Blues on Broadway at The Norwich Arts Center: CHRISTINE OHLMAN & Rebel Montez

Description

Christine Ohlman’s early bands—The Wrongh Black Bag, Fancy, and The Scratch Band—laid the foundation for her fiery blend of rock, soul, and blues. At 16, recording with The Wrongh Black Bag under legendary producer Bob Shad (who worked with Ray Charles and Janis Joplin), she absorbed raw blues-rock energy, covering songs like “Wake Me, Shake Me.” With Fancy, she honed her stage presence on Connecticut’s teen club circuit, while The Scratch Band (featuring future SNL bandmate G.E. Smith) became a crucible for her eclectic tastes, blending country, Lou Reed, and soul into raucous live shows. These experiences cemented her love for “wild guitar bands” and Southern soul, later defining her signature “Swingin’ rockabilly” sound with Rebel Montez and her decades-long role as SNL’s “Beehive Queen.”  

For more information: CHRISTINE OHLMAN | norwicharts