Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday (2/12) is just around the corner which generally means some wild festivities will abound. We do love the chance to celebrate even if we aren't in N'Awlins, isn't that right cher? You'll find Blues and rhythm & blues mixed with Zydeco and Cajun flavors sprinkled around the country for this "holiday." Just don't call me fat on Tuesday... k?! ("Phat" is okay though!)
There are many things going on in February, including at least eight more Blues Festivals (see our listings), Black History Month celebrations, the world congratulates the champions of IBC, etc. Blues bands around the globe are gigging of course, some even spreading their feathers into some New Orleans-type fare for the occasion. You can find artists' gig listings on our website, too!
I wanted to say "hello" plus share some Cajun-French with you (ummm, Valentine's Day is next week, too! HA). Okay, not that kind of French, just a little "Laissez les bons temps rouler"... Let the good times roll!
Your ever grateful editor...
Michele Lundeen (aka Madame LeRoux here)
How's that for putting a face to a name?
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Calling all Blues Societies...
HEY BLUES SOCIETIES! IT'S TIME TO ORDER YOUR MAGAZINES!
Now is the time to order your 2013 Blues Festival Guide magazines for your members! This is your order opportunity forall Blues Societiesin the USA and Canada who wish to receive our FREE annual magazines to distribute to members and/or at events.
Please click on this link and complete the order form as directed.
Deadline for your response is April 1st, 2013. Expect your magazines to arrive around May 1st. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Tracey@bluesfestivalguide.com or 775-842-9076.
Thanks for your amazing efforts distributing our annual magazine… and mostly... “Thanks for Supporting the Blues!”
TIME TO POST YOUR FESTIVALS! HECK... POST ALL BLUES GIGS!
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS... It's time to post your 2013 festival information on the Blues Festival Guide website. iI's FREE and the sooner you put the information on our website the sooner fans will see it and be able to plan their Blues Festival adventures!
ARTISTS & PROMOTERS... you can now also post gigs for free!
Go to www.BluesFestivalGuide.com, click on SUBMIT GIG/CONCERT and fill in the blanks. It will appear in our Gig/Concert calendar within 24 hours.
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Advertise with BFG!
ADD THE BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE TO YOUR
2013 ADVERTISING BUDGET FOR RESULTS!
April 2013, the Blues Festival Guide magazine will be publishing its 11th annual Issue! This is once-a-year opportunity for you to market your band, festival,
product or service on a national level with just one ad.
No increase in Ad Rates from last year!
100,000 copies distributed for Free across the United States and Canada and thousands more read it online in Digital Format from a link on our homepage.
This is THE publication that blues fans seek out when they are making festival plans and looking for their favorite headliners all year long... it's also become an in-depth industry resource. Get even more discounts when you include both magazine and online advertising in your 2013 Blues Festival Guide marketing budget.
Ad Submission deadline: March 25th/Street date annual print magazine: April 22nd
Harmonica great, Lee Oskar held a harmonica workshop at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale St during the International Blues Challenge week in Memphis, TN. Lee is celebrating 30 years of producing Oskar harmonicas. Congratulations to our friend Lee Oskar!
BRING IT ON!... Send us your cool photos that display the Blues Festival Guide magazine! We're so proud to be able to share the annual magazine with you for 10 years now! We'd love to see and share you enjoying it and helping spread the good word! Send your BFG shots with subject, location, date and photo credit to editor@bluesfestivalguide.com
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CD & DVD Releases
Big Bill Morganfield :: BLUES WITH A MOOD
Blues With A Mood documents the continuing musical journey of Muddy Water’s son, Big Bill Morganfield. Indeed, he contributes yet another solid disk to keeping the blues flame burning bright. Bill heads to Nashville Tennessee to record this, his fifth record.
Produced by Colin Linden, this 13 tune jewel is sure to please music lovers worldwide. Big Bill says, “I wanted to put together a set of tunes with heavy grooves and deep moods which stay close to the musical genre of Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Jr. Parker, Robert Johnson and several other of my musical hero’s.”
Bob Margolin, Steve Guyger and Brian Bisesi are Bill’s special guests. Augie Myers and Eddie Taylor Jr., Mookie Brill, Chuck Cotton, Doc Malone and Jim Horn provide world class support to Big Bill’s, Blues With A Mood.
Produced by ace blues guitarist Anson Funderburgh, the debut album, Drink Drank Drunk, by Delta Groove "Blues Stimulas Program" winners, Andy T - Nick Nixon Band, is "an old-school barn-burner," says Music News Nashville, "the kind of disc that blows the dust – and the doors – off the Texas, Chicago, Louisiana, West Coast and deep soul traditions with a vital song-oriented approach rare in the blues today."
Nick Nixon's rootsy, dynamic voice and Andy T's bold and vibrant tones truly compliment and inspire each other. The CD also features producer/guitarist Anson Funderburgh trading licks with Andy and the results are a disc chock full of soul and feeling.
