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Back from the LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
9ou never really forget your first time, do you? I certainly won't forget my first time....on the LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE. It made quite the impression. And not just on me, consider for a moment that 65 % of the cruisers on this week long voyage are return cruisers. That statistic is just amazing. 65% and if money and/or schedule allowed, the number probably would have been higher.
This annual January pilgrimage has been a sell-out for years. And it's usually sold out by May. That's right, 7 months in advance it sells out.
In response to customer demand, the good folks at the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise office have added a second cruise, this time in the fall visiting ports of call in Mexico. 2006 was the inaugural fall cruise. It lasted 4 days, and because cruisers complained, the 2007 fall cruise has been extended to one week, just like the January cruise.
I would agree, 4 days wouldn't be long enough. In fact, I wish my cruise could have lasted a few more days. I wasn't ready to give up my life of blues luxury. It's no wonder the website for the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise www.bluescruise.com includes a timer that counts the days, hours and minutes until the next cruise. My internal clock is doing the same.
So blues fans take my advise, you must try it. A couple hundred bucks now will hold your cabin, for either the January or the October cruise. Find the money, find the time, and you will find blues nirvana. No kidding.
Your E-Guide editor,
Nancy Edwards
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JUNIOR WELLS : : Live at Theresa's 1975
From the same label that brought you Hoodoo Man Blues, Southside Blues Jam and On Tap now comes the first live Junior Wells album on Delmark and the only one recorded at Theresa's Tavern where Junior held court during the 1970s. Similar to the highly successful Otis Rush, All Your Love I Miss Loving, Live at Wise Fools Pub, Live at Theresa's 1975 was recorded by Ken Rasek and was partially aired on local radio station WXRT. The band features three of the best guitar players of the time; Phil Guy, Byther Smith and Sammy Lawhorn. Junior's stage patter between songs is absolutely priceless! Ten Junior songs include "Snatch It Back and Hold It", "Little By Little", "Messin' With The Kid", "Come On In This House", "Juke".
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TOMMY CASTRO : : Painkiller
Tommy is one of the most popular and creative roots artists to emerge in recent years. Teamed here with esteemed producer John Porter (Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Santana, B.B. King, Elvis Costello, Buddy Guy), Tommy has crafted a killer collection of new tunes in his signature rock 'n' soul style.
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Enter this contest and win!
If you live in one of the following cities, you could win a complimentary ticket for two to an advance movie screening of BLACK SNAKE MOAN
Atlanta
Austin
Baltimore
Boston
Charlotte
Chicago
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Houston
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Memphis
Miami
Milwaukee
Minneapolis
Montreal
Nashville
New Orleans
New York
Norfolk
Orlando
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Pittsburgh
Portland
Sacramento
San Antonio
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
St. Louis
Tampa
Toronto
Vancouver
Washington DC
All screenings will take place the week of February 19th.
To enter, send an email to blacksnakemoanscreenings@yahoo.com
Be sure to include your full name, address, phone number and birthdate.
No purchase necessary. Limit one entry per person. While supplies last. All entries must be received by Friday, February 2nd.
Winners will be notified by phone or email. This film is Rated R. No one under 17 will be admitted without parent or guardian.
In theaters Friday, February 23rd www.moanmovie.com For the movie trailer visit
http://www.indie911.com/black-snake-moan
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BLACK SNAKE MOAN Movie and Soundtrack, full of BLUES
Black Snake Moan stars Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci and Justin Timberlake. Jackson plays a Bluesman and the soundtrack features Charlie Musselwhite, the North Mississippi All-Stars and others in a score created by Scott Bomar, a 2004 Blues Music Award nominee.
