer a variety of piano techniques designed to appease all traditional blues lovers. A special addition to this collection are "Through The Fire" and "Never Gonna Give You Up", two original duets that highlight the theme of the album, thus demonstrating the integirty of their determination and dedication to our music. Osgood & Blaque is, undoubtedly, among the first duo/artists to bring this level of soulful, searing emotionality to the stage in the form of a two-piece band, and almost every song they perform bears the distinctive flair that is their signature.

What big things can we expect from Osgood and Blaque?

ANSWER

GREG & CEE: Osgood & Blaque are a virtuoso-duo band that is bringing about new and exciting changes in the world of music, particularly in the area of live performance. We expect that our fans will continue to support us and that blues lovers everywhere who appreciate true blues heritage will begin to see what Osgood & Blaque has accomplished in the duo category. Will we be the next big thing? That remains to be seen. But our sole desire is to continue doing our part in "keeping the blues alive", and to be the best that we can be, supporting our fellow musicians and artist and blues clubs. Maybe we'll sell millions of records, who knows. Nevertheless, we have already proven that two divided into hard work and dedication can do much in "keeping the blues alive!" Just think how far the blues would go if all blues lovers jumped on the band wagon!

What do you think of the state of the Blues music (what condition do you think things are in?)

ANSWER

GREG: My experience in the music industry has taught me this: That if you worry about what people think of you all the time, you'll find yourself trying to please everybody. I'm happy that everywhere we perform people love our music. But I'm very dissapointed that there is not more genuine support from industry professionals in the club, managing and booking areas here locally. The popular 930 Blues Cafe in Jackson, Mississippi has featured blues artist for several years now. Although Osgood & Blaque have never performed there, many 930 Blues Cafe patrons have said that Osgood & Blaque as a duo sound better than many of the full-sized bands that have played the venue. We played at Ground Zero Blues Club, a club owned by the award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, and the people loved us. We played Windy City Grill and were treated like family. We played Beale Street and got a standing ovation from people who do not even reside in our home state. Is it really about whose better sounding? Or is it more about whose dedication and determination moves them to do the work, and show the people, and lead the way. I have enjoyed being entertained by many great performing acts during my lifetime. But variety is the spice of life. I am grateful to the pioneers and trailblazers who paved the way for Osgood & Blaque. Many of them were overlooked for years and are now being discovered. These artists should be utilized diligently while we still have them here on earth so that less experienced acts can learn from them and carry on what they leave behind. That's what Osgood & Blaque is about. Personally, I think that I have been overlooked by the music industry far too long. But, I believe that there are yet many hard-working acts who have paid their dues; who have spent their whole life laboring to meet the quality of talent that is required by the music industry. Should they not be given the opportunity, at least, to show the world what they have dedicated their whole lives to? Another situation I've noticed is in regard to blues festivals. Many successful artist I know from Mississippi, shy away from representing Mississippi. Why is that? Greg Osgood & Cee Blaque are not afraid to tell people they are from Mississippi. Joe Whitmer, Director and Coordinator for the 2006 IBC event said regarding our performance on Beale Street:

"I want to personnally congratulate as well as thank you for making this year's challenge the best in history. You should be very proud of your performance on Beale Street! Everyone is raving about the great talent that you brought to town for the International Blues Challenge. My hat off to you." I'm originally from Crystal Springs, right next to the hometown of the legendary Robert Johnson. Cee is from Vicksburg, the hometown of the legendary Willie Dixon. Everybody gotta be from somewhere. As an artist residing in Vicksburg, should I be ashamed to represent Vicksburg because it has a muriel downtown of the history of Vicksburg but there is not even one picture or clue of the existence of Willie Dixon. And while there is constant debate about where Robert Johnson is really from, should I be ashamed that I grew up in Crystal Springs, that I know his people, that I went to school with many of his relatives. And yet, after receiving a promise from Steve Johnson, son of Claude Johnson, the son of Robert Johnson, that we would perform at the 2006 Robert Johnson Blues Festival held annually in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, I had to go the web to find the schedule already booked, and this, after I had spoke with Steve Johnson, who promised Osgood & Blaque a performance slot. I feel like the legendary B.B. King when he once said: "It seems they're going to have to pay to see" Osgood & Blaque. Oh yes, I am convinced that Osgood & Blaque will have their day!

