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Greetings From Your Editor... |
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No April fooling here... the blues is salvation! |
 Traditionally, April 1st is a day for pranks and practical jokes but it's no joke that we dig the blues and most of our lives revolve around it. Well, mine does anyway via my deep passions, my work in all the arts... and especially from this prison cell I currently reside in. I don't usually devulge this, but through the miracle of technology and a little good behavior, I'm able to produce this labor of love each week while working off my sentence here. Okay, I'm kiddin'... the only prison I'm in is a financial one (yeehaw!) but that's another blues story now isn't it?! It is amazing though what we can accomplish even when we might "feel" like we're locked up sometimes. The blues is a true salvation...
The 24th Byron Bay Bluesfest is in full force this weekend in Australia if you're lucky enough to be there! Their 25th anniversary is next year... now there's a fun goal that could be worth reaching for in 2014. Stompin' At The Savoy is going down this weekend in none other than... Helsinki, Finland! Would love to hear a shoutout from folks that are able to attend that one, too! There's at least five other festive festivals (!) happening in Arkansas, Indiana, Florida and South Carolina... see our section at the bottom of each e-Guide or our website for details. This is jus' a lil' teaser folks.
I hope you find your salvation and have an amazing, fullfilling week! No joke!
Your ever-grateful editor... Michele Lundeen
P.S. Checkout our Facebook page to see Val Starr & The Blues Rockets getting their "green-blues" on!
If you missed your latest (or any) copy of the Weekly e-Guide, you can find back issues in our archives on our website! |
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Advertise with BFG...
2013 Magazine Ad deadline extended |
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AD DEADLINE EXTENDED! AD SIZES FOR EVERY BUDGET! |
Ad deadline extended: What project or festival are you working on? Your friends at RBA Publishing invite you to participate in the 11th Annual BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE print magazine Advertisers get results!
Our popular, annual Blues publication has 100,000 free circulation throughout U.S. and Canada, offers great rates, and features entertaining editorial by Blues’ top aficionados, and of course, dozens of festivals.
The entire print magazine will also be digitized. Blues fans around the world can read the entire magazine in Digital Format. This increases circulation without using up natural resources or increasing the cost of advertising. You don't want to miss out on this once-a-year marketing opportunity. Ad sizes for every budget.
Festival Section (Festival Ads only)
Full Page 7.25” x 9” • $1432 ~ 1/2 Page 7.25” x 4.125” • $746
General Section
Full Page 7.25” x 9.5” • $1787
Half Page Horizontal 7.25” x 4.625” • $899
Half Page Vertical 3.5” x 9.5” • $899
1/4 Page 3.5” x 4.625” • $535
1/6 Page 2.25” x 4.625” • $370
1/8 Page 3.5” x 2.25” • $299
1/3 Page 2.25” x 9.5” • $660
We know that our award-winning annual publication will be a great marketing vehicle for your business and hope that you can join us as an advertiser. Download our entire Media Kit Here
Your Blues Festival Guide crew is standing by to assist you. We make advertising affordable, easy, effective and fun!
Thanks, Kaati, Cheryl, Michele, Diana, Robyn, Tracey, Terry, Florencia, Debbie and Irene
Contact us TODAY!
Advertising@BluesFestivalGuide.com ~ 775-337-8344
Space Reservation: NOW ~ Street Date: April 21
www.BluesFestivalGuide.com
RBA Publishing Inc. P.O. Box 50635, Reno, NV 89513 |
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Attn: Festival Promoters & Artists |
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TIME TO POST FESTIVALS! HECK... POST ALL BLUES GIGS! |
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FESTIVAL PROMOTERS... Time to post your 2013 festival information on the Blues Festival Guide website. It's FREE and the sooner you put the info on ourwebsite the sooner fans will see it and be able to plan their Blues Festival adventures. ARTISTS & PROMOTERS... you can post gigs for free. Go towww.BluesFestivalGuide.com, click on SUBMIT GIG/CONCERT and fill in blanks. It will appear in our Gig/Concert calendar within 24 hours. |
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Mark "The Jakester" Jacobson and Erik Gandolfi
Photo courtesy: Rick Webster
BRING IT ON... Send us your cool photos that display the Blues Festival Guide magazine, banner, shirt, melon... whatevah! We're so proud to be able to share blues with you for over 10 years now. We'd love to see and share you enjoying all that is BFG and helping spread the good word. Send your BFG shots with subject, location, date and photo credit to editor@bluesfestivalguide.c |
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From Blues Festival Guide publisher, Kaati:
Attention Blues Festival Promoters: RAISE THE ROOF |
 Here is a unique opportunity for you to get yourself and your festival attendees involved with the exciting Blues Foundation's RAISE THE ROOF: Campaign for the Blues Hall of Fame
The Blues Hall of Fame pays tribute to the greatest of the genre and educates new people about the genre. The Blues Foundation has been inducting people into the Blues Hall of Fame for years; it was a simple evening with web presence. Nothing permanent. But now we need physical presence.
