Forty years into an iconic career that has produced dozens of wonderful songs and a host of admiring musical peers, Little Feat has united the two with a new release, "Join The Band", that features some of their classic tunes re-recorded with creative friends like Dave Mathews and Jimmy Buffet among others, as well as new material like Woodie Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land"

The stellar list of guest stars also includes Emmylou Harris, Chris Robinson, Bob Seger, Vince Gill, Bela Fleck, Brooks and Dunn, Sonny Landreth, Mike Gordon (Phish), Jim Mayer and Inara George, helping to capture all the energy of one of rock's great live bands.

http://www.429records.com/sites/429records/home.asp

http://www.littlefeat.net/

From smoking slide guitar boogies to raw-boned Chicago shuffles to the deepest slow blues, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Lil’ Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman. He and his blistering, road-tested band, The Blues Imperials—guitarist Mike Garrett, bassist James “Pookie” Young, drummer Kelly Littleton—are celebrating 20 amazing years together. Live, Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials simply can’t be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe-walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. Not since the heyday of Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers has a Chicago blues band made such a consistently joyous, rollicking noise.

On their new Alligator album, Full Tilt, Lil’ Ed’s romping, sizzling guitar and rough-hewn vocals, Young’s thumping bass, Garrett’s feral rhythm guitar and Littleton’s unpredictable, rock-solid drumming produce a modern blues firestorm steeped in tradition. Produced by Williams and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, Full Tilt captures all of Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials’ legendary live energy on disc. From foot-stomping boogies to emotionally charged slow blues to rocked-out celebrations, Full Tilt is a party-inducing delight. The addition of horn players Eddie McKinley      and David Basinger and pianist/organist Johnny Iguana on a few songs adds even more punch and power to the proceedings.

RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 26, 2008

http://www.alligator.com/index.cfm

http://www.liledwilliams.com/

“Very few artists could successfully pull-off a Little Milton hit like "If Walls Could Talk" but Donald Ray can power through just about any classic Blues/R&B tune thanks to the richness and depth of his vocals, which just flow out of the man. Besides an awesome voice, rock steady percussion skills and a knack for creating music that is a joy to experience, Johnson's production skills have also been shown to be genius-level.

The man is "The Real Thing. " ~ A. Grigg, Real Blues Magazine

Donald Ray Johnson was part of “A Taste of Honey”, the first    African-American act to be awarded a Grammy Award for  Best New Artist in 1979. Born  November 12, 1948 in Bryan Texas, Donald Ray took an early interest in music. In 1961, his high school band director taught him to play drums. At age 14, Donald Ray began his professional career. He entered the US Navy in 1966, serving two tours in       Southeast Asia.

In early 1970's Donald moved to LA to work with the Joe Houston band and met songwriter/producer, Perry Kibble who was developing a group that became   “           A Taste Of Honey ".

Donald Ray was named BEST CANADIAN MALE BLUES VOCALIST in  1997 by  Real Blues Magazine and  BEST MALE BLUES VOCALIST in 1998 by the  Toronto Blues Society. Donald Ray has received nominations as a recording artist and a drummer.

The Texas-born soulful bluesman has lived in Calgary since 1995 and was recently inducted into the CALGARY BLUES HALL OF FAME.

www.myspace.com/DonaldRayJohnson

Renowned music icons John Mayall, James Cotton, Jerry Lee Lewis, and music industry executive Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records), have all signed up as judges for this year's International Songwriting Competition (ISC). These are just some of the prestigious judges who will participate in ISC this year. Add in Tom Waits, Chaka Khan, Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Ray Davies (The Kinks), Jon Secada, T-Pain, Loretta Lynn, Ricky Martin and many more, and you have the most impressive panel of judges in any songwriting competition. An equally impressive group of top-level music industry executives rounds out the panel. Consistent in its tradition of having such esteemed judges, ISC continues to raise the bar for songwriting competitions.

