| July 13, 2007 |
|
Vol 2 Issue 25
|
|
|
|
HUNDREDS OF BLUES FESTIVALS
|
BECKI SUE & HER BIG ROCKIN' DADDIES : : Big City Blues
Recorded at Fastback Studios in Seattle, BIG CITY BLUES is the second album by this Pacific Northwest powerhouse blues band, and it demonstrates just how much they have grown in the past couple of years. While their first effort, “The L.A.B. Results”, recorded live in the studio in 2005 showed that this high energy band had a ton of promise, this latest effort clearly states that the band is here to stay and that more great stuff is on the horizon!
There are four originals on the disc. The straight shuffle, You’re Killin' Me, and the Muddy Waters inspired Pardon Me, both authored by Tom Boyle; the title track and a modern twist on the "Rockinitis style" groove, Big City Blues, co-written by Jeff Hayes and Tom Boyle; and If You Let Me Call You Sweetheart, a love song penned by Les White, all hold there own against the hand picked cover tunes that range in style from the low-down-n-dirty Elmore James classic, The Sun Is Shining, to the early rock hit, Farmer John by Don & Dewey, to the doo-wop style ballad, Maybe, that features the fantastic vocal harmonies of Becki Sue and special guest vocalist, the sensational Candye Kane.
The band, consisting of guitarist/producer Tom “T-Boy Neal” Boyle, harp/sax/vocalist Jim King, upright bassist Les “WildChild” White and drummer Jeff Hayes, gels together in fine fashion as if they have been playing constantly week after week, gig after gig, for the past five years... which, by the way, they HAVE been doing! Collectively they have been nominated for 27 Washington Blues Society “Best of the Blues” (BB) awards between 2006-2007, winning ten of those awards including, “Best Electric Guitar” (4 out of the past 5 years), “Best Blues Horn”, Best Bass (twice), “Keeping The Blues Alive”, and “Best Blues Band” in both 2006-2007.
Add to the mix, the dynamic, saucy blues vocals of Becki Sue, The Washington Blues Society’s “Female Vocalist” AND “Performer of the Year” for 2007, and you have a combination that many blues nuts consider right up there with the best of ’em.
LISTEN to the title track Big City Blues
To LISTEN it may be
necessary to allow pop-ups. Just hold down the CTRL button on your
keyboard while pressing the following LISTEN button; please allow a few
seconds for juke-box player to open.
|
HOWARD AND THE WHITE BOYS : : Made in Chicago
It’s been six years since Chicago blues veterans Howard & the White Boys
Their impressively large fan base on both sides of the Atlantic won’t be disappointed. Not by a long shot. MADE IN CHICAGO represents the zenith of the band’s recorded output, and it’s certainly the disc that Howard & the White Boys are most proud of. While the band hasn’t recorded in six years, they’ve been gigging continuously throughout the U.S. and Europe and this has lent their trademark brand of contemporary blues an indomitable tightness brimming with raw power. All of this comes through on the new disc, proving that the wait was well worth it.
While past studio outings spotlight the group’s songwriting prowess and contain 90% original material, MADE IN CHICAGO affords the band an opportunity to put their own unique stamp to tunes they didn’t write but enjoy performing nonetheless. Of the nine songs on the new release, seven are covers (some quite obscure) of songs the band has been playing live for some time. Yet, all are performed in the celebrated HWB style which will be immediately recognizable to long-term fans. Recorded in the windy city, Made in Chicago is aptly titled. But it’s also apropos because Chicago, a city steeped in blues history, is where the band have honed their chops almost since their inception in 1988. The band is now focusing on touring to support the new CD and working on material for their next one.
LISTEN to hear Good Booty and BBQ from MADE IN CHICAGO
To LISTEN it may be
necessary to allow pop-ups. Just hold down the CTRL button on your
keyboard while pressing the following LISTEN button; please allow a few
seconds for juke-box player to open.
|
Enter this contest and win!
 Yes it's back! The 3rd annual "Win a Festival Cruise" SweepstakesGRAND PRIZE
 8-Day 7-Night Luxury Mexican Riviera Cruise for two, with 5-star accommodations on Sandy Beaches Cruise #14 with 3-time blues Grammy Winner, Delbert McClinton on-board Holland America's MS Oosterdam. Sailing from San Diego in January 2008. 1 winner - $4,990 value.