We are working with the Blues Foundation and a myriad of artists and organizations to spread the word about this noble cause. Because we are right in the middle of preparing for festival season, this is the perfect time for you to get involved as well and it requires just a small amount of effort.
Here is a link with more details about the Blues Hall of Fame campaign. Our goal is to help raise awareness (this is where you come in) in order to raise funds to reach the goal of 3.5 million. We know you are busy with your event but here are some easy, quick and free ways you can get the word out about this worthwhile campaign.
What you can do: Add Blues Hall of Fame logo to your website
- Add BHF banner ad to your website - Include BHF ad in your Program
- MC announcements from stage - Pass out brochure to your attendees
Please make a commitment to this cause and let’s use the momentum of the festival season to create awareness! How does someone donate? Donate online. Call me if you want to share ideas or to get an ad for your website or program.
Best, Kaati / BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE
775 337 8626 or kaati@BluesFestivalGuide.com |
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Tinsley Ellis, one of the premier electric blues guitarists of his generation and a certifiable master of the genre, has recorded his first all-instrumental album, Get It! After making his bones with Atlanta’s legendary Heartfixers in the early eighties as the heir apparent to Freddie King, Ellis bolted in 1988 to go solo and cut a broad swath through the second blues revival and beyond with 11 singular disks.
Ellis is a deeply expressive, soulful vocalist and his “voice” is everywhere in the guise of his guitar on the eight original tracks and two hip covers, in addition to the bass on five numbers. Kevin McKendree (keyboards), Lynn Williams (drums) and Ted Pecchio (bass on 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10) provide grease, groove and gusto throughout as Ellis rejects gratuitous flash in favor of brilliantly composed riffs, melodies, and a wide range of rich, sensuous tones.
On Get it!, Tinsley Ellis has created a modern masterpiece with equal appeal to guitarists and all music fans. By opting for pure, classic tones on a selection of axes straight into a Fender Deluxe with few effects for a sound depending more on his heart, mind and fingers rather than technology, he has turned steel strings stretched across a wooden body into an electric magic wand to cast a timeless musical spell. An uncompromising artist with the talent and integrity to back it up, he remains the epitome of taste, tone and technique.
More info... |
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McCrary Sisters :: ALL THE WAY |
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McC Records proudly announces the release of the McCrary Sisters (Ann, Deborah, Regina and Alfreda) CD, All The Way, on April 30, the follow-up to their 2011 debut CD, Our Journey. Produced by Kevin McKendree and Tommy Sims, the album's 12 tracks include 10 McCrary Sister originals plus stunning re-imaginings of Tom Hambridge/Gary Nicholson's "Skin Deep" and Bonnie Bishop/Jimmy Wallace's, "Right Where You Are."
All The Way tells of the continuation of the McCrary Sisters' journey. Gospel/soul/funk/R&B, however you want to define it, the McCrary Sisters' songs, "tell of loving and living life, and keeping a positive attitude through all that life brings” says Ann McCrary.
The McCrary Sisters were raised in harmony, singing at home and at their father's church. The daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary - one of the original members of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, music is a birthright, a lifelong love affair, a sometimes career, an indescribable joy, and occasionally, a cross to bear.
The sisters each have incredible resumes reaching over genres and generations. While bloodlines and resumes are all well and good, nothing can prepare you for the experience of hearing the McCrary Sisters live, though All The Way may be the next best thing. No words can describe the power, and passion and pure soulfulness of the McCrary Sisters - Ann, Deborah, Regina, and Alfreda.
More info... |
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ROWAN BLUES AND JAZZ SOCIETY
CELEBRATES 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL |
Homemade Jamz Blues Band at present and still serious
The Rowan Blues & Jazz Society is celebrating its 15th annual Rowan Blues and Jazz Festival, October 19, 2pm-11pm at 200 West Fisher Street in historic downtown Salisbury, North Carolina.
