A concept clubs should get back to

Blues belter Sue Palmer who became known as the “Queen of Boogie Woogie” during her reign fronting Tobacco Road, currently holds down a Tuesday residency at Tio Leo’s with her Motel Swing Orchestra.

Which local group do you think will have a big year?

“I look to the Casey Hensley Band to make a breakthrough. Casey has a great voice, is young and eager, and backed by Evan Caleb on drums, they’re going for it. It helps to want to break through. Lots of bands don’t have that concept, really. Evan is Candye Kane’s son and is familiar with the path.”

Area venue you want to play but haven’t?

“I would love to play the Holding Company in Ocean Beach. I’ve heard some good things and read about it in Boogie Magazine. It sounds like they’re open to all kinds of music, which is a concept I hope clubs may be getting back to, like Haight Ashbury in the ’60s and ’70s, and L.A. in the ’80s. Jazz, country, rock, punk, swing, all on the same bill.”

Favorite Mexican restaurant?

“Chiquita’s, off Home Avenue, I’ve been going there since the early ’70s. It’s sweet to see a family restaurant be so successful. I’ve watched all the kids grow up. They have the best chile rellenos I’ve ever eaten.”

Where do you take out-of-towners?

“I often take guests to Humphrey’s or Tio Leo’s. Both are relatively intimate, have food if you’re hungry, and cater to good musicians.”