Blues and Cognac Combined for Hudson Square Tasting Event

Guitarist Jr. Mack is scheduled to play at City Winery's Blues and Cognac Pairing on Weds., Nov. 2, 2011.

Facebook/Junior Mack Fans

MANHATTAN — Connoisseurs of cognac who like a little blues with their booze are in luck this week, when Hudson Square's City Winery hosts an event celebrating the two.

The Blues and Cognac Pairing at the 155 Varick St. restaurant/winery/music venue will showcase Family Tradition brand cognac and the Chicago blues trio FTC on Weds., Nov. 2.

Seven varieties of spirits imported from the Cognac region of western France will be available for patrons to taste.

"You will learn a wealth of information about Cognac and the differences between these artisan brands vs. mass-produced 'industrial' ones," City Winery's website says. "Your perception of this golden spirit will be changed forever." 

The blues band FTC unites harmonica player and bandleader Matthew Skoller with multi-instrumentalist Bill Sims, Jr. and guitarist Jr. Mack. 

The magazine Blues Revue previously praised the Chicago musician for his "raspy vocals and succinct harmonica."

"Over the past 25 years, Matthew Skoller has developed a brand of blues that boogies, rocks, and jives in the urban Chicago tradition," the article said. "Today he enjoys a hard-won reputation ... in the huge talent pool of the Chicago blues scene."  

Seating for the 7 p.m. event will start at 6:30. Tickets cost $55 each and are available online. 

Seven varieties of spirits imported from the Cognac region of western France will be available at a Nov. 2, 2011, City W...

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Matthew Skoller is a member of the Chicago blues band FTC

mathewskoller.com