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Special BFG Announcements
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It's Here! The 14th Annual Blues Festival Guide
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 Get your copy of 2016 Blues Festival Guide magazine. Click here to order!
Enjoy our feature stories (listed below and via link below) …And of course, hundreds of festivals.
2016 Keeping the Blues Alive Awards – Festival Recipients
Every year, the Blues Foundation presents Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) awards to both an international and a U.S. blues festival, in recognition of their significant contributions to the blues community. This year, honors went to the Cahors Blues Festival and the Chenango Blues Festival.
Oakland’s Walk of Fame Pay Tribute to its 7th Street History
The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame pays tribute to the great musicians, club owners, record companies and related independent business that put 7th Street, Oakland, CA, on the map as a top entertainment destination.
Find more about the cool stories in the new Blues Festival Guide magazine
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Team BFG in Memphis for BMA's & HOF Grand Opening
Members of the Blues Festival Guide team will be in Memphis during for the Blues Music Awards and all the doings surrounding this special wee. They have lots on their agenda but are hoping to be able to say "hello" to you!
Look for (from Lt-Rt) Kaati (publisher) Cheryl O'Grady-Yearnshaw (sales director), Tom Andrews (sales rep). and Belinda Holloway-Harker (BFG rep).
Have yourselves a blues ball in Memphis!
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Promoters! Post Your 2016 Festival Dates
Festival promoters can post their 2016 festival dates on our
top-ranking blues festival website. You don't need your line-up,
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Your final poses with the 13th Annual BFG Magazine
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  Top Lt) The Mighty Org, Memphis IBC Finalist, in Houston before a solo club performance. Photo Donovan Allen©
 Top Rt) The BFG makes it to Egypt! Members of the Baja Blues Festival board visited Cairo. Here's Board member Terri Smith's mother, Mary Johnson, showing off her BFG in front of the pyramids.
Lt) Blues Festival Guide makes it to San Felipe, MX and is being enjoyed by our Distribution Manager's (Heather Penrod-Rudd) water aerobics class. Photo by Heather Penrod-Rudd
*NOTE! The NEW 14th annual edition is being shipped. When you get yours, start snapping photos of you, your friends, artists, etc. with the 2016 Guide! *EMAIL photo plus caption & credit. *Want your own hard copy? Order via our website now!
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We asked for it… you Delivered!
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Soooo.... here are the last of the 13th annual Blues Festival Guide print magazine “Show Your Blues Festival Guide (BFG)” photos.” We ask all year for folks to send in photos with the magazine and somehow we got a bunch all at once this past week! We thought we’d share as much as possible as we bid adieu to the 13th annual issue.
(Here's a sample)
From BFG Sales rep Tom Andrews:
1) Harmonica ace Johnny Sansone (Lt) with BFG sales rep Tom Andrews (Rt). Photo by Willi Cox
2) Bayou Bone Man at the 2016 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival!
3) Deak Harp (Lt) and drummer Lee Williams (Rt)
Find the other final submissions and complete captions here. Thanks y'all!
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Tweed Funk :: COME TOGETHER
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 On April 29, 2016 Tweed Funk will release their 4th album, Come Together, which consists of 10 new original songs. The band made a concerted effort with the new album to focus on writing quality songs as opposed to writing to a formula. Early reviewers are calling this the best Tweed Funk album to date and it is drawing comparisons to late 60s soul icons as well as current artists on Daptone Records.
“But Come Together — incredibly — is its best offering yet. The inspirational and autobiographical ‘Sweet Music’ is on par with Daptone Records soul darlings Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley.” – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Tweed Funk’s new album and direction is a result of their new line-up including veteran Milwaukee touring and session drummer Dave Schoepke as well as multiple Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award winning saxophonist Andrew Spadafora. Additionally, Eric Madunic, who joined the band in 2012...
... Find more details about this release
 "Light Up The Night"
Artist site
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Markey Blue :: THE BLUES ARE KNOCKIN’
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 With their new release, The Blues are Knockin’, Markey Blue takes us on a gratifying trip through several different styles of Blues. After signing a TV publishing deal, the duo was approached to compose several blues-styled songs to be pitched for specific television shows. Within the four days they were given to write, record, mix, master and send out each song, a good part of The Blues are Knockin’ was born. The album explores Delta, Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, Rock and Soul Blues. The creativity and craftsmanship of this duo shines through-out this entire musical journey.
