Singing the blues with an acoustic guitar perched on your knee is one of the earliest forms of the music, almost as old as field hollers. From Elmore James and Robert Johnson to Corey Harris and Chris Smither, lonesome, guitar-pickin’ blues singers have transcended the times and remain relevant today.

One of the most dedicated practitioners of this form is Paul Geremia, a hardworking musician from Rhode Island who’s traveled the world singing the blues for almost four decades. As a kid, Geremia’s interest first  turned to the blues of Charlie Patton, Sleepy John Estes and Son House, and the acoustic guitar was the instrument that captured his imagination. He soon began to develop is own playing style and eventually took it on the road. Three decades later, he’s still at it. He’s a noted finger-style guitarist; so much so that Acoustic Guitar magazine called him, “One of the best country blues finger-pickers ever.” One of Geremia’s peers, John Hammond, went even further. “Paul Geremia is a phenomenal country blues player,” Hammond said. “The guy is a killer, a great singer and songwriter … I’d go a thousand miles to hear him play.”

Geremia cast his fate to the blues in 1966 and has never looked back. Over the years, he’s driven back and forth across the country in a 1971 Chevy Nova with his six and 12-string guitars, a few harmonicas and a passion for the country blues, and he’s won fans in every hamlet, crossroads and city in which he’s stopped to play a few tunes.

Hear Paul Geremia Sunday, March 1st at the Beach Shack (1 Minutemen Cswy.; Cocoa Beach). Call 783-2250 for more details, or visit www.paulgeremia.org

He was an official camp-follower of the Irish Rovers, following in his father Joe Millar’s footsteps, taking to the stage and the road at an early age. When cousin Will Millar left the legendary Rovers, Ian joined Will on the road as an integral member of Will’s band, Some Mad Irishmen. Since then, Ian has toured the United States and Canada several times. He’s also toured Australia and New Zealand four times, twice as a featured soloist with the stage production of “Ireland” in 1998 and 1999.

Millar’s many talents are on display on his first album, Raised On Songs And Stories, as a vocalist, musician, songwriter, composer, arranger, and producer — all duties of which are done gracefully and with a unique flair. A legacy of Celtic music has blossomed into an array of musical styles for Ian: traditional to contemporary Irish fare, folk and soft rock to country and western, classical standards, and rhythm and blues. Whether it’s a rollicking pub song or a heart song, Millar inspires strong emotions from his audience because music is his life; it’s in his soul. He’s turned his innate passion for the stage and the road into a recognized and seasoned artistry that perfectly compliments his love for tall sailing ships, the sea, and for living fancy-free.

Ian Millar appears at Paddy Cassidy’s Irish Pub (2009 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach; 783-0810) Friday, February 27th and Saturday, February 28th.

Bad Manners are set to play at the Chili Pepper Club (142 N. Atlantic Ave.; Cocoa Beach) with The English Beat on January 27th. Tickets ($29.75) are on sale now at the club. Call 783-8885 for more details.  and visit www.badmanners.net for song samples and loads of great information.