SECOND PLACE PRIZE
 Reverend Manta Ray Guitar In a beautiful tobacco sunburst with a flamed maple top (case included) 1 winner - $949 value. THIRD PLACE PRIZES (2 WINNERS) Shopping spree for 5 CDs of your choice From bandVillage.com "Your Source for Independent Music". FOURTH PLACE PRIZES (30 WINNERS) The break-through Blues CD from Roxanne Potvin "The Way it Feels" TO ENTER VISIT www.BluesFestivalGuide.com1 entry person contest ends September 5, 2007 you will be asked to complete a short confidential survey must be 21 years of age Good Luck! |
IRANIAN MUSICIANS VISIT THE DELTA
|
(reprinted from the Greenwood Commonwealth) Nine Iranian musicians made a pit stop in Greenwood, MS last Saturday as part of a Mississippi blues tour.
They were hosted by Sylvester Hoover (pictured above) at Hoover's Grocery and the Back in the Day Blues Museum on Young Street.
Hoover, who has hosted Delta Blues Legend Tours for several years, connected with the group over the Internet.
After meeting some of the neighbors across the street, the musicians enjoyed listening to gospel music from Greenwoodian, Gwendolyn Binion in the store.
The group was sponsored by Red Hot, an organization founded in New York City in the 1990s to raise money for AIDS research through music sales.
"It's like a cultural exchange," said Neda Dezorpe of Red Hot, who was born in Iran but has lived in New York off and on for more than 20 years.
Red Hot sells compilation CDs of music from various cultures, Dezorpe said. The tour is part of its project called "Red Hot + Rumi," in which the Iranian musicians will together record a song in honor of the Persian poet Mowlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
The group came "to see some of the birthplaces of the blues," said Diane Crow, of the Office of International Visitors with the US. Department of State.
The musicians requested that neither their names, nor their photographs be used due to concerns involving their government, Crow said.
The group left Hoover's for a visit to bluesman Robert Johnson's grave site at Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Money Road. Then they were to travel to Tutwiler, MS for a stop at the train depot where W.C. Handy first heard the blues and go on to Clarksdale to see more blues landmarks.
They will end their trip with a few days in New York, sampling local music there and recording.
Hoover said he has also hosted visitors from England, France and the Netherlands and recently assisted with a PBS documentary "Blues and Abstract Truth" about the history of the Delta and its music.
For more information on Delta Blues Legends Tours, CLICK HERE
|
CONGRATULATIONS TO HOUSE OF BLUES RADIO HOUR
|
The House of Blues Radio Hour has just won the Silver Medal award for "Best Regularly Scheduled Music Program" from the New York Festivals International Radio Broadcasting Awards! The New York Festivals Radio Programming and Promotion Awards recognizes "The World's Best Work" in radio programming and promotion. Entries are judged by panels of radio experts from stations and companies throughout the world for their production values, organization, presentation of information, creativity and use of the medium.
|
URGENT URGENT URGENT
|
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED TODAY
Not, not next week.....TODAY, Monday is too late!
Time and options are running out for Internet Radio. Late Wednesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals DENIED the emergency stay sought on behalf of webcasters, millions of listeners and the artists and music they support.
UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS BY JULY 15th, it is the end of the road for Internet radio.
We are appealing to the millions of Internet radio listeners out there, the webcasters they support and the artists and labels we treasure to rise up and make your voices heard before this vibrant medium is silenced.
This situation is grave, but that makes the message all the simpler and most serious. CALL YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES RIGHT AWAY and urge them to support the "Internet Radio Equality Act." If they've already co-sponsored, thank them and tell them to fight to bring it to the floor for an immediate vote. If the line is busy, call back. Call until you know your voice has been heard. Your voices are what have gotten us this far -- Congress has listened. Now, they are our only hope.
TELL THEM.
We are outmatched by lobbying power and money but we are NOT outmatched by facts and passion and the power of our voices.
===============
The exact page of the SaveNetRadio.org website that allows you to look up Congressional office phone numbers is here: http://www3.capwiz.com/saveinternetradio/alert_9738601.html
|
ROBERT CRAY SUES ACCOUNTANTS
|
Blues singer Robert Cray is singing the blues about his accountants, and taking them to court.
Cray filed a suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Chapnick, Smuckler & Associates, and its principals Jerry Chapnick and Keith Smuckler, according to CBS. He accuses the firm of cheating him, his wife, and their company, charging them with fraud, negligence, and breach of contract and fiduciary duty.