In a small Tennessee town, two unlikely souls are about to be lured together at the sticky crossroads between rage and love. Found lying on the side of the road, beaten and nearly dead, is Rae (Christina Ricci), a 22 year old who has developed a reputation around town for having an insatiable "itch" for sex. Her rescuer is Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson), an ex-blues guitarist who has grown used to lifes relentless strains of trouble and sorrow. Desperate for a change himself, Lazarus holds Rae prisoner, and sets out to "cure" her of her wicked ways. But to get to the deep, dark bottom of Rae's mystery, Lazarus will first have to face the demons that reside in both their hearts, especially when Raes one true love Ronnie (Justin Timberlake), a Guardsman who was supposed to be headed for Iraq, comes looking for her. Against its Southern gothic background, "Black Snake Moan" unfolds in raw, revealing and ultimately transcendent shades of blue.
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MAC ARNOLD IN SONGWRITING COMPETITION
"Mac Arnold & Plate Full O'Blues entered 3 original songs in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition. We have just been informed that out of 14,000 entries, all THREE of our songs have been advanced to the next round of judging. The finalists will be announced on February 1, 2007 and the winners will be announced in March, 2007."
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FIRST ISSUE OF "HERE'S CLARKSDALE!" MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE...
It's the "Monthly Magazine of Clarksdale Culture" put out by Clarksdalian Bubba O'Keefe and his hardworking staff, Laura Barnaby and James Tootle. You can pick it up for free at Cat Head and many local businesses/clubs/hotels. OR... you can download it for free at http://www.heresclarksdale.com The inaugural issue features a cover story on Helen Sugg Aderholt of the original WROX radio station and the original "Here's Clarksdale" magazine as well as articles on Red's Lounge, The Ranchero Restaurant and more... Plus guides to local restaurants, hotels, blues clubs, civic groups and more. The mag looks, reads and feels great... and gets a full Cat Head "thumbs up!"
-From our friend and entrepreneur Roger Stolle, proprietor of Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art Inc. in Clarksdale, MS.
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International Blues Challenge -- The World's Largest Gathering of Blues Bands
The days of waiting until the last minute to make plans for attending the IBC, well those days just might be over. This event has become so popular and well attended, that the "baby blue" passes and "big blue" passes are sold out. Individual tickets are not sold to the opening reception, panels, keynote luncheon or the KBA Awards.
Wristbands will be sold on Beale Street for the Semifinals on Thursday ($10) and Friday ($15). Tickets to the Band Finals on Saturday afternoon ($27) are available directly from the Orpheum Theater. Tickets for the Solo/Duo finals at the New Daisy Theater, if available, will be sold at the door that night. If you aren't there, here is what you'll be missing: The 2007 International Blues Challenge will see a record number of acts from a record number of places once again. The number of competing acts has more than doubled in the past five years, from 69 acts in 2003 to over 150 in 2007. We expect 157 acts from 34 states and eight countries, including first-time entries from Finland and India as well as Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Taiwan and the United States.
17 different clubs and venues all up and down 'ole Beale Street will come to life with the sounds that made Beale Street legendary. Thouands of blues fans and bands will crowd the streets. Delerious from the energy and excitment this event generates.
Janiva Magness and Eden Brent will perform for Big Blue ticket holders. Duke Robillard is playing the Gibson Lounge on Wednesday, January 31.
2004 IBC Band Champion and 2006 Blues Music Award Winner Zac Harmon will be the emcee for the Band Finals Saturday afternoon at the Orpheum Theater. Among those helping out will be Musical Director Scott Bomar (Bo-Keys) who will introduce a trailer for the soon-to-be-released Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) film Black Snake Moan.
Chip Eagle, publisher of Blues Revue and BluesWax will reprise his role as master of ceremonies at the New Daisy Saturday night.
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BOBBY RUSH AT SUNDANCE FOR BLACK SNAKE MOAN PREMIER PARTY
Mississippi blues artist Bobby Rush performs at the after-party for "Black Snake Moan."
"Black Snake" cast member and rapper David Banner joined him onstage.
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Taj Mahal and Los Lobos in concert
Saturday, February 17
Taj Mahal and Los Lobos Santa Cruz Civic - 307 Church Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Doors 7:00pm/Show 8:00pm
All Ages Tickets for reserved seats are $65 or $55, + service charge.