Candace Avery, Founder and Director, states, "The caliber of judges for the Blues category is particularly high this year, and we are really honored that these judges want to participate and listen to the songs of our entrants."

The opportunity to have these judges hear your songs is only part of the reason to enter ISC. Recognition, exposure, kudos, and prizes (more than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared among the 62 winners  - including an overall Grand Prize  of $25,000 (US) cash and $20,000 in prizes)  are other equally enticing reasons for entering ISC.

ISC accepts original songs from musicians, artists, groups, and songwriters at every level from amateur to professional. ISC's Blues category includes all genres of traditional and contemporary Blues music. Songwriters entering this category may also enter any other categories.

Go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com to enter songs via mail or online.

Back on July 5, Nick Moss & the Flip Tops van, which was loaded with all their gear for the show they were to play that day at the Montreal Jazz Festival in Quebec, Canada, was stolen from their hotel parking lot. The damaged van has since been recovered, but all the gear is gone.

A list of the stolen equipment can be found at: [equipment].  

A benefit has been organized for September 7 at the Milwaukee Ale House in Milwaukee, WI, to help raise funds for the band to get some new gear. Any help in finding the missing gear and/or getting the word out about this benefit show would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help. 

Finally, it appears this theft was not a random act in Montreal. According to Nick Moss’s wife Kate, in recent weeks gear has also been stolen from Sonic Youth, Dinosaur, Jr. and The Stooges in that city.

http://nickmoss.com/

 The United States Entertainment Force and the Roots Music Association brings radio industry and independent musicians together for a three-day music festival and radio conference in San Marcos, Texas on November 14, 15 and 16.


The United States Entertainment Force (the "U.S.E.F"), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps the families of our deployed troops and wounded soldiers, and the Roots Music Association (RMA), who supports independent artists and their dedication to the development of "Roots" music in all of its varied forms, have selected beautiful San Marcos as the permanent home for the World United Music Festival.

Located between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is an ideal place for a festival of this size and magnitude with 150 bands being connected to over 300 radio stations and industry labels. This eight stage, three-day festival and industry conference promises to be historical event for musicians, industry heads and the expected 100,000 festival attendees. The Roots Music Association researched and has chosen the top independent music acts from over 600 entries received from around the world. In addition, nationally known headliners will end each night with a special performance.

The RMA Radio and Music Industry Conference will be held in the brand new Embassy Suites Convention Center located just minutes away from the festival. Seminars will be held Friday and Saturday with speakers addressing emerging issues in the ever-changing industry of radio and music production and the relationship with labels and the future of the music industry on the World Wide Web.  

The World United Music Festival has been graciously accommodated by the city of San Marcos and the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, who has officially welcomed the U.S.E.F. and this event to the state. Jerry Payne, the president of the U.S.E.F. and a former producer for the U.S.O. was the recipient of the Veteran of The Year Award given by the President of the United States in 1997. This festival is dedicated to raising funds for the families of America’s soldiers fighting abroad.  

For tickets and more information, go to www.worldunitedmusicfestival.com. 

World renown singer/actress Bonnie Bramlett is slated to showcase at the history-making First Annual Indiegrrl Women in the Arts Conference taking place in Spencer, VA from August 21 - 24, 2008. Bramlett will showcase on Friday, August 22 at 7:30PM on the Theater Stage at the Spencer Penn Center. Bramlett has also been selected to offer her music industry expertise to attendees at the Indiegrrl banquet on Thursday night, August 21 at The Dutch Inn Hotel.