The Crays claim the firm did not inform them it was drawing up to $235,000 from their credit line. They say Chapnick, Smuckler also did not check on whether the Crays were entitled to a $55,000 refund in taxes they paid in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Crays blame the firm for a $2,000 penalty on unpaid property taxes.
After they engaged the firm around the end of 2001, the Crays learned the firm was not licensed to operate in the state of California. They sacked the firm in August 2006.
|
NUTS FOR THE BLUES
|
On July 6th the Modesto, CA baseball team known affectionately as "The Nuts"
celebrated Red, White & Blues night at John Thurman stadium by replacing the usual baseball-type music played during the game, with BLUES!
Additionally the 2,700 people in attendance enjoyed a tribute to their "men in blue" the local Police, Fire Department, SWAT, and Emergency Services. Even the local equestrian color guard performed.
Besides using only blues music during the game, the crowd was treated to video clips of The Blues Brothers and other blues performances between innings.
And yes, the home team won!
|
BLUES RADIO ON SHORTWAVE
|
Every Sunday night, at 6pm ET blues is broadcast via shortwave radio on a program called "The Checkerdboard Lounge". If you understand shortwave speak you can find the program at 7415 kHz, Sundays 2200 UTC.
The music selected by Roscoe the Bartender, is a taste of the spirit of Chicago's Greatest Blues Club "The Checkerboard Lounge".
Editor's note: If you are like me, and don't get blues music over FM radio (or even AM radio for that matter), we may all be resorting to shortwave radio if we lose our beloved internet radio. I'm sure this is a fine blues program, but I'd really rather keep my internet radio. How about you? Me? I've aleady called my representatives....2 senators plus a Congressman!
|
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS TAPING
|
Omar Kent Dykes, Jimmie Vaughan, Kim Wilson and Lou Ann Barton – along with some special guests, will tape a segment of the critically-acclaimed television series, “Austin City Limits,” on August 22nd.
No date for airing has been set, but it is expected to be in October or later.
The performance is in promotion of their new collaborative CD being released on August 21st entitled ON THE JIMMY REED HIGHWAY.
ON THE JIMMY REED HIGHWAY began as an Omar Kent Dykes album, but once Jimmie Vaughan came into the studio “the songs took on their own life,” remembers Omar. “I figured Jimmie would come in and play a couple of solos, but he got so excited about it he stayed for the rest.”
That fever spread to anyone within earshot of the project, drawing a star-studded list of guest, eager to join in on the fun. Also making guest appearances are Delbert McClinton, and James Cotton. Backing these stellar performers ON THE JIMMY REED HIGHWAY is an all-star crew, including guitarists Derek O’Brien and Gary Clark, Jr., harmonica player Gary Primich, bassists Ronnie James and Barry Bihm, and drummers Wes Starr, George Rains, Jay Moeller and Omar’s son, Jake Dykes.
|
GUITAR CENTER CROWNS "2007 KING OF THE BLUES"
|
On June 16th, Delta Groove CEO Randy Chortkoff was invited to judge at the Grand Finals in Guitar Center's "King Of The Blues" competition at the historic Music Box @ Honda Theatre in Hollywood, CA. The event hosted by Cheech Marin, featured explosive performances by the Black Crowes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and legendary Blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin.
Talent for the Grand Final Competition was narrowed down from over 4,000 participants to only just four finalists who competed at more than 2,000 Guitar Center locations across the country. Contestants were judged on performance, originality, technique, style and stage presence and were competing for a prize package valued at more than $50,000.
By the end of the night, Aaron Loesch from Houston, Texas, was crowned Guitar Center's 2007 King of the Blues and will now have the opportunity to perform on the same stage as B.B. King, Willie Nelson and John Mayer at the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival this summer in Chicago, IL.
|
January LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE is now Sold-Out
|
The January cruise may be "sold-out", ...but the October cruise on the Mexican Riviera still has a few cabins available. And you won't need a U.S. passport for this cruise.
It's all over the news how hard it is to get a US passport. But not to worry with this cruise. You won't need it.
Learn more by visiting www.bluescruise.com
|
Cheryl and Tom back on the Blues Highway
|
Cheryl O’Grady –Yearnshaw, Blues Festival Guide (BFG) representative and her husband Tom traveled to Hayward, California for the Hayward-Russell City Blues Festival-from Chicago to Russell Street. The festival was a two day special celebration of Pinetop Perkins’ 94th Birthday. On Saturday the Sons of the Blues (Billy Branch, Carl Weathersby, Lurie Bell and Nick Charles) played and backed Chicago headliners John Primer, Big Time Sarah and Pinetop Perkins. Kenny Neal and Joe Louis Walker also made guest appearances. On Sunday the JC Smith Band played and backed up headliners Eddie Shaw and Willie “Big Eye” Smith. There were many more performers including the Caravan of Allstars that paid homage to Pinetop (for a complete list of musicians and the history of Russell City visit www.bayareabluessociety.net).
