Bamboo Room
25 S. J St., Lake Worth, 561/585-2583,
www.bamboormblues.com
Sorry, but nobody has come close to knocking the Bamboo Room off its throne. Marking
its fifth year in business — and its fifth win in this category — the
intimate Lake Worth venue once again hosted some of the best blues and roots artists
alive. From the legendary Hubert Sumlin, Alberta Adams and James “Blood”
Ulmer to the new breed of Alvin “Youngblood” Hart, Corey Harris and
Nick Curran and the Nitelifes, Russell Hibbard’s stellar lineup has continued
to justify the schlep up to Lake Worth. Of course, Hibbard recognizes that blues
alone won’t keep the doors open, and his roster this past year featured an
eclectic marquee including surfabilly experts Los Straitjackets, X-rated rap and
funk pioneer Blowfly and edgy alt-country duo Betty Dylan, among others. Then,
there were those sublime moments — a solo acoustic show by soulful singer-songwriter
Kelly Joe Phelps and an extremely moving performance by Otis Taylor, whose electric
banjo, mandolin and guitar were accompanied by just bass and cello — that
happened here with some regularity. Add to the mix one of the handsomest bars
in South Florida, a menu of classic cocktails, an intriguing beer selection and
a friendly bar staff, and you’ll understand why the Bamboo Room has a virtual
lock on this category.
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