TRR photo by Chris Conroy Award-winning blues performer Rory Block capped off a day of excellent performances at the Cobalt Blues Concert. Block called the crowd "Small in number, but big in heart." (Click for larger image)

Small in number, big in heart

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL, NY — Even though the weather was perfect, they were still singing the blues.

Of course, that’s what they were supposed to do at the Cobalt Blues Concert on June 28.

Concert organizer Mike “Zoot” Finamore said last week he’d “be happy if 50 people show up.” Zoot got more than that. Even with short notice and limited advertising, about 70 people showed up at the show.

“I knew the day would be blessed,” said Clint Partridge of Spirit of Bethel Records. The day, he said, was perfect.

Headline performer Rory Block said she had as much fun performing at the show as the people who were watching it.

“My problem these days is that I’m having too damn much fun,” she said. “They have to pull me off the stage.”

Those who paid the $20 admission were treated to nearly five hours of music and one of the few warm and sunny weekends that the area has seen since early spring.

“It was nice to see something like this here,” said Oliver King of Bethel. “The acoustics in the field are perfect.”

“I’m glad it worked out like this,” Zoot said after the show. Now, he said, he has something to hold up as an example of what can be done. “I’ve accomplished what I wanted to.”