Pinetop was in good spirits from the time he arrived at the festival interacting with the fans and showing off his quick wit. Watching Pinetop sit at the piano and play and sing was a special moment and you instantly realized why he deserves to be recognized. He’s definitely 94 yrs young!
The Hayward City Council proclaimed Saturday, July 7, 2007 Pinetop Perkins Day. During the course of the festival Pinetop Perkins received proclamations for his contributions to Blues music from Congressman Barbara Lee, Alameda County Supervisors, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and a White House Proclamation. He was also presented a special “Pinetop Perkins Grandfather Clock” from the Coca Cola Corporation and a Pinetop Perkins Hat Line provided by Mill Valley Hat Box.
The festival was held in a comfortable setting (grassy area in front of the Hayward City Hall) and all the musicians mixed and mingled with the festival goers. What a treat! I’m sure we’ll be back next year. Thanks to Ronnie and Paula Stewart and all their staff for an incredible festival.
See ya on the Blues Highway
|
BLUES CAPITALISM AT IT'S FINEST
|
Tickets to The Eric Clapton Crossroads Concert sold out in 20 minutes! Some friends of IllinoisBlues.com are raffling 100 chances for $20 each for two tickets to Eric Clapton's Crossroads Concert in Chicago July 28th. Proceeds are going to benefit the medical fund for Pro Bull Riders. Only 100 tickets will be sold so your chances of winning are 1 in 100. Contact Jim Buckley at 309 246-7396 or email at jbwy09@yahoo.com
Editor's Note: Benefiting the Pro Bull Riders???? WTF
Okay, the charity isn't blues....but the chance to be there....okay then
If you've read this far in the E-guide, then this could be your lucky day...because I sure as heck dont' know any better way to get ticket to the Crossroads Festival. Good Luck with your 20 bucks!
|
NEWS FROM KING MOJO RECORDS AND ECLECTO GROOVE
Starting August 7th, King Mojo Records will be distributed nationally by Select-O-Hits. The first three albums showcased in this national release are; TGZ - Big Shanty - King Mojo "Allstars, VOL. 3".
In addition to the new releases, all titles in the King Mojo Records catalogue will now be available through Select-O-Hits. The label also plans to release new albums from Liz Melendez and Big Shanty in the fall.
Atlanta-based King Mojo Records showcases original artists playing today’s best contemporary blues, jazz, roots rock and fusion. This music is amazingly popular worldwide; now it's back where it all began. After watching a new generation of fans packing festivals and clubs featuring this music, Dick Wooley started King Mojo Records in 2004 without major label backing. “It’s always fun to be out in front of the big guys,” says Wooley. His history supports this enthusiasm: he’s launched several of today’s legendary artists and has been awarded numerous gold and platinum albums.
For more information, visit www.kingmojo.com
Eclecto Groove recording artist Ana Popovic has recently signed a movie deal to appear in the upcoming Big Sky Motion Pictures release "Spring Break '83." The film directed by Scott Spiegal, who has worked on such blockbuster hits as "Spiderman," "Spiderman 2," "From Dusk Till Dawn 2," "Darkman," "Hostel," and the soon to be release "Hostel 2," is a hilarious coming of age teen comedy that celebrates everything that was great about the 80's, from the outrageous parties and tiny bikinis, to the rock music and big hair.
back to top
|
NEWS FROM MICHIGAN, OREGON AND TEXAS
G.I. BLUES FESTIVAL
Westland (Michigan) -based, outdoor blues festival to benefit soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is already shaping up as a success, organizers say.
The 12-hour G.I. Blues Festival, featuring performers such as Detroit's own Johnnie Bassett, The Alligators and Sweet Claudette & Friends, is scheduled for noon to midnight Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Wayne-Ford Civic League.
"We've already sold a couple hundred tickets," said Scott Romp, spokesman for Veterans Haven, a nonprofit organization that helps area veterans with services ranging from housing to meals to job searches. Veterans Haven and The Detroit Blues Society are presenting the concert.
