Onward, ever onward....that is about the only choice. As you indulge in thoughts of blues music while missing your favorite local artists and venues, please take a moment to ponder what this day in history meant to those who brought the African origins to this music. On this day in 1865 in Galveston Texas there was jubilation as the last of the African slaves were emancipated.  Today is a good day to reflect on how the oppression of slavery influenced the origins of Blues music.
In today's newsletter you will find a new article about virtual health checks available to full time blues musicians and blues industry professionals. Read on for more information about this awesome program sponsored by The Blues Foundation's HART Fund. Additionally, don't miss the news with schedule for some awesome Arkansas summer blues and soul music that you can enjoy virtually through the Pine Bluff Summer Set series. Rachel Field's segment will be on Friday, July 10th at 7pm. Beyond Rachel's segment, don't miss all the other awesome Pine Bluff artists as they demonstrate the heart of Delta Blues and Soul. We are are also once again sharing a statement from The Blues Foundation about blues music and the realities of systemic racism over the years in America. Blues adds a beautiful way to come together through our love of the shared art form known as the blues. We encourage each of you to listen and share the message the blues offers.
Finally, as the number of cases of Covid 19 in NWA continue to surge, please continue to take CDC advice and stay safe so we can all meet up again and enjoy our favorite artists as soon as
it is safe to do so. Check out the
updates in the local artist support
column below. In it you will find information on how to connect with and support some of our local musicians.
Also remember our beloved musicians are strengthened at this time by your love. Let them know you care, let them know how their music brightens your world, and if you are in a position to do so, support them through online means.
Finally, please continue to communicate with us any and all information you might have on how we can all best stay connected to YOUR favorite artists!
Feel free to share the best of regional, national, and even international musicians you might be following. Please consider sharing your connections with our readers. If we can come away from this
shutdown with new blues connections, how great is that!
Have something to share? Just
click the link below to email Sandy.
And always remember, this is YOUR newsletter! Please send feedback or suggestions our way. You can reach me by email at the address below. We appreciate our readers and want
to see your ideas included!
~Sandy McCann
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Blues Foundation
Virtual Health Screenings
through the HART Fund
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This week the Blues Foundation announced a new program offering virtual health screenings to qualified Blues artists and blues industry members through the HART Fund. Read on for all the information and how to apply. This is a reminder that the HART Fund is an awesome place to donate for those that are able. Check it out HERE: THE HART FUND
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These times are especially stressful and difficult, and The Blues Foundation wants to help our blues music community stay healthy.
We are offering Virtual Health Screenings for full time blues musicians
and full-time blues industry members.
The Blues Foundation will provide at no charge full lab work to assess anemia, kidney / liver function, electrolytes, thyroid function, cholesterol panel, diabetes, Hepatitis C, prostate cancer screening, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Full privacy guaranteed at a medical lab near your home with
follow-up by a HART Fund medical doctor.
The application to apply is below and needs to be completed in its entirety and sent to Keisha Moore Alston at keisha@blues.org.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come first-served basis with funding for the first 50 applicants who qualify.
Downloadable Application Form
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Pine Bluff
Blues and Soul Series
featuring
Rachel (Brick) Fields
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The schedule is out! For all of you lovers of Arkansas Blues and Soul, this is a not to be missed event. Check out the lineup! Pine Bluff Summersets
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Message From
The Blues Foundation
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The following message went out last week to affiliate societies and members of the Blues Foundation. We feel it is important to share the message.
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“This moment of grief can also be a moment of purpose."
- Brittany Packnett Cunningham
The Blues is an African American art form, originally created as an artistic expression and response to the oppression, dehumanization, and hatred this population had to endure. The Blues Foundation stands with the musicians and members of our community past and present who speak truth through music. In sadness and outrage, The Blues Foundation pays homage to the memories of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all others whose lives were abruptly, unjustly, and hatefully ended. Each of these human beings was taken because of the individual and systemic racism that has pervaded the psyche of America for 400 years. We grieve with the families, and we will join the greater conversation for the eradication of racism in deference to the legacy of the Blues.
“The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
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The Board of Directors of The Blues Foundation |
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Support Options
For Local Artists
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Please check this section of the newsletter weekly for ideas of how to support local musicians and venues. Information may be submitted by all readers, though if reporting for your favorite musician or venue, please confirm the accuracy of the information you are providing.
All submissions will remain posted with new entries being added to the top of the list each week and will run until the music calendar relaunches.
Brick Fields
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Blues Therapy Live Streams are paused for now. Rachel notes to stay tuned for a series
by author and blues historian, Jimmy Cunningham, on Blues musicians who come from Pine Bluff AR. The series will begin later this month and will include five artists involved including Karen Wolf, Rod Clemmens, James Tail Dragger Jones, Joe Pitts, Bobby Rush and Rachel. The series will include weekly live streams from home. Keep an eye out here and on Brick Fields website for all of the details. 
We also have two stores on our website one for music merchandise and another for Blues Therapy handmade items such as essential oil blends, Jewelry, tie dyes, bath salts, body butters and more.
Thank you for your support.
I pray that each of you and your families are all doing okay through this.
Brick Fields
Booking Call: The Brick House 479-846-4668
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Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Buddy Shute and the Motivators have
released a new video. Check out the link below to enjoy their music!
Additionally, Buddy reports they have completed the recording process
for their new C D. Next, Chris Moore at East Hall Studio will do the mastering, then
its off to the presses. The band promises
to come up with a creative idea for the
release party. The working title for the new CD
is " Bar-B-Que ". Sounds like FUN!
Below you will find
links to the band's website and Facebook
page. Brenda shared, "All of our gigs are cancelled for now, and we had some great ones
in the works, as well as a CD release
party in the planning stages" and she says
the band is looking at ways to reach their beloved audience and faithful fans. She promises to, "keep you posted."
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Please enjoy the following listings comprised of bands, venues, and/or organizations that support Ozark Blues Society. Always check with individual venues for event details and schedule changes.
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Mark Your Calendar
Please Check Back
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On this day
in Blues History
June 19
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Today’s show features music performed by Robert Johnson and Eddie Boyd
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“Believe in yourself and have confidence that you can compete against all odds. Have a vision of what you'd like to accomplish and be able to articulate that vision.”
Robert Johnson
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Blues Education Supporters
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Thanks to the following for their support of blues education.
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Check Out these regular local radio programs
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"The Generic Blues Show" hosted by Paul Kelso airs every Friday night at 9pm on KUAF 91.3FM
Rockin' Hog Radio presents "Sunday Morning Blues" from 8am to 10am every Sunday
LINK
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Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society
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Annual membership levels begin at $15 and give you so much in return, including meeting new friends while enjoying the best blues artists in the area.
By being a member of The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas, you are helping to support the Arts and to preserve the Original American Art Form known as The Blues.
Membership Benefits Include:
Weekly E-newsletter
Opportunities to win tickets to events
VIP seating at events (when available)
Discounts on OBS merchandise
Social networking – meeting other people who also love the blues
Opportunities to volunteer on OBS committees and at events
Ability to attend board meetings and vote on upcoming organizational issues and elections
Visit our Website to renew or join! Ozarkbluessociety.org
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