March 5, 2008 (Austin, Texas) – It appears that Omar-Kent Dykes has much to howl about these days. The gruff-voiced Mississippi native known affectionately to blues lovers and roots music aficionados everywhere as The Boogie Man has seen more than his fair share of hard times and it made for a good song. It’s difficult to think of Omar Dykes in any other light than that of front man of his band, Omar and the Howlers, but the Boogie Man can now add another milestone to his entertainment resume - that of an actor in a supporting role in a major motion picture comedy.
Appearing in the new Lionsgate release “Witless Protection”, starring Blue Collar Comedy’s “Larry The Cable Guy”, Dykes delivers his first cinematic performance in a small, supporting role as a member of Larry’s local posse. “Witless Protection” is directed by Charles Robert Carner and stars Larry the Cable Guy, Ivana Milicevic, Yaphet Kotto, Peter Stormare, Eric Roberts, Joe Mantegna, and Jenny McCarthy. In addition to scoring a role in the film, The Boogie Man’s song “Bamboozled” is used in the film’s score. The film opened to audiences nationwide on February 22, 2008.
Adding to the excitement of Dykes’ silver screen debut came the news from the Blues Foundation that Omar-Kent Dykes had been nominated for three of the following Blues Music Awards:
Album of the year: On the Jimmy Reed Highway- Omar Kent Dykes and Jimmie Vaughan.
Song of the year: On the Jimmy Reed Highway- Omar Kent Dykes and Steve Callif
Traditional Blues Album of the Year: On The Jimmy Reed Highway- Omar Kent Dykes and Jimmie Vaughan.
Dykes’ collaborative project with fellow bluesman Jimmie Vaughan (of Fabulous Thunderbirds fame) titled “On The Jimmy Reed Highway”, a tribute album boiled in the authenticity of real Mississippi blues and dedicated to the music of one of Omar’s musical heroes, was released to critical acclaim. The album featured other modern-day blues luminaries such as Delbert McClinton, Lou Ann Barton, Kim Wilson, Gary Clark, Jr., as well as longtime-friend and harmonica player Gary Primich, who passed away just months following the release. Bringing the smoky sound of one of the original bluesmen to stage and an appearance on long-running television series “Austin City Limits” cultivated the dubious honor for Omar’s take on the legend’s work. The album’s eponymous track which earned a nomination for Song Of The Year and was written by Steve Callif and debuted at #6 on the Billboard Blues Chart.
The Blues Music Awards®, formerly formally known as the W.C. Handy Awards and presented each year at a gala celebration in Memphis, Tennessee represents The Blues Foundation’s highest accolade afforded musicians and songwriters in Blues music. Organized and founded in 1980 The Blues Foundation's mission is a non-profit corporation located in Memphis, Tennessee home of the Blues. The Foundation's mission is to preserve Blues history, celebrate Blues excellence, support Blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. With more than 160 affiliated Blues organizations, and membership spanning the globe, the Foundation serves as the hub for the worldwide passion for Blues.
Omar-Kent Dykes returns to Europe in March with his Howlers in tow performing dates in Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, and Belgium.
For more information on Omar and the Howlers:
www.omarandthehowlers.com
For more information on “Witless Protection”:
www.witlessprotectionmovie.com
For more information on The Blues Foundation:
www.bluesfoundation.org