Main sponsors for the Indiegrrl Conference are Oasis CD Manufacturing, Serge Entertainment, MPress Records, Onlinegigs, Songsalive, Rockin’ Moms, Females On Fire, Spotted Kiva Productions, Music Talks Sessions, Daisy Rocks Guitars, Indie Artist Assistant, Linq Songs Publishing, Koncept Consulting, Sage Design, Bassett Printing, and more.  Planned workshops and panel discussions on Friday and Saturday at The Spencer Penn Center will feature alternate guitar tunings, song writing, web design, graphic design, podcasting, booking your tour, press kits, press releases, touring on a tight budget, long term survival as an indie, balancing personal life and career, Non Profit 101, and more.  The conference will also feature an Exhibit Hall featuring different industry vendors and an artist row where you can talk directly with some of the showcasing artists, along with two stages showcasing live performances in music, comedy, and spoken word. A showcase artists schedule is posted on the Indiegrrl conference web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.indiegrrl.com/

 Blues rock star, guitar hero and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa has launched an innovative Internet-based fan affiliate program on his website, www.jbonamassa.com. The affiliate program, which will be ongoing, was conceived by Bonamassa and Roy Weisman -- the artist's manager and partner in the record/management firm J&R Adventures -- to promote and drive sales for Joe's new live album "From Nowhere In Particular". The 2-CD set was released August 19 on J&R Adventures, and was produced by Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Silverchair). Shirley also produced Bonamassa's acclaimed 2007 #1 album "Sloe Gin", recently nominated for Album Of The Year by the U.K.'s prestigious Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards.
The fan affiliate who sells the most copies of From Nowhere In Particular by September 30 will win a signed, newly-issued Inspired By Joe Bonamassa Aged Les Paul Goldtop Guitar from the Gibson Custom Shop's elite "Inspired By" series. Gibsoncustom.com writes that the guitar, valued at $6,000, "is a tribute to this extraordinary guitar virtuoso and his ever growing legend." Bonamassa will present the limited-edition custom instrument to the winning affiliate onstage, at a concert of the winner's choice; J&R will also award $750 towards travel expenses. Bonamassa plays an average of 200 shows a year, in the U.S. and internationally; tour dates are available on the artist's website.

"Because of the fans," said Weisman, "Joe is where he is today, and because of the fans, Joe and I wanted to create something to reward them for their loyalty. The core fans have always spread the word about Joe's shows, albums and DVDs, and this is a way to recognize their enthusiasm and give back. On top of helping us get the new live release out there, we know these fans will continue to encourage new people to discover Joe's music, and that's what it's all about."

From Nowhere In Particular was recorded during Bonamassa's fall 2007 U.S. tour. U.K. publication Guitarist wrote, "For all-out invention, frenetic fret-tickling & truly enormous tone, look no further than Bonamassa. Seek this out without further delay." It features Bonamassa accompanied by the same ace players heard on Sloe Gin (except for guest drummer Anton Fig), and Joe says, "It's the best touring band I've ever had, and this record really documents our sound."

Earlier this year, Bonamassa was named "Best Blues Guitarist" and "Artist Of The Year" in readers' choice polls from Guitar Player and Blues Wax, respectively. He can be heard weekdays, 12PM-12:15PM/ET, via "Daily Cup Of Joe" on Sirius Satellite Radio, Blues Channel 74.

For more information on Joe Bonamassa and to register to be a fan affiliate,

                       visit http://www.jbonamassa.com

From Modern Guitars Magazine:

While the relationship between guitars and cars has been well documented over the years, in numerous songs, music videos, and even in the form of a guitar trophy for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR race, we have a new addition to guitar lore – a functional guitar and bass built out of car parts. At the 2008 Monterey Blues Festival, brothers Ryan and Kyle Perry of the Homemade Jamz’ Blues Band played instruments made from car mufflers. The instruments were designed by their father, Renaud Perry, and were built by Renaud and his sons at their home.

    The Homemade Jamz’ Blues Band is a family affair, featuring 16-year old Ryan on guitar and vocals, 14-year old Kyle on bass, and their 9-year old sister Taya on drums. Although father Renaud plays harmonica with the band, he keeps to the background to encourage the younger Perrys to stand on their own as a band.

