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Greetings from your Editor...
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 Last week I mentioned about peace, compassion and brotherhood. The very next day I saw a poignant Facebook image post I loved that read, "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always." I didn't realize at the time how even more meaningful it would become over the next few days. Sunday evening the son of a very close friend of mine took his own life. The news has been completely devastating for all that knew this bright, loving man.
Let's remind ourselves to be kind, always. Life is too short to hold grudges or be judgmental about some petty thing we think someone is doing because they might be grumpy, or even because they look a certain way. It's not so hard to offer just a simple smile or even a shoulder if needed.
I know singer/songwriter Lawrence Lebo as a BFG client but just recently I discovered, as did many via Facebook, that this vibrant entertainer has lived with a pacemaker in her heart for 12 years and it had worn out. She's been fighting a battle we knew nothing about. She had surgery just today and is doing well ...so far, so good. Last week when I'd asked what your favorite holiday songs were, I was pleased when someone named Tom shared, "Lawrence Lebo - "I'm Your Christmas Present Baby." Enjoy.
Cheryl Brezina wrote, "My very favorite blues Christmas album is entitled, Santa Claus Blues (JASS Records). I have given copies as gifts to many of my blues-lovin friends over the year. Well worth the investment. My favorites are "Zat You, Santa" (Louis Armstrong), "Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney (Ella Fitzgerald) and "What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everyone Swingin'?) (Louis Prima And His New Orleans Gang)."
"I read your article and saw your request for our favorite holiday tune," writes John in Houston, "and well, I couldn't reduce it any further than these twelve and here's why... " For starters he shares, "All I Want for Christmas Is to Lay Around and Love On You" (Chick Willis) Ichiban Blues At Christmas Vol. 1 (sets the tone for an evening full of smooth talking, slow walking, Scotch sipping good times)." Due to limited space here you'll have to check back next week to see John's entire list with his cool descriptions.
Blues Birthdays of Note: Dec 12 Joe Williams (1918), Lonesome Sundown (1928), Dec 13 Lucky Peterson (1964), Dec 15 Andrew “Big Voice” Odom (1936), Dec 17 James Booker (1939), Paul Butterfield (1942), Dec 18 Pee Wee Crayton (1914), Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson (1917), Lonnie Brooks (1933), Peg Leg Sam (1911), Rod Piazza (1947), Dec 19 Professor Longhair (aka Henry Roeland Byrd) (1918)
Talk to ya next week! Your ever-grateful editor,
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Send us fave photos with the Annual BFG Magazine
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Here's Ruthie Foster (2nd from left at table), her band (cw) Hadden Sayers, Samantha Banks, Scottie Miller and Tanya Richardson (and friends) having fun aboard the Oct 2013 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.
Photo: Kaati
You can enjoy the magazine in digital format! Click on cover at right to check out the online digital version!
Want a hard copy to have and to hold? Check with your local blues society or look for one at a blues festival or find order information here. ...
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Port City Prophets :: MULE
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 Mule, the full-length, debut album from South Carolina’s Port City Prophets, is dripping with sweat and blood. With a sound born in the marshlands of South Carolina, this is what authentic Low-country blues and soul sounds like. After 3 years of earning a reputation for incredible live performances, the desire for a studio album to capture the Prophet’s sound was fulfilled. Mule was recorded on James Island, South Carolina between the swamp and a 1000 year old oaks.
 "Close Your Eyes" |
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Deb Ryder :: MIGHT JUST GET LUCKY
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 When a fresh new voice appears with a combination of power, grace, emotional depth and individuality, it is cause to celebrate. Deb Ryder, from Southern California by way of Chicago, shines like a bright ray from the new rising sun as an extraordinary singer, composer and producer on her debut album, Might Just Get Lucky. Her ten varied original songs are propelled by the hot and cool grooving rhythm section of her husband Ric Ryder and Paul Kennedy (bass) and Brad Swanson (drums). Additional propulsion is provided by Kirk Fletcher and Albert Lee along with Dave Dills and David Skar (guitars), James McVay (Dobro), Greg Hilfman, Eric Lynn and Mo Beeks (keyboards), Gene Rabe (accordion), Larry David and Stan Behrens (harmonica, sax) and Bob Crail (sax). Read more about it here
"Get A Grip"
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Tedeschi Trucks Band at Reno’s Grand Sierra Theatre on Friday, December 13
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 Grand Sierra Resort and Another Planet Presents are pleased to announce the Tedeshi Trucks Band will be performing at the Grand Sierra Theatre in Reno on Friday, December 13 at 8pm.
