Blues promoter Leyasmeyer dies at age 59

Teo Leyasmeyer, a Boston-area blues keyboardist and music promoter who was born in Germany of Latvian parents, died May 16. He was 59.

Leyasmeyer was known for a decade of work in bringing many nationally known blues artists to the House of Blues in Cambridge, Mass. In 2003, he was fired as the club underwent a change in its programming, according to media reports.

In 1997, the Memphis, Tenn.-based Blues Foundation named him Promoter of the Year.

Leyasmeyer also was known for his keyboard playing and performed with several different artists through the years, including John Lee Hooker and Chuck Berry, according to the Boston Phoenix.

In 2004, he backed Leslie “Lazy Lester” Johnson when the singer and harmonica player appeared in the Bites Blues Club in Rīga, Latvia.

Leyasmeyer appeared as one of two keyboardists on Lazy Lester’s 1991 release, Harp & Soul.

A funeral service for Leyasmeyer is scheduled at 2 p.m. May 27 in the Hancock United Church of Christ, 1912 Massachusettes Ave., Lexington, Mass., according to the Boston Phoenix. Donations and cards may be sent to the Teo Leyasmeyer Family Fund, c/o Hege Leyasmeyer, 11 Hamblen St., Lexington, MA 02421.

Andris Straumanis is a special correspondent for and a co-founder of Latvians Online. From 2000–2012 he was editor of the website.

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