General admission tickets are $35, + service charges.
Ticket prices increase by $5 day of show.
Tickets available at the Civic Auditorium Box Office, 831-420-5260 or via Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster outlets. For more info go to www.santacruzcivic.com Join Good Vibez and Otter Productions for an intimate acoustic evening with Taj Mahal and Los Lobos on February 17 at the Santa Cruz Civic! Expect not only the classics from each artist but also songs they save for acoustic shows only and exceptional collaborations between the two.
Tickets available at the Civic Auditorium Box Office, 831-420-5260 or via Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster outlets. [paid advertisement]
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AUSTRALIAN BLUES MUSIC AWARDS
The awards to recognise excellence in Australian Blues Music, will be presented on Thursday 8th February 2007.
The Awards are independent of the Australian Blues Music Festival and named after Chain, the only blues band to have had a national number one hit in Australia.
Australian Blues Music ‘Chain’ Awards will be presented for: Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Talent, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year and Producer of the Year.
Hailing from the Central Coast of NSW, The Blue Zone, head the list of finalists with nothing less than six (6) nominations. The Blue Zone are finalists in Song of the Year, Album of the Year, New Talent of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year for Adam Eckersley, Duo or Group of the Year, and Producer of the Year for Parris Macleod for their album The Sweetest and Most Perfect Things. Victoria’s Chubby Rae & the Elevators and Geoff Achison & the Souldiggers follow closely with five (5) nominations each, as does Queensland’s Mojo Webb.
For a complete list of nominees, click here
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TOP CDs of 2006
In the last E-guide we printed the Top CDs of 2006 lists from blues journalist Hal Horowitz and blues radio programmer Blueshound. We asked other blues professional to contribute their lists; here's a couple more lists. This time from Bob Puntigano, and Bob Porter. (these guys may share a first name, but they don't share the same opinions. Not one duplication among their lists).
Bob Puntigano is a blues journalist, a blues radio programmer, and President of the NYC Blues and Jazz Sounds Society. His 2006 Best of’s
10. Mala Waldron “Always There”
9. Various “Viva Carlos” Guitar Tribute to Carlos Santana
8. Dr. John “Mercenary”
7. King Curtis “Live at the Fillmore West- Deluxe Edition”
6. Aretha Franklin “Live at the Fillmore West- Deluxe Edition”
5. Derek Trucks “Songlines”
4. Aaron Neville “Bring it on Home…The Soul Classics”
3. New Orleans Social Club “Sing Me Back Home”
2. Ray Charles “Ray Sings Basie Swings”
1. Don Byron “Do the Boomerang- The Music of Junior Walker”
Bob Porter, radio programmer for the nationally broadcast via cable television "Music Choice"
2006 Top Ten (in no special order) by Bob Porter
• James Luther Dickenson-Jungle Jim & the Voodoo Tiger (Memphis International)
• Chris Thomas King-Rise (21st Century Blues)
• Irma Thomas-After the Rain (Rounder)
• Calvin Owens-I Ain’t Gonna Be Your Dog No Mo (Sawdust Alley)
• John Long-Lost & Found (Delta Groove)
• Smokin’ Joe Kubek-My Heart’s in Texas (Blind Pig)
• Janiva Magness-Do I Move You (Northern Blues) *
• Dion-Bronx in Blue (Razor & Tie)
• Charlie Musselwhite-Delta Hardware (Real World)
• Rhoda Scott-From C to Shining C (Doodlin’)
Thanks Bob and Bob
I received several more contributions from blues professsional, but unfortunately my hard-drive crashed and I lost those emails. If you'd forgive me and be kind enough to send them again, I'll print them in the next E-Guide.
*pictured CD
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Highway 61 / Katrina II Children's Instrument, Jazz & Blues Education Drive
The Blues Bank Collective is currently still seeking donations of Instruments, books and funds for their greater New Orleans project, the " Highway 61 Katrina II Children's Instrument & Jazz & Blues Education Drive ". The trip will get underway Feb. 12 from Portsmouth NH.
