Probably 20 years ago, while perusing a friend's record collection I came across a Blind Blake LP that noted that some of the tunes were recorded at the Paramount Studio in Grafton. That was the first I'd ever heard of the long-lost blues history in the Wisconsin town to our north.

Whenever I saw a book about the blues or old blues reissues, I'd look for information about Grafton and never with any success. It seemed like a mysterious secret doomed to obscurity.

So, I'm thrilled that finally, the story of the Grafton blues -- Paramount set up a studio in an old chair factory in town and when it closed, it was rumored that the masters were tossed into the river that runs alongside the building -- is everywhere now. There's a blues themed restaurant up there and an annual festival, too.

Opening on Jan. 12 is the Milwaukee Rep's production of "Grafton City Blues," a musical drama written by Kevin Ramsey ("Sam Cooke -- Forever Mr. Soul" and "If These Shoes Could Talk"), in the Stackner Cabaret.

The show stars Jeremy Cohen, Jannie Jones, Eric Noden and Juson Williams, along with some of the music recorded in Grafton by the likes of Son House, Ma Rainey, Skip James, Alberta Hunter and Blind Lemon Jefferson.

In addition to his previous shows for the Rep (listed above), Ramsey has written for film and television and his credits include "24," "Judging Amy," "CSI: Miami" and "The Hughleys."

Tickets for the show, which runs through March 9, range from $25 to $40.