This year’s headliners will be the most requested performers of the past 15 years. Jazz trumpeter, Joe Robinson (below lt), is bringing up-and-coming jazz vocalists to the big stage. The award-winning Homemade Jamz Blues Band (current pic above and early pic at bottom), will be performing selections from their new CD.
 This festival will be a reunion for fans and musicians who meet annually in Salisbury and support the Rowan Blues and Jazz Society. The society plans to show appreciation by returning to its roots — free general admission. Tickets are available for limited reserved VIP seating and may be purchased online here.
Preceding the music will be the Jackie Torrence Storytelling Festival from 11am-1pm. Storyteller Beverly Burnett, president of the NC Association of Black Storytellers, will facilitate this event for children of all ages. Gates open at 1pm for the Blues and Jazz Festival.
Mini Funk Factory, Overton Elementary School’s band, will kick off the festival at 2pm. They will march onto the festival ground to the cadence of sounds reminiscent of New Orleans. Do not miss the performance of Rowan County’s first elementary school marching band. Arts, crafts and international food vendors will be on site. Bring your own comfortable chair and a blanket or wrap. This is a family-friendly and handicap-accessible event with activities for all ages. No pets or coolers allowed. For more information concerning sponsorships or volunteering opportunities: www.rowanbluesandjazz.org. |
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B.B. KING TO LAUNCH LINE OF
SIGNATURE WINES IN THE US |
B.B. King, the "King of Blues," teams with Votto Vines Importing to develop a nationwide wine program. wines bearing his name across the United States. The Rock and Roll and Blues Hall of Famer will debut the B.B. King Signature Collection in the strategic markets of Memphis and Nashville with roll-out planned to the B.B. King’s Blues Clubs and in retail stores, wine bars and music clubs throughout the country.
Exemplifying the grace and elegance of the blues, the B.B. King Signature Collection represents the tradition, quality and excellence of B.B. King and his music. At 87 years old, B.B. King has won over 15 Grammy awards, has performed in 88 countries and still frequently tours all over the world. With hundreds of performances throughout Europe under his belt, the emerging region of Spain was selected as the source for this signature collection. A fitting choice for the wines of one of the most-beloved musicians of all time, Spain was also the host of the original all-star “Guitar Legends” concert series, which in 1991 gathered and celebrated 27 of the world’s best guitarists, including B.B. King, over five days of completely sold out shows.
 The B.B. King Signature Collection will be comprised of a red wine and a white wine for music fans and wine lovers alike. Both wines are sourced from the award winning Bodega Santa Cruz Winery, which has been producing wine for over 60 years and is located in the up-and-coming D.O. wine region of Almansa, Spain. B.B. King Signature Collection Red 2010 is a Crianza blend made from Garnacha, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and B.B. King Signature Collection White 2011 is comprised of 100% Verdejo grapes. Both wines are food friendly and meant to be enjoyed as everyday drinking wines.
The wines will first launch in Memphis and Nashville, and soon thereafter the B.B. King Signature Collection will be available through select national, regional, local and online outlets. The suggested retail price of the wines is $13.99. |
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TOMMY CASTRO'S "WIN A CABIN FOR TWO" CONTEST
WILL HELP BLUES FOUNDATION'S HALL OF FAME |
Enter to Win a Cabin for Two on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #22. The cabin is an Oceanview Category D valued at $4250!
Purchase tickets HERE or at Tommy’s shows throughout the rest of 2013. REMEMBER: To be entered in the drawing, you MUST enter “Tommy Castro Blues Cruise Raffle” in the “Referred By” box on the donation form if entering online.
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STRESS LESS - CELEBRATE BYRON BAY BLUESFEST’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY DOWN UNDER IN 2014! |
Bluesfest, Australia’s multi-award winning and international renowned blues and roots festival is this weekend and if you are not there, now is the perfect time to plan for the 25th annual Bluesfest in 2014!
Taking place over the Easter Long Weekend at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm in Byron Bay on Australia’s east coast, Bluesfest is an amazing opportunity to experience some of the world’s top musical masters in one of the world’s most picturesque settings.
This weekend's lineup includes an incredible array of artists who are on track to deliver another red-hot festival experience. Recent Grammy award recipients Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Cliff and Bonnie Raitt are performing, internationally renowned icons Paul Simon, Robert Plant, Ben Harper and Santana are on the schedule, with many more acclaimed and upcoming artists ready to take the stage.
When guests are not enjoying the massive names in music at Bluesfest, Byron Bay is a place of outstanding natural beauty waiting to be explored. Long an escape destination for Australians this small, relaxed, chic seaside town with glorious beaches provides an ideal location to wind down after a long weekend of music festival indulgence!