The 3500 mile sojourn mission, is to continue helping supply schools, that were hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, with instruments and other educational resources. T.J. Wheeler, noted Blues Activist/Educator/ Musician and Artistic Director of the Blues Bank Collective will be assisted and accompanied on the trip by his wife Nadine Perry, who is the secretary of the BBC. In addition to delivering the instruments, TJ will be conducting, free interactive Jazz & Blues concert/workshops to several schools throughout the area.
As an added incentive for donations ,during this time period, the BBC is donating 100% of the proceed of the BBC produced CD "TJ Wheeler & the Funky River Band..Play it Forward" ( up to 300 Cd's) to the Katrina II project.
For additional information please contact TJ Wheeler ASAP 603 929 0654 or e mail him at tjwheeler7@yahoo.com
Drop off locations for instruments in the greater NH seacoast area are at the Press Room 77 Daniel St. Portsmouth NH and at the George Calif Fine Food Store on Rte.125 in Barrington NH.
The first Drive was conducted last May. Through their efforts the BBC collected enough instruments and funding to bring and donate 45 quality instruments (estimated value $6000 - $8000), and perform six concert workshops for the schools of the greater New Orleans School District.
In many cases the instruments were used to help rebuild the instruments lost caused by the effects of Katrina. In at least two schools, however, Katrina didn't destroy any instruments, for they never had any instruments in the first place. The latter point demonstrates that Katrina, to paraphrase what Harry Belafonte stated, didn't turn New Orleans into a third world country, but revealed third world conditions that have long existed for the cities poor.
The BBC is also expanding the mission to include, as well as instruments, the donations of good conditioned books, Cd's & DVDs on music ( especially pertaining to Jazz, Blues, & American roots music) as well as on topics of Black History, the Arts, and southern culture. This is being done to help rebuild the school libraries of the greater New Orleans area.
In order for the trip to succeed the BBC still need more donated instruments, books, and funds. All donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made out to the Blues Bank Collective and in the memo line, " Katrina II " should be written in. Checks can be mailed to the:
Blues Bank Collective/TJ Wheeler
11 Brown Rd.
Hampton Falls, NH
03844
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First a Jimi Hendrix Vodka, Now an Energy Drink
In the booming energy drink business, one newcomer promises to help clear the purple haze around your brain: "Liquid Experience" will carry the iconic image of Jimi Hendrix, who died of a drug overdose after a short-lived, rock-studded career.
The non-alcoholic drink — produced by New-Zealand based Beverage Concepts and due to hit the market in April — is just one of many products from cars to baby clothing that are capitalizing on the star power of aging or dead rockers.
Celebrity and estate sales accounted for $3.5 billion in licensing ventures in the U.S. and Canada this year.
To some rock aficionados, the message of "Liquid Experience" is paradoxical — an ostensibly healthy vitamin-imbued drink tied to a raucous guitar player who suffocated to death from a barbituate overdose at the age of 27.
And many who hold Jimi Hendrix in musical god-like status say his image as been poisoned. Flea, bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, told the Associated Press that the greatest guitar player of all time had been "cheapened" by commercial venture.
But the Hendrix family defends the Liquid Experience deal.
Janie Hendrix, Jimi's sister, who is CEO of the family's Seattle-based company, said Beverage Concepts agreed to give back a percentage of sales to education and music-related charities and to drug rehabilitation programs. They also hope to sponsor a guitar competition for young people.
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Jeff Healey recovers from latest round of cancer surgery
Toronto guitarist, singer, bandleader, musicologist and radio host Jeff Healey is recovering well from major surgery to remove cancerous tissue from both lungs, which he underwent last week at a Toronto hospital.
Healey is no stranger to the disease, having gone under the knife no less than four times for cancer - first in his eyes as a child,in his left leg twice in the past 18 months, and now in his lungs.