Tedeschi Trucks Band is an 11-member collective that thrills audiences worldwide with its transcendent live performances and award-winning albums. Formed in 2010 by husband and wife Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Tedeschi Trucks Band features two harmony singers, a three-piece horn section, keyboards, bass and a pair of drummers.
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Buddy Guy, Michael McDonald & Irma Thomas Headline 20th Tampa Bay Blues Festival
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 The Tampa Bay Blues Festival returns to the sunny shores of Tampa Bay on April 11, 12, & 13, 2014. This festival will be our 20th year anniversary and we have a spectacular line up of blues talent – Michael McDonald, Buddy Guy, Irma Thomas, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tommy Castro, James Hunter, Coco Montoya, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Shemekia Copeland and others round out three great days of "Blues by the Bay."
We have advance purchase discount VIP packages with front stage seating, free drinks and food and a large shade tent. The festival also features a Kick-Off Party on Thursday night and two After-Shows at the historic Palladium Theater on Friday and Saturday following the shows. Read complete details here... |
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Curtis Salgado, Blind Boys of Alabama & Maria Muldaur Headline 2014 Blast Furnace Blues
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 Festival, set for Feb. 7-9, features 20 blues artists over three days2013 Blues Music Awards Entertainer of the Year Curtis Salgado, multi-Grammy Award winners the Blind Boys of Alabama and Maria Muldaur & the Midnight Scramble headline three scorchin’ days of the blues during the Blast Furnace Blues Festival presented by Highmark Blue Shield Feb. 7-9, 2014 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Other performers who’ll take the stage include Grammy winners BeauSoleil; Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens; Candye Kane and Southern Hospitality, featuring lap steel guitar master Damon Fowler, guitarist extraordinaire J.P. Soars and keyboard wizard Victor Wainwright. On Feb. 7, Blast Furnace Blues will kick off with a night of local blues greats including the Sarah Ayers Band, James Supra Band, Dugan Thomas Band and the BC Combo.
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2014 Grammy Nominees Just Announced
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 So, I'm scrolling and scrolling... past Best Dance, Rock, Metal, Pop, Alternative, Rap, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Americana, even Best Latin...and finally I get to the basement, yes, the foundation... I get to the Blues category! Best Blues Album:
- Remembering Little Walter Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia & James Harman Label: Blind Pig Records - Get Up! Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite Label: Stax - Seesaw Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa Label: J&R Adventures *Other categories that include some fine roots/blues artists:
Track from: Songbook Label: Rounder
- Songbook Allen Toussaint Label: Rounder
Winners will be announced at the Grammy Awards Celebration held on January 26, 2014 at The Staples Center in Los Angeles.
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Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brook's 80th Birthday Bash
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 On Saturday, December 21, 2013 House of Blues-Chicago will host a gathering of friends, family, and lovers of the blues in celebration of Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks' 80 years of life and such a profound impact on one of Chicago's most celebrated genres.
The event will feature a blowout lineup of special guest performances including: Dan Aykroyd: Master Of Ceremonies, Big Head Todd, Otis Clay, Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater, Jimmy Vivino (Conan O’Brien Show), Jimmy Johnson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Wayne Baker Brooks, and more. "This will be the party of the year!" said Michelle Boone, Commissioner of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The concert will be preceded by a private meet and greet with Lonnie Brooks and special guests.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to Lonnie Brooks and the release of a new album in 2014. Lonnie was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame by The Blues Foundation in 2010 For more information on this event visit here.
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Blues Foundation News:
35th Blues Music Award Nominees Announced
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 The Blues Foundation is pleased to announce the nominations for the annual Blues Music Awards, which we will present at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, TN, on Thursday, May 8, 2014. The Blues Music Awards are universally recognized as the highest accolade afforded musicians and songwriters in Blues music. The annual Blues Music Awards ceremony is the premier event for Blues professionals, musicians, and fans from all over the world.
Tickets for the Award show go on sale December 16. Blues Foundation members are the only fans who vote to decide which nominees will actually take home the Blues Music Award. Of course, anyone can become a member!