TO READ THE WHOLE STORY, GO TO: Modern Guitars Magazine

No one was surprised this past May when Bobby Rush took home the Blues Music Award for "Best Male Soul Blues Artist." He's been a leading force in the Southern Soul market as both a recording artist and live performer for decades, and although he's now-remarkably!-in his 70s, he refuses to simply rest on his laurels.That same night Bobby also took home awards for "best acoustic artist" and "best acoustic album" for Raw (Deep Rush), a testament to his versatility that also highlights how his more contemporary records draw upon the same deep blues vein.

On his new CD "Look At What You Gettin" (Deep Rush) Bobby Rush returns to the modern style with which he's most closely associated, and once again delivers a fresh mix of ballads, bawdy double meaning songs, and classic soul delivered with the authority of someone who was there during the birth of the genre.Bobby demonstrates his stylistic diversity with 11 new songs that tap into the modern sounds of the streets but also draw inspiration from veteran bluesmen including Howlin' Wolf, Junior Parker, and J.B. Lenoir, as well as soul greats Otis Redding and Tyrone Davis.

 Bobby Rush is poised to re-enter the southern soul market with a high energy, funky release that will take Southern Soul radio by storm.

http://www.bobbyrush.net/deeprush/

Voting for the San Diego Music Awards is now open thru Saturday, August 30. Cast your vote for your favorites including Blues Festival Guide Editor Michele Lundeen(the queen of steam).

 A respected performer in the San Diego area, this is Michele's 5th nomination in the "Best Blues" category. Online voting is happening now thru Saturday Aug 30 at www.sandiegomusicawards.com . Winners are chosen through online voting ONLY! Look on the Ballot for BEST BLUES.

http://michelelundeen.com/

Recording of show at Chicago’s Hideout In Stores Election Day 

 Truly great live albums are about capturing lightning in a bottle, that rare and perfect convergence of time, place and performance. When legendary soul/gospel artist Mavis Staples returned home to Chicago this last June for a performance at The Hideout, Chi-Town’s renowned stronghold of alt country and purist rock and roll, it was undeniably such a moment. 

   Those who packed the sold-out club were blessed with a riveting musical statement as Staples, backed by her fiery three-piece band and three backup singers, put on a rousing musical tour de force. Fortunately, for those of us unable to be there in person, the show was recorded and the album, Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout, is set for release November 4th on Anti Records.

http://www.anti.com/home/

RRoll Over Dover (Dover, Tennessee), an outdoor music festival that was scheduled for Labor Day weekend in Dover, has apparently rolled over and died, according to both an online ticket distributor and various artists who were signed up to play the show.
  
  Blues musician Tinsley Ellis, who was scheduled to perform, said he received an e-mail  stating the festival had been cancelled. "Basically I got a pretty generic e-mail that it was cancelled," Ellis said. "I notice both Web sites went down simultaneously. It's an amazing vanishing act as well as an incredible financial hit for me."

Mark Smith, the manager of Arlo Guthrie, who also was to perform at the festival, said he received a phone call about the cancellation of the festival. "Someone in the festival office ... she said she was a secretary or administrator ... I had never heard of her before, called and told me it was cancelled due to the land owner backing out," Smith said.

The event page on the Tickets Nashville Web site, the online distributor of tickets for the festival, now reads, "Event cancelled. Tickets comming (sic)."

No one with the festival could be reached to comment on how, exactly, buyers would be receiving their ticket refunds. Ellis said he will suffer a big financial hit from the festival being cancelled, as he had scheduled one of the busiest weekends of the year to play in Dover. "We held the date for one of the most popular festival weeks of the summer," Ellis said. "We're really out, so I'm going to turn the matter over to an attorney, and I'm going to try to find out what we can do about it."

He added that he was upset he received notification of the cancellation via an e-mail that didn't bear a signature.

"The whole thing was handled very poorly," Ellis said. "I have a lot of festivals that I do, and just when you think you've seen it all, something like this comes along and it totally blindsided us."

"People make plans and probably bought plane tickets, and how would they get their money back?" Ellis said.