The Blues are Knockin’ has something to offer even the most discriminating blues pallet. From the swampy Delta slide work of Ric Latina on “I’ll Wait for You,” to the traditional Kansas City slow blues of “Worries,”...
... Find more details about this release
"The Blues Is Knockin'"
Artist site
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Tommy McCoy :: 25 YEAR RETROSPECT
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 Tommy McCoy 25 year Retrospect is a 2 CD Blues Anthology from EARWIG Music Co featuring a choice collection from Tommy's 7 domestic CD releases and 4 European imports. There are 3 new cuts in the package as well as his top ten hit, "The King is Gone," a moving tribute to the late great B.B. King. The album has received worldwide airplay and charting on the Blues Roots chart, the Blues/Rock charts and the International Blues chart.
The song was recorded last year in Athens, Greece, while Tommy was there on tour with Theodore Alexiou. Also, prevalent guests on Tommy's 25 year Retrospect include Levon Helm and Garth Hudson of The Band fame, Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon of Double Trouble reknown, as well as Commander Cody, Lucky Peterson and Tony Coleman of The BB King Band. ...Find more about this release
"The King Is Gone'"
Artist site
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What’s New at Gator by the Bay Festival in San Diego, CA
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 SAN DIEGO, CA - Now in its 15th year, San Diego’s Gator By the Bay, May 5-8, 2016, has become a wildly popular San Diego festival tradition, known for presenting an eclectic mix of musical styles and a fun-filled atmosphere. Wander among the festival’s seven stages at Spanish Landing Park, and you can listen---and, of course, dance--- to over 90 performances of everything from authentic Louisiana Cajun and zydeco music to Chicago and West Coast Blues, from Latin to rockabilly and swing---and more! This year, several new experiences are sure to add to the historically high level of enjoyment.
For starters, the stellar lineup includes blues greats Roy Rogers, Curtis Salgado, John Nemeth, Kid Andersen, Rick Estrin, Sugaray Rayford, Kid Ramos, and a host of others.
...Find more about Gator By The Bay
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Ghost Town Blues Band Will Perform Over 20 North American Festivals in 2016
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 With a shoot-from-the-hip Memphis attitude, and a STAX-busting explosion of modern blues vision, GTBB represents a welcome changing of the guard." -Living Blues.
MEMPHIS, TN - Beale Street’s latest success story, BBMA 2015 Nominee for “Best Blues Band” and 2014 International Blues Challenge Runner-up is Ghost Town Blues Band. Not your grandpa’s blues band, their live show has been captivating audiences in the U.S. and Canada with a second-line horn entrance, cigar box guitars and electric push brooms to Allman Brothers style jams and even a hip-hop trombone player.
Horns, harmonies and homegrown instruments combined with an energetic and roots rich festival set makes Ghost Town Blues Band one of the “must see live bands on the festival circuit today.” Both Preston McEwen behind the drums and Matt Karner on the bass guitar are a punishing rhythm section behind multi-instrumentalist/frontman Matt Isbell with raunchy cigar box guitar licks and raspy "Dr. John-like, whiskey and gravel-soaked vocals."
...Find more about the Ghost Town Blues Band
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Lloyd “Have Mercy” Jones is “Doin’ What It Takes” - Across the country and around the world!
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 After more than 40 years recording, touring and writing songs covered by such artists as Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Coco Montoya, Joe Louis Walker, and Curtis Salgado, Jones looks forward to bringing his unique brand of deep blues, swampified soul, and New Orleans funkstivity to another season of festivals. From Seattle, WA to Denmark, returning to NY, NY, through Philly, Ohio and back to the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland , OR and on south through California, there is no stopping this winner of over 30 music awards.
