|
|
|
|
|
Now's your chance! Get Listed in the 2021 Blues Festival Guide Annual Magazine
|
"The Blues Festival Guide is the road map to everything blues!” – Bobby Rush
Get your band, record label, festival, event or blues related business listed in the 2021 Blues Festival Guide magazine. Enjoy festival information (both physical and virtual), blues history and lifestyle, industry highlights and editorial content to keep you connected to the blues. Include our annual Blues Festival Guide print magazine in your marketing budget. Find Media Kit here with details.
This award-winning publication is free to the Blues community (distributed throughout U.S and Canada), and features entertaining and educational editorial by top Blues aficionados. Thousands of Blues fans will also read in digital format.
|
|
Photo Moments with the 18th Annual BFG Magazine!
|
 Safely wrapping up a socially distanced bluesy, Mardi Gras, New Orleans-inspired set in Feb 2021 in Oceanside, California are (L-R) bassist Pete Harrison (of Sue Palmer's Motel Swing Orchestra), drummer Ric Lee (bandleader of Zydeco, Cajun, blues band the Bayou Brothers), veteran guitarist "Swingin'" Jimmy Woodard and Madame LeRoux aka Michele Lundeen the "Queen of Steam."
Photo courtesy Michele Lundeen
Want your picture here with the Guide.... bring it on!
*SEND US YOUR PIC WITH THE BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE MAGAZINE! Are you are a BFG client? Reach out to your sales person so they can send you one!
Anyone can also Order one here! Once you receive, have fun, get creative and SNAP A PHOTO of you, your friends, and/or artists, etc. with the BFG magazine and EMAIL photo, caption (120 words or less), URL if applicable, and photo credit to e-Guide editor!
The Blues Foundation is official sponsor of our 2020 Blues Festival Guide!
___________________________________________________________
|
|
|
Make plans to join us for this year’s Billtown Blues Festival June 11-13
|
 (BILLTOWN, PA) - Pennsylvania’s “Big” little festival, the Billtown Blues Festival is back for the 31st year on June 11th, 12th, and 13th, 2021 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville, Pennsylvania. The festival will feature three days of great blues, food, and on-site camping.
This year’s lineup includes Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Kat Riggins, Noah Wotherspoon, Billy C Wirtz, Andy T ft. Alabama Mike, Trudy Lynn, Clarence Spady, Jason Ricci, JP Soars, and Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88's...and many more! Tickets and camping packages are on sale now.
On Friday, June 11th: Camper Line Up at 12:30pm, Gates at 2pm, Music 3pm -10:30pm. Saturday, June 12th: Gates at 11am, Music 12pm -10:30pm Sunday, June 13th: Gates at 10am, Music 11am - 5:30pm.
Get tickets and details at the website.
|
|
|
Blue Alley Block Party set this weekend in Ripley
|
 (RIPLEY, MS) - Ripley Main Street is gearing up this Saturday, April 24, for a block party to celebrate the grand opening of the newly designed Blues Alley located behind Stella Boutique.
"We are so excited for a new event that will be coming to downtown Ripley this weekend. Make sure to block off your schedules for Saturday night. You will not want to miss the Blues Block Party," said Ripley Main Street Director Elizabeth Behm.
The event, sponsored by Ripley Main Street, will feature food, drinks, and live music from local favorites Tatum Shappley, Andrea Staten, and Grammy-nominated musician Garry Burnside. DJ Lametra Rogan will provide music before and between sets.
The murals on the alley's walls highlight Mississippi Hill Country Blues artists. Saturday night's music will feature some of those artists' hit songs.
"We are happy to have Poorhouse BBQ truck as a food vendor, or you can walk across the street and enjoy a meal at Grace Café. Drinks will be served to add to the fun, festive atmosphere. We will have t-shirts for purchase that night, too. It is a free concert, and a time to enjoy Ripley and open spaces. Bring a lawn chair if you wish," Behm said.