For more information about packages to the event, contact Down Under Answers. 800-889-1464
*The Blues Festival Guide is going to Byron Bay Blues Fest in 2014… Please come with us! Call Linda/Down Under Answers to find out about special group rates for our blues family. |
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EARL THOMAS & FRIENDS RAISED THE ROOF IN GENERAL! |
Earl Thomas making things happen in a big (Photos: Marilyn Stringer)
M.A.Haskell reports in on Earl Thomas' stellar "Raise The Roof" concert last weekend...
 The opening notes of Tom Poole's (left) trumpet playing "Christo Redempto" (a Charlie Musselwhite song) made my seven-hour journey to Redwood City, CA all worthwhile, Sunday, March 24, for the Raise the Roof Concert. It was a solemn opening, perfectly engineered for the heartfelt motive behind the show to raise funds for the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis, TN. The crowd was reverently hushed during this song, almost church-like, but that quiet did not last as the set of performers revolved through a huge assemblage of Blues superstars. Most memorable was Greg Nagy's version of "Reconsider Baby," Sista' Monica's (below right) two song set and show host, Earl Thomas' finale.
 Chef Jimi (Blues411) proved his emcee valor with plenty of banter and set the pace perfectly with all star videos filling in during the set changes. Saxophonist Keith Crossan opened the second show with a song called "Clemency," another ingenious beginning for the capacity crowd.
 Many attendees stayed for both shows and were delighted by the diversity. Harp players Aki Kumar and Kyle Rowland (left, l-r) amused the audience with their theatrical rivalry. Both players excelled in this undertaking and seemed to be having the most fun of all. Kenny Neal stepped up next and brought the house down with his New Orleans sound and spunk. Chicago Bluesmaster Ronnie Baker Brooks and his voracious band kept the momentum up and an all star cast played the finale.
With luck, the Blues Foundation will gain new prospects and the Blues Hall of Fame will become a reality. |
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CALLING ALL STATION MANAGERS & BLUES DEEJAY'S |
 The 11th Annual Blues Festival Guide magazine will once again feature a special section that has listings of radio stations and Internet radio stations that feature blues. The purposes of this Blue Radio Page compilation are many: record companies can send you product for airplay, bands can send demos, promoters can contact DJs about upcoming events, and fans can tune in to your show. Plus you get a free website listing as well as a magazine mailed to you!
The cost of the listing is only $60! To be included in our radio listings, just click on this link, complete the order form as directed and submit payment.
Deadline for the submission of your order with payment is March 15, 2013. Please contact us with any further questions at irene@bluesfestivalguide.com or 775-337-8626.
Thank you! Your friends at the Blues Festival Guide
www.BluesFestivalGuide.com |
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LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
...ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME |
Oct. 18 ~ 25, 2013 Fantasy/Big Easy/Mayan
on Holland America ms Maasdam.
Fort Lauderdale to Key West, New Orleans & Progreso, MX.
SOLD OUT ~ JOIN WAIT LIST!
Jan. 19 ~ 26, 2014 Eastern Caribbean
Ft. Lauderdale, FL to St. Barths, St. Thomas / St. John & Turks and Caicos Bands announced soon!
See www.BluesCruise.com or (816) 753-7979
for reservations & info
You HAVE to experience this at least once in your lifetime! |
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JUNKYARD JUKES, CHARLOTTE BLUES SOCIETY 20TH & MORE... |
 The Magic City Blues Society's first "Junkyard Juke" of 2013 will feature blues diva Candye Kane, Saturday, March 30, 2pm-6pm at the Daniel Day Gallery (3025 6th Ave. S, Birmingham, AL). Admission is $12 and it's BYOB and your own chair. The gallery will have paintings, photographs and gift items by local artisans on display. Opening will be local band Bourbon and Bleach.
 Sunday April 7th, the Charlotte Blue Society's 20th Anniversary Party will feature The Donna Duncan Band followed by The Sonny Skyyzz Super Jam! The party will be held at the Double Door Inn (1218 Charlottetowne Ave.) Charlotte, NC. Doors open 7pm. $5 for Members, $8 Non-members. There will be a silent auction, raffles, good and great music!
 Correction: Pardon my dyslexia... On April 27, the Ventura County Blues Society will sponsor the Ventura County Blues Festival in Moorpark, CA. Look for more details coming soon.