“When I heard Jones live for the first time, it was like exhaling after holding my breath for fifteen years” – Delbert McClinton
“You know who’s really great is this guy Lloyd Jones from Portland, OR” - Robert Cray
Find more about Lloyd Jones
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Ghost of The Blues …a rollicking Blues Musical in Memphis May 6
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 MEMPHIS, TN - Ghost of The Blues will be appearing in Memphis at The Orpheum Theatre on Friday May 6th, 2016, the day after the BMA’s.
All of our blues society members and blues lovers who wish to attend the show, are encouraged to use the promo code “BMA” to receive a $10.00 discount on each ticket purchased.
In addition to your discount a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Blues Foundation General Fund, earmarked to assist their worthy causes to keep the blues alive!
Ghost of The Blues is a rollicking blues musical celebrating the music we all love and the legends who made it famous.
The show stars three BMA winners in Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters, ... Find more about the Ghost of The Blues
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Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brian Setzer, Aaron Neville & Kenny Wayne Shepherd to Headline the Doheny Blues Festival, May 21-22
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 DANA POINT, CA – Celebrating 19 years of Blues on the Beach, the Doheny Blues Festival is proud to present an incredible lineup of talent for its annual weekend of music, slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 21st & 22nd. The nationally recognized festival will be headlined by Southern Rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot, New Orleans icon Aaron Neville, and blues-rock guitar prodigy Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, performing on three stages at the beachfront venue of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA. Tickets on sale now.
Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre California State Park, has been home to the Doheny Blues Festival for nineteen consecutive years. Attendees can enjoy this inviting festival layout with breathtaking harbor views, highlighted by three stages of alternating music.
...Find more about the Doheny Blues Festival
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Blues Music Awards just a week away!
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MEMPHIS, TN – The Blues Foundation annual Blues Music Awards will be presented at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Purchase tables and single seats ...If you haven't done it, book your room at the Sheraton Hotel.
As a reminder, here is the list of Nominees.
There will be a ton of things to see and hear while in the area during BMA week not to mention the star-studded awards ceremony!
Click here for just a bit of the tentative Schedule of Events ...
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The Talkin'Blues Podcast with Mako Funasaka
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CLICK IMAGE FOR PODCAST
Intro from Mako Funasaka:
"Omar Tunnoch is the bass player and one of the principle songwriters of Fathead - a [Canadian] band who have won two Juno awards in the Best Blues band category. He is also an amazing painter who has a vivid imagination for the things he captures. And he loves his pet reptiles. In this
interview, Omar talks about his music and his art, and shares his knowledge
of reptiles. (Music: "Leaving" by Steve Strongman. Special thanks to Omar Tunnoch, Bruce Greenaway and Gary Vaughan.)"
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More info on Mako Funasaka and his Talkin'Blues home page
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Legendary R&B Cruise News
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Limited Cabins Remain for the LRBC #27 Southeastern Caribbean, Oct 29-Nov 5, 2016... Act now!
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WHICH CRUISE HITS YOUR GROOVE?
Visit www.BluesCruise.com
or call (816) 753-7979
LRBC #27 Southeastern Caribbean, Oct. 29-Nov. 5, 2016
LIMITED CABINS REMAIN!!
San Juan, Puerto Rico to the exotic islands of Barbados, Dominica, Grenada & Guadeloupe on the Celebrity Summit. Buddy Guy (3 shows), Taj Mahal & Phantom Blues Band, Keb’ Mo’, Los Lobos, John Hammond, Tommy Castro & LRBR, Kenny Neal, Ana Popovic, Shemekia Copeland, Trampled Under Foot Reunion, Roomful Of Blues, Southern Hospitality, Tinsley Ellis, Johnny Rawls, Lil' Ed, Super Chikan, Albert Castiglia, Rudy Rotta Band, Edent Brent, Chubby Carrier, Victor Wainwright, Lee Oskar, Nick Moss & many more!
 LRBC #28 Eastern Caribbean, Jan. 22-29, 2017
SOLD OUT. Join Waitlist!
Ft. Lauderdale to St. Maarten, St. John USVI & Dominican Republic on Holland Aerica’s new ms Koningsdam. Taj Mahal, Irma Thomas, The Lowrider Band, JJ Grey & Mofro, Tommy Castro & The LRBC w/ Billy Branch, Ron Thompson & Tasha Taylor, Tab Benoit, Ruthie Foster, Walter Trout, Terrance Simien, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Muddy On The Waters w/ The Nighthawks, Mud Morganfield & Bob Margolin, Curtis Salgado, California Honeydrops, Danielle Nicole Band, Jarekus Singleton & many more!