Southern California transplant Andy “T” Talamantz and James "Nick" Nixon's union began a few year ago at the Nashville Blues Society’s regular Sunday night jam, where Andy leads the house band. Both have decades-long experience performing, touring and recording with others, but their partnership and this debut, Drink Drank Drunk feel like a perfect road to end up on.
IBC WINNERS REPRESENTED THEIR BLUES SOCIETIES WELL!
Congratulations go out to the Blues Foundation's 29th International Blues Challenge Winners! When the Blues Foundation coined IBC as "the largest battle of blues bands in the world" they meant it. The event seems to become even more and more universal each year.
The 2013 solo/duo winner was Little G Weevil(top right), sponsored by Atlanta Blues Society and second place honors went to the Suitcase Brothers from the Barcelona Blues Society in Spain.
The top prize in the Band competition was awarded to the Selwyn Birchwood Band(top left) of the Suncoast Blues Society. Second place honors were earned by Michael van Merwyk and Bluesoul, German Blues Network, and the third spot went to Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band with Erica Brown, hailing from the Colorado Blues Society.
A beautiful custom Gibson ES-335 guitar featuring The Blues Foundation’s logo and a Category five amp was awarded to Selwyn Birchwood as the band finals top guitarist.
Judges determined the Best Self-Produced CD to be Solo Recordings by Steve Hill of Montreal Blues Society.
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NEWS FLASH!
PETT CROW! NOW BOOKING FOR 2013!
THIS AIN'T YOUR DADDY'S BLUES!
An all-original Blues band, Pett Crow has an up-beat sound that is all their own. They are young in age but seasoned beyond their years in talent. Each member plays multiple instruments, writes and records their own music and is putting a new face on the blues. Pett Crow had an impressive 2012 year with the release of their CD, Layin’ Down the Blues, and performed in over 35 venues, opening for Grammy award winning acts and playing for audiences as large as 3000 people!
Front-man Wes Crow (age 14), bassist Julia Crow (age 13) and drummer Brandon Pettiford (age 13) are swiftly making a name for themselves on both local and national scenes in their quest to keep the blues alive for the next generation. With talent beyond their years, they are a powerful presence on the stage and have an impressive set of original music guaranteed to get crowds on their feet and dancing.
Their unique take on blues blends a very robust mix of blues, acoustic, funk, soul and, of course, some good ol’ rock ‘n roll.
- Pett Crow were the 2013 IBC Youth Showcase Representatives for Pomeroy, OH at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
- They were 2011’s Rising Star Talent Contest Winners at Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival in Gahanna, OH.
- They were also the 2011/2012 IBC Youth Showcase Representatives for Columbus, OH at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
Book them NOW and bring the next generation of blues to your festival!
It’s that time of year again! That time of year where we can enjoy blues music and seafood on the bay at the beautiful Coachman Park in Downtown Clearwater, Florida.
ON FEB 15th WXPN PRESENTS SPECIAL CONCERT & LIVE BROADCAST AS PART OF ITS MISSISSIPPI BLUES PROJECT
As part of its year-long Mississippi Blues Project initiative to showcase the Mississippi blues as a vibrant folk art form, WXPN 88.5 FM will present a special two-hour “Free at Noon” concert and live broadcast on Friday, February 15 at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. The two featured Mississippi blues artists will be Anthony “Big A” Sherrod (pictured left)with Bilbo Walker, and Robert “Wolfman” Belfour.
This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required by clicking here. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event will start at 12 p.m.
Hailing from Mississippi, Anthony “Big A” Sherrod is a talented young guitarist who’s also mastered the bass, drums and keyboards. He has played numerous local venues in Mississippi and has appeared in films, including Last of the Mississippi Jukes. Sherrod not only performed in the 2012 blues documentary film We Juke Up In Here, but also penned its title track.
Robert "Bilbo" Walker Jr. (pictured at right) is known in the blues music world for his rock 'n' roll showmanship and flamboyant Chuck Berry imitations. Born in 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Walker counts Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, and Ike Turner among his early stylistic influences. He's spent years playing clubs in Chicago, juke joints and roadhouses up and down the "Blues Highway."
Influenced by Mississippi legends Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, Robert “Wolfman” Belfour (at left) combines musical elements of both Delta and hill country blues.
The Mississippi Blues Project is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through The Philadelphia Music Project. It features music by Mississippi blues artists, interviews with artists about Mississippi blues music, the Mississippi Blues Project Music Mix on NPR Music featuring music and artist interviews, a companion website and more.
XPN’s “Free at Noon” is a co-production of WXPN and NPR.org/music, and is made possible by support from XPN members and Comcast. World Cafe Live is located at 3025 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Additional information can be found at www.xpn.org and at www.mississippibluesproject.org.
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3RD EUROPEAN BLUES CHALLENGE MAR 8-9 IN FRANCE
European bands were on the top of the blues world at the IBC in Memphis when the Suitcase Brothers from Spain won 2nd Place in the Solo/Duo division and Michaelvan Merwyk Bluesoul from Germany placed 2nd in the Band division.