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Help Erect an Overdue Tombstone for Mamie Smith
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 Writer Michael Cala has started an INDIEGOGO campaign to raise approximately $3000 to erect a headstone on Staten Island for blues singer Mamie Smith (1883-1946), who recorded the first blues by an African-American, "Crazy Blues," in August, 1920. It was also the first time an all African American band backed an African American singer on record. Mamie Smith's recording of Perry Bradford's "Crazy Blues" in 1920 opened the record label floodgates for countless other African American blues and jazz artists. She has been lying in an unmarked grave for 67 years and Michael is trying to change that. He is asking for help -- financial or promotional -- to make this a reality before year 68 rolls around. You can donate at here.NOTE: The campaign is limited in time so donate today.
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Gift the Gift of Music to a Child via Alabama Blues Project
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 The Alabama Blues Project invites you to join them in presenting their award-winning After-School and Summertime Blues Camps. The blues camps, now in their 16th year, continue to expand in the number of students who have the opportunity to learn harmonica, vocals, guitar and percussion from some of the state's best blues musicians. They make a special efforts to reach at-risk children who greatly benefit from the ability to express creativity through music. Many will not be able to attend camp though without the help of individuals like yourself. Please consider giving the gift of music this season by sponsoring a child for a semester for $150 or a year for $300. Please give the gift of music this holiday season by donating to the Alabama Blues Project! ...
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Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
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The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise is the world's only
fully chartered blues cruise, sailing twice annually.
Jan. 19~26, 2014 Eastern Caribbean:
SOLD OUT! Visit this link to join the Waitlist or call (816) 753-7979.
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Oct. 4~11, 2014 Mexican Riviera:
Pre-Book now! Click for info and to place your Pre-Book Deposit of $250 per cabin. Artist Lineup and Cabin Pricing coming soon!
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Jan. 18~25, 2015 Western Caribbean:
LRBC #24 Pre-Sail is SOLD OUT! Due to an overwhelming response we will no longer be accepting for the January 2015 Blues Cruise.
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LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
313 Lawrence Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
For reservations & info see:
More Than A Cruise... More Than A Festival... More Than You Can Imagine!
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...More Blues Society Christmas Parties
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 Saturday Dec 14, the Toronto Blues Society Christmas Party will take place at the Eaton Chelsea Monarchs Pub (Toronto, Ontario Canada) starting at 9pm. Christmas cookies will be served and entertainment will be provided by the great Jerome Godboo Band. The TBS Annual General Meeting is open to current Charter Members and will take place at 7pm in the *New Location* Carlyle Room on the 3rd floor (signs will be posted). The Volunteer Appreciation will begin at 8:30pm. _________________________________________________________________
 Thursday, Dec 19, The Central Valley Blues Society will be having our Annual "Santa Hats & Sunglasses"Xmas party at the Babylon Club with favorite Blues Master, Ron Thompson & His Resistors. 6 to 9pm. No Cover, wear your Santa hats. sunglasses, ugly Xmas Sweater or other Xmas garb! Come out an be part of the Annual Xmas Photo. Check out this link to past photos. The Babylon Club is located in Fresno's (California) Historic Tower District.
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Back in the seventies, Harrison Kennedy was part of the soul music powerhouse, Chairmen of the Board. But then he went back to the blues. Way back to the blues. Banjo, Mandolin, Harmonica. Growling vocals.
The roots of the blues with Harrison Kennedy... Next time, in the Bluesmobile.
For a list of stations where you can find BluesMobile Radio
Click Here
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Paul Butterfield... "Slow Down"
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Did you know that I do Custom Comic Strips and Comic Pages as gifts?
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Roots Blues Airplay Charts
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To view our entire calendar of more than 500 festivals, click here! |
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ATTENTION:
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS
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LIST YOUR FESTIVAL WITH US FREE!
Website - E-Guide - Magazine
If you host or know of a Blues Festival & don't see here or in our online listings...
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FOR TONS MORE FESTIVAL LISTINGS SEE OUR COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITE
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Friday
December 13th 2013
Reno, Nevada USA
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| | Thursday-Sunday
January 16th-26th 2014
Coral Gables, Florida USA
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Sunday-Sunday
January 19th-26th 2014
Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA
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| | Friday - Saturday
January 17th - 18th, 2014
Cherokee, Iowa USA
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Friday - Saturday
January 24th - February 1st 2014
Ferndale, Michigan USA
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| | Saturday
February 1st 2014
Mt. Martha, Victoria Australia
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Friday-Saturday
February 7th-8th 2014
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania USA
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| | Friday-Sunday
February 7th-9th 2014
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania USA
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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.
Contact our home office to find out how to advertise in this e-weekly newsletter. Call 775-337-8344.
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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You should have a timer on here so you could see how long it ook me to write and send this while waiting fpor the Autosave
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