NOTE: If you need help, please email or visit Booking FAQs or call (816) 753-7979 to join. Visit reservations.bluescruise.com
Info: WEBSITE or 816-753-7979 or 888-BLUESIN' ~ Need help?: EMAIL
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LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
313 Lawrence Ave., Kansas City, MO
More then a cruise! More Than You Can Imagine!
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Remembering Little Walter Jacobs
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April 30-May 1, 2016 Radio Show: BMA pre-Awards Show
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The Blues Music Awards are the Oscars of the Blues World. The annual big fun happens in Memphis on May 5th. Awards will be handed out, and nominees will play live. The nominees include Shemekia Copeland, the Cash Box Kings, James Harman, the Cedric Burnside Project, Wee Willie Walker, and more. Join Elwood Blues for a pre-show Awards show.
The Blues Music Awards. Behind the envelopes, next time in the Bluesmobile.
 TheBluesMobile.Com
For a list of stations where you can find BluesMobile Radio Click Here
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~ Birthdays of note through next week:
April 29-Big Jay McNeely (1927), Otis Rush (1935), Frankie Lee (1941); April 30-Rev. Gary Davis (1896), Mabel Scott (1915), Frankie Lee Sims (1917), Jimmy Lee Robinson (1931); May 1- Big Maybelle Smith (1924), Little Walter Jacobs (1930); May 3 Homesick James (1914), James Brown (1933); May 5 Blind Willie McTell (1901), Johnnie Taylor (1934); May 8 Joe Bonamassa (1977), Robert Johnson (1911)
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If you missed your latest (or any) copy of the Weekly e-Guide,
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Roots Blues Airplay Charts (click chart for links to sample tracks)
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We'd like your Face in our Book
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 Hey blues lovers!Then please drop on by and
"LIKE" us
to get a daily dose of
what doesn't always fit here!
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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 ON OUR
WEBSITE FOR FREE HERE
To ensure that your festival also appears here in the e-Guide Festival Calender and is highlighted, EMAIL |
Not all upcoming blues festivals are listed here at certain times of the year due to space constraints. Unless highlighted, festivals are no longer inked due to increasing spam
For a complete list and links see our comprehensive website.
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NOTE: Highlighted/Linked Fests here
are paid "Featured" ads
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New Orleans Jazz
& Heritage Fest
Apr-22-2016 - May-01-2016
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Lehigh River Blues Jam
Apr-29-2016 - Apr-30-2016
Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Ventura County Blues Festival
Apr-30-2016
Camarillo, California, USA
Gator By The Bay
May-05-2016 - May-08-2016
San Diego, California, USA
MerleJam
May-07-2016 - May-08-2016
Kansas City, MO, Kansas, USA
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Topanga Blues Festival
May-07-2016
Los Angeles, California, USA
New England Blues Summit
May-13-2016 - May-15-2016
Hyannis, Massachusetts, USA
Stomp The Blues Out of Homlessness Festival
May-21-2016
Springfield, Missouri, USA
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| | For all festival links
please go to our website
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Carolina Blues Festival
May-21-2016
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
Doheny Blues Festival
May-21-2016 - May-22-2016
Dana Point, California, USA
Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival, 21st Annual
May-27-2016 - May-29-2016
Silver City, New Mexico, USA
B.B. King Museum's
Homecoming Festival
May-28-2016
Indianola, Mississippi, USA
Simi Valley Cajun &
Blues Music Festival
May-28-2016 - May-29-2016
Simi Valley, California, USA
T-Bone Walker Blues Fest, Inc.
Jun-03-2016 - Jun-04-2016
Longview, Texas, 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, affiliated with the top-ranking website, and this weekly blues newsletter: The Blues Festival E-Guide, with approximately 30,000 weekly subscribers.
We look forward to your suggestions, critiques and questions. Reach our E-Guide editor, Michele Lundeen via EMAIL.
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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