Today I am once again pondering the topics I might touch on as I invite you into our weekly "Blues News". Certainly I can once more let my thoughts devolve into the many items in the national news... but rather than that, today let's keep it short and sweet. February, it seems, ushers in a month filled with transitions. Today as the sun streams in through my south facing windows, I would be lax not to recognize that as the days become longer, most of us turn our attention away from winter. Even with some cold days predicted next week, there is still a progression toward spring's bounty. Check out this video of the Brick Fields Band. Rachel reminds us better than I ever could that sometimes it is wise to "Talk About the Weather".
For the rest of the newsletter, previous articles continue to be shared below,
but with some updates. If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to take a
look at the online performance platform called "Can't Stop the Blues." What
a great opportunity for both artists
and fans! I added some links to the article about the soon to be released movie about Billie Holiday. Beyond that, I would love to have some updates so please email me with ideas!
We would love to have more information on how everyone is doing and what is
(or isn't yet) on your horizons.
If you are a local blues artist, venue,
or fan and would like to share your information, please 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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Please Follow
Can't Stop The Blues
Virtual Platform
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This past fall, a new blues performance oriented Facebook group called,
"Can't Stop the Blues" launched.
The group helps artists get the word out about their virtual performances.
Check out the link and read on below
for information on how to listen
and/or participate!
To check out the upcoming schedule
coming up this week, only on
Can’t Stop the Blues, visit:
Interested in performing on CSTB? Check our page or group to look at a few previous shows in the video archives to get a feel for what it takes to put a show together, then send your info to booking@cantstoptheblues.com to be considered for an upcoming show. Our goal is to provide a platform to help full-time touring blues artists, however we would be happy to work with blues organizations looking to feature their top local talent in a multi-artist show as well!
If you are a local artist and would like assistance in putting together a local/regional show, please email Sandy McCann at Ozark Blues Society. |
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Liz Lottmann shared the news of
an upcoming epic movie that focuses
on Billie Holiday. The release date
has been rescheduled to February 26, when the movie will premier on HULU. The movie features Grammy-nominated actress Andra Day in the role of Holiday.
You can view the trailer HERE:
Read more about the movie on IMDb IMDb LINK and check out the Vanity Fair article about the movie HERE. |
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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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Jimmy Wayne Garrett
A new album from Jimmy Wayne Garrett is out titled Town on the Mountain. It is a collection of original songs written from 2009 until 2019.  The album was recorded at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville, TN and Easthall Recording Studio in Fayetteville, AR and features The Buffalo Gals (Melissa Carper and Rebecca Patek) and a handful of Nashville based artists. Each track was captured using only acoustic instruments. This album casts a unique contrast to JWG's previous album.
During these challenging times, Jimmy loves to share joy through his music. He suggests "that we should remember Love. A person could be trying to
find the beautiful and good things in life. It’s a short time we have to be alive and most conversations taking place are uninspiring, unintelligent, uneducated, unproductive, close-minded, and permeate from terrible addictions or distractions to say the least. I’d rather pull close to my kinfolk, the arts, and the earth than spend energy on worrying about 'the state of things'".
For more information about Jimmy Wayne Garrett, his schedule, recent interviews, or buy the latest album, visit: JimmyWayneGarrett.com
His music may also be found HERE:
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Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Even among the restrictions we have been able to get some gigs in. The feedback on our latest CD, "Bar-B-Que" has kept us happy and looking past canceled gigs and shuttered venues. We have been receiving feedback on our album BAR-B-QUE from all over the globe... Russia, France, the Netherlands, an island off the coast of Africa as well as national radio shows.As bad as things are we do have a lot to give Thanks for.
Buddy notes there is another option for everyone to stay connected and to keep Bluesin'! Ron Sumner is making use of the empty Eureka Springs Auditorium by streaming concerts. The Motivators were live Dec. 3rd which is available for viewing anytime after on youtube under LiveAtTheAud
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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. http://www.buddyshute.com
Best of all...we're getting together to rehearse!
Best wishes from Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Facebook: Buddy Shute and the Motivators
*****
Brick Fields
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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
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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
February 5
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Today’s show features music performed
by Willie Mabon
and Will Shade
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"The world has made everything else and still can't make peace. And the reason it can't make peace is because of the evil, ignorance, and stupidity. I have songs that explain these facts. And that is the blues."
Willie Dixon
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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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