The stage for the block party will be right off the Blues Alley on Walnut Street. Walnut will be blocked off that night from Main Street to the railroad tracks for concert-goers to enjoy the show.
Daily Journal/Tina Campbell Meadows
|
|
An "Evening of Blues" April 24 to benefit the historic Lions Lincoln Theater
|
 (MASSILLON, OH) – The Lions Lincoln Theatre is hosting an "Evening of Blues" musical event Saturday in an effort to financially benefit the historic location.
Local blues artists will coming together for a live performance at the venue to help offset financial losses experienced by the theater over the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at 156 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, Ohio, the building was built in 1915 and was sold in the 1980’s to the Massillon Lions Club, who still operate it today.
The "Evening of Blues" will feature acoustic blues with Steve Farley; John Caracillo and Naturally Blue; and The Lincoln Street Blues Band.
Tickets are $10 at the door. Advance purchases are available by calling the theater at 330-481-9105. Showtime is 7:30pm Saturday, April 24. Doors open at 6:30pm.
|
|
Blues bar Madam’s Organ asks DC for OK to reopen
|
 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The owner of the popular Madam’s Organ blues bar and restaurant in Adams Morgan said he has asked D.C.’s mayor for permission to fully reopen by requiring every person in the club to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
“We’re not asking for a government-mandated vaccine passport,” wrote owner Bill Duggan, in a Facebook post that he said was emailed to the mayor. “We’re asking for permission to open with our strict safety guidelines.”
The request comes as indoor, limited live music is set to resume in the District on May 1. Earlier this month, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced seated live entertainment venues will reopen, with a capacity limit of 25% or 500 people, whichever is less.
Until now, some live entertainment was allowed, after a venue received a waiver through the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Bowser said D.C. is reviewing the current requirement that seats be more than 30 feet from the stage.
Duggan said his staff, musicians, and music lovers “have been abiding by the COVID restrictions and patiently awaiting the day that our doors could reopen.”
“That day is here — or very near,” said Duggan. “We now have vaccines.”
Duggan said his business has assisted employees in getting vaccinated, and he has heard that many bands are 100% vaccinated, so they can return to performing when venues allow it.
“We want everyone to be safe and we are willing to do the work to guarantee that safety, if you allow us,” Duggan wrote.
“We already check IDs at the door. ABRA [DC’s Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration] is already trained to guarantee that we do,” wrote Duggan.
ABRA is already ensuring that COVID-related protocols are being followed.
...Find full story by Neal Augenstein/WTOP
|
|
Independent Artists, Producers and Venues Streaming with HowLive.TV
|
 HowLive, leading live event streaming platform, has announced “Producer,” a new product that enables artists, producers and venues to stream using the HowLive built in features to sell tickets, bundles, merch, accept donations, sponsor placement and open up new revenue channels.
Artists and venues are now the center of the virtual music experience and have full control with the HowLive platform. Deliver with confidence a front row seat with amazing 1080 video, hi fidelity and scalability to millions of viewers globally.
“Artists and venues use their existing camera gear or a variety of all-in-one solutions from HowLive” said, Gino Padua, CEO. “Rich features, our flexible pricing model, and production support keeps the process simple, removes risks and lowers costs compared to other approaches.”
As venues begin opening with limited capacity, HowLive streaming solutions can be implemented quickly to generate incremental revenue and remove geographic boundaries for live performance events.
HowLive has streamed 500+ live events across all musical genres and now is serving up live Blues weekly at HowLive.TV. Check out live events from artists such as Fantastic Negrito, Alvon Johnson, Keb’ Mo’, Tommy Castro, Chris Cain, Terrie Odabi and many more.
Head on over to Howlive.tv to check out upcoming events. To learn more about how to live stream your next event contact Howlive.
|
|
Sneak peek at the upcoming 2021 Blues Festival Guide
|
Things are looking up in 2021! We can’t wait to get back to the live music scene, and we know you feel the same. The Blues Festival Guide team is putting together the 2021 issue to bring you the latest happenings on the festival circuit and in our blues community. Here’s a sneak peek into what we’re working on!
