As Covid-19 viruses cases in Northwest Arkansas continue to edge up, it's not always easy to keep a positive perspective. Ozark Blues Society hopes you will join us in continuing to support the exceptional array of virtual music and blues programs. In today's newsletter you will find a new article about the Take Me to the River organization. Please consider viewing the movie if you have not yet seen it. Their organization has a timely focus on social consciousness. Articles from previous weeks are once again available this week. Please read on to learn more.
Also please continue to check out the
updates in the local artist support
column below. Your support continues to sustain our beloved local musicians and they are strengthened 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.
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
|
|
Educational Material
From the
Take Me to the River Website
|
As the 2019-2020 school year shut
down early, the focus was on what needed to be done, and we had to turn away from the things we planned to do. Sadly, Ozark Blues Society had to
cancel our spring Blues in the Schools presentations as well.
Going forward,we still face ongoing limitations for public performances of the music we love so many of us are looking for ways to use various resources to help continue to present blues music to young people. Though we continue to stand ready to assist educators in our area in presenting the roots and Arkansas heritage of this unique American art form, the blues, we realize that modern virtual presentations are, for now, the best option. To kick off our effort as teachers look toward how to add "live" elements to their curriculum, we present an option presented by the "Take Me to the River" Organization. Defining themselves as a "Movement in Social Consciousness" their offerings to educators are tied to their well received film entitled "Take Me to the River".
Ozark Blues Society encourages educators to explore the available materials at the following link:
|
|
Pine Bluff
Blues and Soul Series
featuring
Rachel (Brick) Fields
|
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
|
|
Blues Foundation
Virtual Health Screenings
through the HART Fund
|
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
***********
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
|
|
Support Options
For Local Artists
|
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.
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."
Brick Fields
****
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
******
|
|
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.
----------------
Mark Your Calendar
Please Check Back
|
|
|
|
On this day
in Blues History
June 26
|
Today’s show features music performed by Elizabeth Johnson with King Oliver
|
|
“You blows who you is.”
Louis Armstrong
|
|
Blues Education Supporters
|
Thanks to the following for their support of blues education.
|
|
Check Out these regular local radio programs
|
"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
|
|
Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society
|
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
|
|
|
