Buffalo Roams The Country

A member of Norton Buffalo’s fan club is calling 1996 “the year of the Buffalo.”

He could be right.

The harmonica player/blues singer, known to millions as a vital ingredient in the Steve Miller Band, plays Bolo’s Bar and Grill on Thursday, March 7.

Soon, Buffalo and his band the Knockouts will complete work on a new blues album. The record includes performances by some “very special” guests, but that will be a secret until the album is released.

At the moment, Buffalo’s tour of the West Coast and Hawaii with the Knockouts is winding down.

In April, he’ll be shining up his golden harmonica for yet another cross-country amphitheater tour. You can also bet that the Steve Miller Band and Buffalo will be on the road throughout the summer, too.

The legendary musician, who has appeared on over 60 albums with artists such as Johnny Cash, Elvin Bishop and Bonnie Raitt, last visited the area in November when the Steve Miller Band played Eastern Washington University.

He was the only musician on stage that night who made Miller’s mostly lackluster performance interesting.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Norton Buffalo and the Knockouts perform at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50 for reserved seating and $12.50 for general admission, and are available at Bolo’s, 116 S. Best, or by calling 891-8995.