In 2010 and 2011 France Blues held the European Blues Challenge in Berlin, Germany. The third annual will now be held in Toulouse, France, March 8-9, 2013. Jean Guillermo, President of France Blues, Vice-president European Blues Union and 2008 KBA Recipient has sent us this exciting announcement to share with you about the upcoming European Blues Challenge. You can find more information here...
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MAY 2, 2013 PROCLAIMED "STAX MUSEUM DAY IN TENNESSEE
On May 2, 2003, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music opened its doors at the original site of Stax Records, which had been a vacant, overgrown lot for more than a decade with a single State of Tennessee historic marker on the sidewalk letting visitors from around the world know that this was once home to the label that launched the careers of such soul music luminaries as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the MGs, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, Sam & Dave, the Staple Singers and dozens of other artists who changed music and popular culture forever.
SO... TIME TO TUNE INTO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE ON THE LRBC!
LRBC #21: ON SALE NOW! OCT 18-25, 2013
Fantasy / Big Easy / Mayan on Holland America ms Maasdam.
Fort Lauderdale to Key West, New Orleans & Progreso, MX.
Lineup: Johnny Winter, Irma Thomas, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Los Lobos, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Marcia Ball, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Ruthie Foster, Lucky Peterson, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Eric Lindell & Anson Funderburgh, Popa Chubby Band, Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Guy Davis, Fishy Waters Play, Samantha Fish, Albert Castiglia, Washboard Chaz Trio, Mitch Woods Club 88, Leon Blue, Professor Louis, Dave Keyes, IBC Solo/Duo Winner, Randy Oxford, Special Guest Lee Oskar (30th Anniversary Lee Oskar Harmonicas), Surprise Guests & New Orleans Land Show TBA!
Limited cabins available! 816-753-7979 for availability and pricing.
LRBC #22: NOW Pre-booking! JAN 19-26, 2014 Eastern Caribbean
on Holland America ms Nieuw Amsterdam. Fort Lauderdale to St. Barths, St. Thomas/St. John and Turks & Caicos. Bands announced in March.
You HAVE to experience this at least once in your lifetime!
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Got Blues Society News?
If you represent a Blues Society and/or have a very special announcement for a not-for-profit event coming up, send your brief news or Press Release (300 words or less) with "Blues Society News" in the subject line to: editor@bluesfestivalguide.com.
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Video of The Week
"Big Chief"
Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Earl King, The Meters, Art Neville
Slide guitar master Ben Harper and harmonica guru Charlie Musselwhite both have their own sterling solo careers, and they are both well known for providing their talents to the musical efforts of others, including folks like John Lee Hooker and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Well, now Ben and Charlie have finally found each other. Their new collaboration is called Get Up!
Then, in the second hour of the program… Cyril Neville is the youngest Neville Brother, but he has never had any trouble keeping up. From playing conga and singing with the Meters, to anchoring the Neville Brothers with his drumming and singing, he has helped bring New Orleans funk to the world. His latest solo record is called BRAND NEW BLUES, and it is full of old school blues, with a Crescent City beat.
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite PLUS Cyril Neville. Next time, in The BluesMobile.
YOU can make the Blues Hall of Fame a reality. Your support matters!
Attention Blues Fans:
The Hall of Fame pays tribute to the greatest of the genre and educates new people about the genre. The Blues Foundation has been inducting into the Blues Hall of Fame for years; it was just a simple evening with web presence. Now we need physical presence, and with your help, we are going to get The Blues Hall of Fame building built in Memphis, TN!
Contact our home office to find out how to advertise in this e-weekly newsletter.
Call 775-337-8626
Information, both editorial and advertising, in the Blues Festival E-Guide, is believed to be correct but not guaranteed. Double check info carefully before you attend any event or send money for anything. We do not write the news... we just report it!
Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday (2/12) is just around the corner which generally means some wild festivities will abound. We do love the chance to celebrate even if we aren't in N'Awlins, isn't that right cher? You'll find Blues and rhythm & blues mixed with Zydeco and Cajun flavors sprinkled around the country for this "holiday." Just don't call me fat on Tuesday... k?! ("Phat" is okay though!)
Front-man Wes Crow (age 14), bassist Julia Crow (age 13) and drummer Brandon Pettiford (age 13) are swiftly making a name for themselves on both local and national scenes in their quest to keep the blues alive for the next generation. With talent beyond their years, they are a powerful presence on the stage and have an impressive set of original music guaranteed to get crowds on their feet and dancing.
Their unique take on blues blends a very robust mix of blues, acoustic, funk, soul and, of course, some good ol’ rock ‘n roll.
It’s that time of year again! That time of year where we can enjoy blues music and seafood on the bay at the beautiful Coachman Park in Downtown Clearwater, Florida.
As part of its year-long 
Robert "Bilbo" Walker Jr. (pictured at right) is known in the blues music world for his rock 'n' roll showmanship and flamboyant Chuck Berry imitations. Born in 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Walker counts Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, and Ike Turner among his early stylistic influences. He's spent years playing clubs in Chicago, juke joints and roadhouses up and down the "Blues Highway."
Influenced by Mississippi legends Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, Robert “Wolfman” Belfour (at left) combines musical elements of both Delta and hill country blues.