RIVERFEST'S DUO MUSICAL ACT OF OSGOOD & BLAQUE TO OFFER A BIG-BAND SOUND

Cee Blaque and Greg Osgood are used to people looking around to find their backup band whenever they perform together. Osgood's keyboard and Blaque's harmonica, backed by their dual vocals, could easily be mistaken for a full-sized band. "We try to go against the norm = we're not what everybody expects. Don't let the two of us fool you," Osgood said.

The variety of tunes the two-member group Osgood & Blaque will bring to Riverfest's Center Stage Saturday night at 8 are not typical of a duo, but they are sure to get feet moving, Blaque said. Osgood, who has performed since high school, has a keyboard that brings out the sounds of 100 instruments, which resemble the music of big band, he said. [Osgood] and Blaque have been performing together for about three years and are so sure of their ability to entertain that they will perform a 30-minute show for free just so people can hear their music, which ranges from soul to R&B to blues. It even has some pop and jazz sounds. "You've got to pay your dues," Osgood said. "We've performed free shows - it's the best way to do it because of our act. In the South, people aren't used to seeing one or two people with a big band sound." The duo has compared themselves to The Carpenters and Captain & Tenille, two successful duo performance group. "We don't need a big band - we're proud of that," Blaque said. "We're as good or better than some groups we've seen".

Osgood & Blaque have been getting their name out around town. Their first "big" performance was at Rainbow Casino for the Vicksburg Blues Society's Regional Blues Challenge. It has been since that performance, in which they didn't place, that Blaque, a Vicksburg native, and Osgood started playing regularly to live out their motto of keeping the blues alive. "We are here to support Vicksburg and the blues societies - to stick with the heritage that goes back to the foundation of our lives (and of Vicksburg)," Osgood said. They hosted the Vicksburg Blues Society's Jam Session at Ameristar Casino, performed at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, several spots around Jackson and recently landed a permanent spot at Borrello's downtown on Wednesdays and Friday evenings, which has helped them develop a fan base - and not just among locals. They have been known to play "Proud Mary" as tourists pour in to the downtown restaurant after the riverboats dock at City Front, Blaque said. "In Vicksburg, we meet people from all over: Japan, Canada..." Osgood said. "When we 're playing at Borrello's, we play a set list that is a mixture of music-and I'm thinking American. Well, I started finding out most people there are not from around here."

They have performed four-hour shows, pulling from 400 to 500 songs they rotate from show to show. "We're a top-quality performance group that doesn't cost an arm and a leg," Blaque said. "We can do the same thing six people can." Osgood and Blaque met when Osgood's band in Jackson, The Dominoes, was looking for a backup singer. Blaque, who began singing in her church choir at a young age, was hired. She sang backup until the group disbanded in 1999.
"The band wasn't making enough money, so Cee and I talked about doing the duo thing" Osgood said. Most of the music they perform is well-known covers, but Osgood has written some songs that they perform regularly. His song "Back to Back" on a CD with the same title has been played on radio stations across the [USA] since its release in 2000. Since he collaborated with Blaque, the two have released a CD called "The Good Is In The Man," which is the title of another song they perform. In addition to the originals, Blaque belts out songs by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Patsy Cline. She once received a $100 tip to sing Etta James' "At Last," Osgood said.

Osgood & Blaque practice non-stop, they said, to maintain their momentum.
"We're up sometimes until 1,2 and 3 in the morning," Osgood added. "You have got to work". The two have been hoping and working to perform at Riverfest for the last two years. Now, they see it as a chance to show people how hard they've worked to perfect their two-person big band sound that comes from two musicians and two voices.
"This is an opportunity to let Vicksburg hear what we can do," Blaque said.

BANDS WHO ROCK

OSGOOD & BLAQUE - Been wondering what so-and-so band that's always playing at such-and-such club is all about? We'd like to make a bold statement about [Vicksburg, Ms]. Undoubtedly some excellent local artists have slipped through the cracks. Members: Greg Osgood(vocals,keyboard)) and Cee Blaque(vocals,harmonica. From:Crystal Springs and Vicksburg. Influences: William Bell,Johnny Taylor,Roscoe Gordon,Fats Domino,Etta James,Dorothy Moore,Bessie Smith. CDs released: Two solo cds by Greg Osgood, "Back To Back" and "The Good Is In The Man".