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Get the Blues Festival Magazine via your local Blues Society! |
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Calling all Blues Societies... |
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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!” We appreciate you...
Your friends at The Blues Festival Guide |
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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 (200 words or less) and logo with "Blues Society News" in subject line to: editor@bluesfestivalguide.com. |
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Raise The Roof: Campaign for Blues Hall of Fame |
YOU can make the Blues Hall of Fame a reality. Your support matters! |
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Attention Blues Fans: Be a Part of Blues History |
For the past 15 months, The Blues Foundation has asked blues fans to help Raise the Roof! Many of you have responded generously. As a result, the Campaign for the Blues Hall of Fame has secured pledges and donations of over $1.5 million dollars. By September, the final plans and drawings will be ready and construction can begin. But construction will begin only if those blues fans who have not yet pledged do so in the next six months.
Be a part of blues history. Do what you can. Help us complete this dream now. Let us have a Grand Opening with B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland with cutting the ribbon!
1. Make a multi-year pledge or donation online
2. Or Mail check to: The Blues Foundation
421 So. Main, Memphis, TN 38104-4464.
3. Or Make a one-time donation by calling 901.527.2583.
For detailed information call or e-mail Jay Sieleman, President & CEO, The Blues Foundation: 901.527.2583 ext. 12 or jay@blues.org
No effort is too small or unappreciated!
If not us, who? If not now, when?
You too can get involved. Email us: Info@BluesFestivalGuide.com
to get logos and links for your website or Facebook |
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JIMI HENDRIX & JOE LOUIS WALKER |
The music industry is experiencing a roots resurgence, and that is a good thing. The old done new, the new done old. Talking about Jack White, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the Black Keys, Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Sharon Jones (below lt), the Alabama Shakes, Robert Randolph…you get the idea.
Then, in the second hour of the program…starting in the Yardbirds, then on to John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes, and a mind-boggling solo career, few players have struck more notes, or done more for the blues, than Eric Clapton (below rt).
Shakin’ it to the roots PLUS a birthday tribute to Eric Clapton.
Next time, in The BluesMobile.
TheBluesMobile.Com!
For a list of stations where you can find BluesMobile Radio
Click Here |
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| To view our entire calendar of more than 500 festivals, click here! |
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ATTENTION:
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS |
LIST YOUR FESTIVAL WITH US
FREE!
Website
E-Guide
Magazine |
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Thursday - Monday
March 28th - April 1st 2013
Byron Bay, Australia |
| | Friday-Saturday
April 5th-6th 2013
Fayetteville, Arkansas USA |
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Friday-Saturday
April 5th-6th 2013
Evansville, Indiana USA |
| | Friday-Sunday
April 5th-7th 2013
Helsinki, Helsinki Finland |
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Friday-Sunday
April 5th-7th 2013
Jacksonville Beach, Florida USA |
| | Saturday
April 6th 2013
Helena, Arkansa USAs |
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Sunday
April 7th 2013
Charleston, South Carolina USA |
| | Sunday
April 7th 2013
St. Paul, Minnesota USA |
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Tuesday-Sunday
April 9th-14th 2013
Basel, Switzerland |
| | Thursday-Sunday
April 11th-14th 2013
Clarksdale, Mississippi USA |
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Friday-Sunday
April 12th-14th 2013
St. Petersburg, Florida USA |
| | Friday-Sunday
April 12th-14th 2013
Detroit, Michigan USA |
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Sunday
April 14th 2013
Kiawah Island, South Carolina USA |
| | Thursday-Sunday
April 18th-21st 2013
Clemson, South Carloina USA |
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Saturday-Sunday
April 20th-21st 2013
Victorville, California USA |
| | Wednesday-Sunday
April 24th-28th 2013
Trondheim, Norway |
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Friday-Saturday
April 26th-27th 2013
Barnesville, Georgia USA |
| | Saturday
April 27th 2013
Moorpark, California USA |
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Roots Blues Airplay Charts |
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 RBA Publishing Inc is based in Reno, Nevada USA. We are woman owned and operated.
We produce the annual Blues Festival Guide magazine (publishing our 11th annual in 2013), affiliated with the top-ranking website: www.BluesFestivalGuide.com, and this weekly blues newsletter: The Blues Festival E-Guide with approximately 28,500 weekly subscribers.
We look forward to your suggestions, critiques and questions. You can reach the E-Guide editor, Michele Lundeen at editor@bluesfestivaleguide.com or michele@bluesfestivalguide.com
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. |
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