His doctors, however, report a successful operation, catching the disease early as a result of diligent and regular testing.
Healey is expected to make a full recovery and will be back on his feet hosting his radio show on Monday nights at 91.1 Jazz FM in Toronto again in February. He also plans on getting back on stage at his brand new live music club, Jeff Healey's Roadhouse,which relocated in mid-December larger, more accessible premises at 56 Blue Jays Way, in the heart of downtown's entertainment area.
The internationally known musician has surprised doctors with his tenacity and speed of recovery after previous operations and fully intends to do so this time. "I'm stretching the definition of the word indestructible," quipped Jeff from his hospital bed three days after the operation.
Healey will be releasing a new blues CD on Ruf Records sometime during the summer of 2007.
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Historical marker placed on Mississippi Blues Trail
CLARKSDALE, Miss. -- A historical marker has been added to the Mississippi Blues Trail, which will ultimately highlight more than 100 locations in the state that have played roles in the development of blues music.
Three markers were placed by the Mississippi Blues Commission in December. The fourth marker, unveiled Jan. 18, will be located at the Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale. The hotel has been home to many blues musicians through the years and is still in operation.
Since 1944, the hotel has provided lodging for legendary artists like Sonny Boy Williamson II, Ike Turner, and Robert Nighthawk. The hotel was formerly the G.T. Thomas Hospital and is best known as the place where the empress of the blues, Bessie Smith, died in 1937 from injuries sustained in a car accident.
"The Riverside Hotel is a monument to our blues heritage and many international visitors come to make it a part of their cultural tourism experience," Alex Thomas, heritage trails director for the Mississippi Development Authority, said.
Click here for a PDF image of the marker
The previous three markers are:
*The grave of Charlie Patton at Holly Ridge. Patton is considered one of the earliest of the blues singers.
*The Southern Whispers Restaurant in Greenville, which honors the blues heritage of Nelson Street, where the restaurant is located.
*Former site of WGRM radio in Greenwood, where B.B. King made a live radio broadcast in 1940. In 1939, WGRM occupied the second floor of the building, which was originally built in 1901.
For more information visit http://www.msbluestrail.org
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B.B. KING released from the hospital on Saturday
B.B. King was discharged from a Galveston hospital Saturday following treatment for a fever and was "back to his old self," a spokeswoman for his management agency said.
The 81-year-old, Grammy-winning bluesman was "feeling fabulous," said Tina France, vice president of Lieberman Management of New York.
King, who has a history of diabetes, had a 100.4-degree fever following a bout with the flu, and monitoring was required because of his age.
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BLUES MUSIC AWARD NOMINEE BIG GEORGE BROCK RETURNS TO MISSISSIPPI WITH FILM AND CONCERT
74-year-old musical veteran Big George Brock is once again returning to the state that first gave him the blues -- Mississippi."Hard Times," the critically-acclaimed documentary about Brock's journey from the cotton fields to the big city, will be featured at the Oxford Film Festival on February 9th (www.oxfordfilmfest.com).
Filmed partly in Brock's current home of St. Louis, the balance was captured in the heart of the Mississippi Delta where he grew up. "After filming for a day and a half in St. Louis, we realized that we had to return to the Delta with Big George if we wanted to truly understand the man behind the musician," said the film's director, Damien Blaylock of Ridgeland. "Once you see where he grew up and hear his very personal stories, you start to realize that he's not just a man playing the blues, in a sense, he is the blues."
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Broke & Hungry Records, also Ruf Records
This spring, Broke & Hungry Records – the label responsible for the critically acclaimed debut CDs of Jimmy “Duck” Holmes and Odell Harris – will release its third album of real-deal Mississippi blues. Meet Me in the Cotton Field, scheduled for an April 10 release, will mark the first recorded collaboration between Clarksdale mainstays Terry “Big T” Williams and Wesley Jefferson. Featuring everything from a cappella field hollers to searing electric juke joint workouts, Meet Me in the Cotton Field shines a spotlight on two of the delta’s unsung heroe, Big T, a protégé of Big Jack Johnson and Wesley Jefferson.
