Charlies Root Fusion

Nov. 15, 2006

It’s a long road to Memphis, Tennessee, but for one local band, the path will be smoothed this Saturday, November 18 when the Mid-North Michigan Blues Society hosts a fundraiser at the BigEazy Bar & Grille in Traverse City. The “Road to Memphis” bash is a send-off for Charlie’s Root Fusion to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee February 1-3.
Charlie’s Root Fusion from Charlevoix won the honor at the Mid-North Michigan’s Blues Challenge at Streeter’s Ground Zero on September 17. They competed with five of the area’s top blues bands to take home the prize of representing the region in Memphis.
The International Blues Challenge in Memphis has evolved into the nation’s biggest and most respected showcase for blues musicians ready to take their act to the national stage. Root Fusion is excited about their chances.
Charlie’s Root Fusion is one of the coolest new bands around, swingin’ and slingin’ Texas blues, Slim Harpo-style swamp boogie and some very cool rockabilly.
Charlie Wittoeft fronts this band on harp and vocals with a high energy approach. He’s been playing guitar and harmonica for over 15 years and has put together a mix of seasoned musicians who play from the gut with an improvisational style that gives them an edge in the blues genre. On the drums is Fritz Von Valtier, Jamie Balousek on bass, and Jeremy Biggerstaff on guitar.

TOUGH TIMES
It was eight years ago when Charlie Wittoeft nearly lost his life in an accident. He spent 10 days in a coma, had major head trauma, several broken ribs and vertebrae, and was wrapped in a body cast for an entire year. He was told that his future as a musician was bleak and there was no guarantee that he would walk, talk, or completely recover from his brain injury.
Yet, because of his unwavering passion for life, and his determination to step on the stage again, he ignored the medical naysayers and kept a positive attitude. During his prolonged recovery, Wittoeft always had his harmonica and a pad of paper at his bedside. It wasn’t long before he was able to doodle with some artwork, and pick up that harp while lying in bed.
Today, Wittoeft has since made a complete recovery, and is back out doing what he truly loves, which is playing the blues.
The Mid-North Michigan Blues Society’s Fundraiser at the BigEazy will kick off at 9 p.m. with Charlie’s Root Fusion taking the stage and encouraging other musicians to come up and jam with the band. There will be a blues auction and $5 donation at the door. For more information click on http://www.charliesrootfusion.com or www.blues.org.