The G.I. Blues Festival already has drawn enough corporate sponsors to offset costs, meaning that organizers are poised to make a profit, Romp said.
"I am very optimistic," he said. "It's already a success."
Tickets are $10. To order them, call Veterans Haven at (734) 728-0527. To become involved as a corporate sponsor, call Romp at (734) 478-0822. On-site parking at the civic league, on Wayne south of Ford, will be available for $5. Beer will be sold along with food provided by Hickory BBQ.
Romp announced the festival in the spring, saying many veterans are returning home without the proper medical attention and monetary benefits they need. He also said many soldiers have lost their homes and been abandoned by their spouses.
Soldiers returning to places like Michigan, where jobs are scarce, have been hit particularly hard, Romp has said.
SAFEWAY WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL
Congratulations on raising over $450,000 and in excess of 85,000 pounds of food for the Oregon Food Bank during the 5-day festival held July 4-8, 2007. This was the 20th annual festival, and each year it continues to set new records.
FESTIVAL CANCELLED
The first Lubbock, Texas Blues Festival, which had been scheduled for Aug. 4 at the Lone Star Amphitheater inside the Lone Star Events Center, has been canceled.
Disappointed concert promoter William L. (Billy) Brown said he now is uncertain whether Lubbock "is even a blues town" and whether local music fans are aware of contributions made by the concert's co-headliners, Johnny Winter and Long John Hunter.
Those who purchased tickets - and fewer than 50 had been sold - can return their tickets to the point of purchase for a full refund, said Brown.
Brown, 57, moved to Lubbock one and a half years ago from Washington State, at least in part, he said, because of the city's reputation for supporting live music. Instead, he lost band and sound company deposits totaling approximately $12,000.
He said Friday that a number of conflicts and battles worked against him.
Not the least of which is the annoucement that a ZZ Top show has been confirmed for the same day (Aug. 4 at the United Spirit Arena).
|
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS NEWS, Plus news from Michigan, Alabama, and Illinois
Blues in the Schools...everywhere!
The Blues Foundation is asking societies and members to share your best, most innovative Blues In Schools ideas for curriculum, performances, raising finances, or anything else you or your society has done or is doing to get Blues into educational places like your local schools, libraries, community colleges, senior centers, and any other places. Send your ideas to Jay Sieleman email jay@blues.org and he will add them to our BITS pages as we get ready for a new school year. The first idea comes from John Catt of the Grand County Blues Society (GCBS) in Winter Park, CO. Check Out The Music is a program the GCBS pioneered whereby musicians and the GCBS donate instruments to the county’s public libraries and residents can check out the music. The idea is that a society contributes instruments to the local library and children can check out the guitar for a two week period.
The Detroit Blues Society
The Detroit Blues Society is holding a unique fund-raising auction on E-Bay. This Auction is for 2 Tickets plus a personal, backstage, "Meet and Greet" for 2 with George Thorogood at his show with Byan Adams at DTE Music Theater in Clarkston, Michigan on August 8, 2007.
You can have your picture taken with George, get his autograph, or just hang out for awhile - your choice. Winner of auction will be contacted for their ID info and it will be forwarded to George Thorogood's management company. Winner will be emailed specific instructions as to how to redeem your package.
This package has been generously donated by George Thorogood and his management company to assist in raising funds for the Detroit Blues Society and their "Kid's With Cancer Guitar Program" and their "Music in the Schools Program."
Magic City Blues Society
The Magic City Blues Society (Birmingham, AL) has started planning a new fund raiser to raise money for a local teacher who has the idea that she can teach children with learning disabilities history by relating it to music. Her plans are to use blues, bluegrass, jazz & folk to help them relate the music to the history events that coincided with the music. She also plans live performances to help the kids with social skills in that kind of environment.
River City Blues Society (Illinois)
Volunteers are needed to help make this year’s Luther Allison Memorial Blues Fest a success. The festival takes place August 11, 2007 at the East Peoria (Illinois) Riverfront Park. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Nancy at vp@rivercityblues.com
back to top
|
50th ANNIVERSARY OF STAX RECORDS:Salute to this great American Musical Institution
2007 marks the 50th anniversary of Stax Records, the legendary record label that defined the classic Memphis soul sound. Join Elwood Blues for a salute to this great American institution, with music by Stzx artists Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Albert King, Booker T. and the MGs and more, this wee, on your sould-powered house of Blues Radio Hour.
|
|
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.
back to top
|
|
|
