Blues legend Bryan Lee returns to Cape

Sincerity and guts. That's what legendary blues guitarist Bryan Lee says his music is all about.

The New Orleans native has played all over the world with some of the finest blues musicians, including being on stage with Pine Top Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Flett and Willie Big Eyes Smith. Lee and his Power Blues Band — featuring guitarists Brent Johnson and Rich Ward, and John Perkins on drums — were also guests on NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and performed for B.B. King in 2005 for his birthday.

"I believe the good Lord gave me a gift and at any time it can be taken away," Lee said. "I have been able to get some notoriety from doing what I love and I appreciate that, but this gift is no good unless I share it. I gotta share it with the world."

Lee, who is blind, is nicknamed "The Braille Blues Daddy." He said the blues is one thing everyone can understand.

"The blues is one of a few things we all can get something from because it's about life and its feelings," Lee said. "I may be blind, but I see that we all have a heart, and hearts are all the same color."

Local concert promoter Larry Underberg booked Lee to play at the Garden Gallery in Cape Girardeau after seeing him perform in Chicago with Buddy Guy.

"Everyone loved the show," Underberg said. "I wanted to bring him back, and come to find out I wasn't the only one by far."

This time Lee will be performing on the seventh floor of the Marquette Building, an area normally reserved for wedding receptions, Christmas parties and other catered events by Celebrations restaurant. However, Lee's concert might be the first in a series of music performances held there.

"Celebrations has great ideas to bring in real top-notch music acts to that floor, and they are big fans of Lee so they wanted to start with him," Underberg said. "It's an unbelievable setting, and we think it will get a great response from the crowd."

Lee said he enjoys visiting Cape Girardeau. He and his wife, Beth, plan on staying a few extra days to take in the sights.

"The people are so great in that area and Beth says it's such a beautiful town," he said. "You know, I guess being from New Orleans, I love Mississippi River towns. But Cape has that charming atmosphere that makes it hard to forget and easy to come back."

Bryan Lee and the Power Blues Band are playing at the Marquette Building seventh floor on Sunday. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 in advance and can be purchased at PMac, Celebrations, Marquette Restaurant and Underberg House Concerts. For more information about Bryan Lee visit his Web site at www.braillebluesdaddy.com.