BRISTOL, Va. (May 1, 2023) – Starting this month, legendary blues musician and South Carolina native Mac Arnold will take the stage at ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ as part of the casino’s new residency program.
Beginning Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., Arnold (Ware Place, South Carolina) will entertain guests with a free live concert at Virginia’s first casino. Throughout the remainder of 2023, Arnold will return to the casino for additional performances on the second Saturday of each month.
The Blues Music Hall of Famer’s career has included collaborations with many musical icons, including funk legend James Brown, who played piano in Arnold’s first band. After moving to Chicago in the 1960s, Arnold joined the band of blues legend Muddy Waters as a bass player. His fingerpicking talents also allowed him to share the stage with other legends such as Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Otis Spann, John Lee Hooker and Bill Withers.
Along with his band the Soul Invaders, Arnold played backup for The Temptations and B.B. King.
“We are honored to have Mac Arnold included in our lineup of entertainers for our residency program,” said Vice President of Marketing Marc DeLeo. “His award-winning career speaks for itself, and we are excited to bring his unique sound to our guests. We invite them to come and enjoy great live music, delicious food and our many exciting gaming opportunities.”
One of 13 children, Arnold’s first instrument was his brother’s homemade guitar, built out of a steel gas can, broomsticks, nails, wood and screen wire. His bass skills can be heard in the theme song of the popular sitcom, “Sanford and Son,” and he was a member of the house band for the popular television show “Soul Train” during the 1970s.
In 2006, Arnold created his own band, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues. The band includes Austin Brashier (guitar and vocals), Max Hightower (harmonica, guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals), Rick Latham (drums) and Mike Frost (bass).
Arnold has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the blues genre, including The Blues Foundation Award, the 2006 Folk Heritage Award, and Best Historical Album of the Year in 2010 with “Authorized Bootleg.”
Additional residencies beginning in May at ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock’ include:
- Every first Friday – Craig Street Ramblers
- Every first Saturday – Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen
- Every second Friday – Joey’s Van
- Every third Friday – Marques Puckett & 8 Second Ride
- Every third Saturday – Cash Crop
- Every fourth Friday – The Great Big Huge
To learn more about Arnold, his band and tour dates, visit www.macarnold.com. For more information about events at ‘Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock,’ visit https://www.hardrockhotelcasinobristol.com/events.