Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer
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As we move distinctly toward the end
of July while enduring some very hot, humid days, it truly feels like the lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us. Perhaps with many performances moving to live stream events, we can
be thankful for an excuse to stay inside and soak up the AC!
As noted last week, the Ozark Blues Society Board of Directors met and made a decision to continue to plan to hold a local Blues Challenge in October. Read on below for more information.
This week we have some updates from local favorites, Buddy Shute and the Motivators. Read on to get the latest! Also in today's newsletter you will find an article about a live stream concert by Eric Gales with a discount link! It has now been shared Joe Bonamassa will join the show. Finally, the article with submission information for the 2021 Blues Music Awards 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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Keeping the Blues Away When Your
Blues Band Cannot Play
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Submitted By Brenda Baskin
If memory serves, the last time our band played in public was March 6th in Eureka Springs. It was a nearly perfect night—a fun, enthusiastic crowd, the staff made money and the venue owner was really pleased, which was good, since we were booked to play there throughout the summer.
People were just starting to pay attention to this virus we'd been hearing about. It was supposedly headed our way. But we were on cloud nine that night. We had so many gigs lined up this year. So much music and fun and potential income. Then BOOM! 'Rona. We really hate 'Rona.
We haven't played since—in fact, we've hardly seen each other. Every once in a while, someone in the band will send a message saying how much they miss the others and we all gripe and agree. We want to rehearse and play and make people happy. We want to see people dance to our music. We've tried to figure out ways to rehearse and still keep socially distant. Two of our band members live in Fayetteville, one's in Avoca, one's in Kingston and our harp player resides in Ozark. There are always a lot of miles between us-- but during this pandemic we could be on different planets and it wouldn't matter. We've all been staying close to home.
BUT...what we have been doing musically is finishing up our new album.  Fine tuning, artwork, finalizing. That's what's kept us happy and looking past canceled gigs and shuttered venues. It's been a labor of love for almost two years. And now, it's about to be released.
Our music has a southern quality, and nothing's more southern than Bar-B-Que, which happens to be the title track of our new CD. Jam packed with originals, a few covers, and all kinds of good vibes. The release date is August 10, and CD's  will be available for sale on our website, on Facebook, from the trunks of our cars and who knows where else. Downloads available too.
Best of all...we're getting together to rehearse! And on August 15th, we're having an online CD release party, streaming live from George's Majestic Lounge. Details to come. Hope you'll join us!
Best wishes from Buddy Shute and the Motivators
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This Saturday!
Live Stream Option
Eric Gales
with Joe Bonamassa
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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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Buddy Shute
and the Motivators
CD Release
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"Bar-B-Que" is the latest album from Northwest Arkansas' own Buddy Shute and the Motivators. Fourteen Tracks and a lot of love.  Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Moore at East Hall Recording Studio in Fayetteville. The incredible Rachel Fields lends her vocals to a couple of tracks, and the song "I Been Changed" (aka "Angels in Heaven") was beautifully enhanced by the voices of Rachel, Ashtyn Barbaree, Dawn Cate-Bonner, Janna Falkner-Perry, Ashley Keylor, Kendra Kirklin and Sarah Loethen. Fronted by Buddy Shute (vocals, guitar), the Motivators are: Brenda Baskin (vocals), Mark McGee (harmonica), Steve Baskin (bass, vocals), and Randy Reese (drums). Keith Hubbard was named an honorary Motivator, and his distinctive keyboard playing can be heard throughout. Release date is August 10. CD release party is August 15, streaming live from George's Majestic Lounge. http://www.buddyshute.com
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Blues Music Awards
2021
Submissions Open
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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.
Brick Fields
****
Blues Therapy Live Streams are paused for now. Rachel invites you to check out her segment produced as part of the Pine Bluff Summer Sets Series. The series highlights Blues and Soul artists that hail from Pine Bluff and includes five artists: Karen Wolf, Rod Clemmens, James Tail Dragger Jones, Joe Pitts, Bobby Rush and Rachel Field. You can find the Summer Sets Series LINK HERE. 
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
******
Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Brenda Baskin shared the following update: If memory serves, the last time our band played in public was March 6th in Eureka Springs. It was a nearly perfect night. We haven't played since—in fact, we've hardly seen
each other. Every once in a while, someone in the band will send a message saying how much they miss the others and we all gripe and agree.
BUT...what we have been doing musically is finishing up our new album. Fine tuning, artwork, finalizing. That's what's kept us happy and looking past canceled gigs and shuttered venues. It's been a labor of love for almost two years. And now, it's about to be released.
"Bar-B-Que" is the latest album from Northwest Arkansas' own Buddy Shute and the Motivators. Fourteen Tracks and a lot of love. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Moore at East Hall Recording Studio in Fayetteville. The incredible Rachel Fields lends her vocals to a couple of tracks, and the song "I Been Changed" (aka "Angels in Heaven") was beautifully enhanced by the voices of Rachel, Ashtyn Barbaree, Dawn Cate-Bonner, Janna Falkner-Perry, Ashley Keylor, Kendra Kirklin and Sarah Loethen. Fronted by Buddy Shute (vocals, guitar), the Motivators are: Brenda Baskin (vocals), Mark McGee (harmonica), Steve Baskin (bass, vocals), and Randy Reese (drums). Keith Hubbard was named an honorary Motivator, and his distinctive keyboard playing can be heard throughout. http://www.buddyshute.com
Best of all...we're getting together to rehearse! And on August 15th, we're having an online CD release party, streaming live from George's Majestic Lounge. Details to come. Hope you'll join us!
Best wishes from Buddy Shute and the Motivators
*****
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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 24
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Today’s show features music performed by Ray Charles and Prince’s Band
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“Affluence separates people. Poverty knits 'em together.
You got some sugar and I don't; I borrow some of yours.
Next month you might not have any flour; well, I'll give you some of mine."
Ray Charles
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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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