This past Tuesday, the Ozark Blues Society Board of Directors met via phone. Our main objective was to make a decision about whether to continue to plan to hold a local Blues Challenge in October. With recent Covid-19 focused expanded options for affiliate challenges issued by the Blues Foundation, we discussed several options. Since
the Blues Foundation has indicated
there will be a 2021 IBC (with format yet to be decided), we have decided to continue to plan for a 2020 challenge. Please read the article below to find out more about our plans.
With the continuing proliferation of the virus, 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 a live stream concert by Eric Gales. Also, if you missed Rachel Fields Summer Set Series performance last week, you can now see it by visiting the link in the article Finally, the article with submission information for the 2021 Blues Music Awards also is included again this week. The BMA's are a great option for artists to get their music heard.
As always, please continue to support our beloved local musicians. They are strengthened by your love, so don't hesitate to 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
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Status Update
2020 Local Blues Challenge
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The board of directors of Ozark Blues Society would like to announce that in support of the Blues Foundation’s efforts to hold the 2021 International Blues Challenge in a format (yet to be announced) that meets the situation next year, we will continue to pursue the option of holding a regional affiliate blues challenge to select acts for the 2021 IBC. Please remember, we welcome all competitors from a 250 mile radius to Bentonville Arkansas. Please use this link to see the area included.
We have decided at this time (July 16, 2020) to plan for a live event at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville Arkansas on our currently scheduled date (Friday, October 23, 2020) with a live feed/no audience competition that follows Blues Foundation guidelines and addresses all state/locally required distancing and sanitation measures for participants.
As we move through the next few weeks we will be carefully monitoring the situation related to the SARS-Cov-2 virus and will follow all state and local health directives. If conditions dictate we reserve the right to convert our competition to an all virtual event that follows the guidelines put in place by The Blues Foundation that allow virtual competitions for affiliate challenges in the 2020/2021 IBC cycle.
Our formal registration is not yet open, but we are asking acts to “pre-register” if they are considering attending our event so that we can build a direct contact list to assure any and all updates are communicated in a timely manner to all interested parties. Pre-registration does NOT commit you to attending our challenge. All pre-registered acts will however be given priority for available spots when registration does open. Acts will be notified by email when registration opens.
- Act Name and category (Band or solo/duo)
- Contact person name
- Contact email
- Contact phone number
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Live Stream Option
Eric Gales
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The following information was sent to Blues Societies. Be sure and check out the discount shared below if you opt to attend this concert
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To provide some light in the midst of the Codid-19 blues we’re all experiencing, MaxxMusic is partnering with Intrepid Artists to present ERIC GALES (Solo) in a live streaming event on Saturday July 25th at 9:00 PM EST. This unique concert experience is something you’d be unlikely to see even if Eric was on the road playing your favorite blues club. This will be an intimate, interactive concert and you can have a front row seat! Eric will play a full-length concert and audience members will have the chance to interact with him during the show! There’s even an option to attend soundcheck and a pre-concert Q&A session!
We have teamed with Mandolin Live to offer the best live music streaming experience available in the industry. Unlike current Facebook and YouTube streaming experiences, Mandolin Live does not “throttle” streaming speeds so audio and video quality are breathtaking! Audience members can chat with each other and with Eric during the show (and you never need to ask the person in the next seat to quiet down!). Eric will be able to view this chat and respond to questions.
Eric would like to offer a discount code for the concert to all Blues Society members around the world! If you have the ability and are willing, we’d appreciate you sharing this information with your members and on your social media pages and newsletters!
It’s easy to redeem the discount by:
Purchase your ticket and we’ll send a private link to the concert. You’ll be able to stream from your computer, tablet or phone … or use Airplay to watch from your television screen!
We hope to see you and your members at the show!
More Information:
Eric Gales Website: https://www.ericgalesband.com
Eric Gales Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EricGales/
Eric Gales Facebook Livestream Announcement: Eric Gales Live Stream Announcement
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Blues and Soul Series
featuring
Rachel (Brick) Fields
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If you weren't able to watch the live program last week, check out the link below to enjoy the video of Rachel's segment...and check out the rest of the schedule below. A big win for all lovers of Arkansas Blues and Soul! Check out the lineup HERE: Pine Bluff Summersets
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Submissions Open
2021
Blues Music Awards
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From the Blues Foundation:All musicians are invited to submit their Blues recordings for consideration.Blues music released between November 1, 2019 and October 31, 2020 is eligible for consideration for a 2021 Blues Music Award Nomination.
You may now formally submit your album or minimum 6-song EP for consideration via our online serviceher e.
This year, we have added the opportunity to submit a single for "Song of the Year" consideration even if you do not have a full album or EP released. To be eligible for submission, your single must be professionally released to the public for the first time between November 1, 2019 - October 31, 2020 and may not be part of a larger EP or full album release. To submit a single for "Song of the Year," you must contact Joe Whitmer at joe@blues.org directly. Singles may not be directly uploaded to the online submission platform without a special code.
Submission fees and deadlines:
- July 1, 2020 - July 31, 2020
$135 per album or EP submission / $35 per song submission
- August 1, 2020 – August 31, 2020
$155 per album or EP submission / $55 per song submission
- September 1, 2020 – September 30, 2020
$180 per album or EP submission / $80 per song submission
- October 1- October 15, 2020
$225 per album or EP submission submission / $125 per song submission
The submission process officially closes on October 15, 2020. You must upload your music and artwork and complete payment for your submission transaction no later than OCTOBER 15TH at 8:00am CST to be considered for a Blues Music Award nomination.
All music must be uploaded as a WAV file with album artwork uploaded as a JPEG or PDF file. If you need assistance with uploading your music, album artwork, and/or liner notes, please contact Joe Whitmer at joe@blues.org.
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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.
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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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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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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
July 17
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Today’s show features music performed by Cab Calloway and Jimi Hendrix
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“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Jimi Hendrix
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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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