February 20th is the date for the next release from Ruf Records, which will be entitled "Albertville", a musicial tribute to Albert King by blues guitarist Corey Stevens. This is Stevens 6th release, the first with Ruf Records. In 1997, Stevens second album yielded a top-ten radio hit and video, “One More Time.”
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2007 RIVERWALK BLUES AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
It's sneaking up on us (March 2, 3, & 4), but you still have plenty of time to make air and hotel reservations. This festival has always been a big hit with out of towners because of the time of the year it is held.....WINTER.....and where it is held..... FORT LAUDERDALE. Although the festival has had to change months and locations a few times over the past few years, new and original promoter, Don Cohen (Musicians Exchange / Revolution) has proven to be dedicated to not letting this fest become extinct. Take a look at this lineup and I guarantee you'll think about coming down........The following acts have been confirmed as of 01/01/07:
MARK HUMMEL'S BLUES HARP BLOWOUT with CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE & KIM WILSON,
CHUBBY CARRIER & THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND, RONNIE BAKER BROOKS, ANA POPOVIC,
PAPA GROWS FUNK, DETROIT WOMEN, TINSLEY ELLIS, THE SPAM ALLSTARS, ANDERS OSBORNE, ERIC LINDELL, DUFFY JACKSON BLUES BAND, CHRIS BEARD, *JOSH SMITH w/full band and horn section, *THE LEE BOYS, OTHER ACTS TBA. Please click here for lots more info on the fest ..... www.riverwalkbluesfestival.com
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MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES AT NIGHT:A Little Night Music with Elwood Blues
 Some get the Blues in the morNing, some get the Blues in the afternoon. Some get the Blues on the weekends, some get the Blues on their lunch breaks. But Elwood Blues says the Blues are best at night. Join Elwood for a little night music from Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, Wilson Pickett, Eric Clapton, BB King and more, this weekend on the house of Blues Radio Hour.
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Hannibal Winter Blues Jam
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Hannibal, Missouri, U.S.
Hotline: 217-316-4141
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23rd International Blues Challenge
Thursday-Saturday, February 1-3, 2007
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Hotline: 901-527-2583
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Australian Blues Music Festival
Thursday-Saturday, February 1-3, 2007
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Hotline: 901-527-2583
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25th Annual Battle of the Jug Bands
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Hotline: none
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Bonterra Lowcountry Blues Bash 15+ venues
Friday-Sunday, February 9-18, 2007
Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
Hotline: 843-762-9125
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Phuket International Blues Festival
Friday-Sunday, February 16-18, 2007
Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Hotline: +66 86 682 2639
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City of Orlando Blues-B-Q
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Hotline: n/a
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Ultimate Blues Show - Valentines Edition
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S.
Hotline: 901-503-0477
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CircleFest
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Hotline: 717-564-6700
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12th Annual Traditional Acoustic Blues Festival "The Blues Unplugged"
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
Hotline: 614-486-4575
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St. Paul Winter Music Festival
Saturday, February 24, 2007
St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Hotline: 612-343-5943
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Saskatoon Blues Festival
Monday, February 26 to Sunday, March 4, 2007
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Hotline: 306-343-9587
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Blues Blast 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Mesa, Arizona, U.S.
Hotline: 602-252-0599
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For years, the Blues Festival Guide Magazine received numerous requests for updates on festivals via email, and on January 10, 2006, the Marketing Director of the Blues Festival Guide magazine, Nancy Edwards partnered with the magazine (RBA Publishing) and published the first emailed issue of the E-Guide E-Newsletter.
The E-Guide is a wonderful resource for everyone interested in Blues! You can expect to see the E-Guide in your inbox weekly. Please email the editor with any questions at
nancy@bluesfestivalEguide.com
To reach thousands of blues enthusiasts, click here to learn how to advertise in this Blues Festival E-Guide E-Newsletter.
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