Keeping the Blues Alive During a Pandemic By Irene Johnson
As we are all too aware, the Covid-19 pandemic halted live events and severely hindered the making of music. In this feature, the Blues Festival Guide explores the innovative solutions musicians have come up with to reach their fans, maintain their careers and keep the blues alive.
What’s Cookin’ with Larry Garner
You may be familiar with Baton Rouge bluesman Larry Garner’s songwriting and sound, but what about his cooking? Find out how he soothed his craving for chargrilled oysters during the pandemic – without the grill. Garner’s “Oven Oysters” will have you crankin’ some blues as you lay on the hot sauce.
The Lore of the Train By Michele Lundeen
What's the blues connection? The lore and fascination with trains has been with us for nearly 200 years. Trains and their winding tracks harken back to another time, reminding us of life’s trials, survival, wanderlust, love, humor or even urgency and have been inspiration for many blues songs. Explore the connection!
Blues Against Hunger Society
The Blues Against Hunger Society is dedicated to ending hunger while supporting, promoting and preserving the blues. Its food drive events – which include tours, festivals, seasonal musicals and community Jamborees – have fed thousands in the last decade throughout Baja California, So California and AZ.
Living Legend: Miss Lavelle White By Pam Cosel
Miss Lavelle White is a living legend of the blues. The Texas-based singer-songwriter’s career dates back to the 1950s, and she still captivates audiences on stage at the age of 91. Learn more in this feature how Miss Lavelle has impacted the blues over the last 70 years.
The Blues Foundation Welcomes New Leadership
Patricia Wilson Aden became the new President and CEO of The Blues Foundation in October 2020. The Blues Festival Guide was able to catch up with Patty about her first few months at The Blues Foundation, meeting the challenges of the pandemic and what’s on the horizon looking forward.
Ladies Sing & Play the Blues By Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
The Reverend is back to share his blues wisdom – this time, about some of the great ladies of the blues. Join him in worship of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Maybelle Smith, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, Memphis Minnie, Camille Howard, Julia Lee, Ella Mae Morse, and the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.
And more!
|
|
CD, Single & DVD Releases
|
|
|
Eddie 9-Volt :: LITTLE BLACK FLIES
|
|
 All his life, Eddie 9-volt has acted on instinct. Aged just 15, this old-soul artist turned away from the path of college and jobs to burst all guns blazing onto the blues club circuit of his native Atlanta, Georgia. Flash forward to 2019, and for his debut album, Left My Soul In Memphis, the prodigious multi-instrumentalist simply powered up the amps in his mobile trailer and with his brother/co-writer/producer, Lane Kelly, laid down one of the year’s breakout releases, acclaimed as “fresh and life-affirming” by Rock & Blues Muse. “ Memphis was a total side project,” shrugs Eddie, “that ended up taking off.”
Now, released in 2021 on Ruf Records, Little Black Flies is the 24-year-old’s most impulsive move to date. Tracked live in Atlanta’s Echo Deco Studios through November 2020, once again with Lane turning the knobs, plus a who’s who of the state’s best musicians (including guitar icon Cody Matlock), it’s an album that Eddie planned to feel like it’s unfolding right in front of you – right down to the clink of bottles and loose studio banter. “I’ve seen a trend in modern recording,” he says. “There’s no soul. I took inspiration from Albert Collins, Otis Rush, Mike Bloomfield. All those great records were done live with their buddies and no overdubs. I wanted the playing to be spot-on – but even if we made a mistake, we kept going.” Little Black Flies represents a passing of the baton to a bandleader that many credit for reinvigorating the South’s proud roots scene.
|
|
|
Which Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Hits Your Groove?
|
|
|
Our Artists & Headliners Stay & Play, They Don’t Hit & Run!!
|
 LRBC#35 Southern Caribbean: Oct. 24~31, 2021 From Ft. Lauderdale, Fl To Willemstad, Curacao; Oranjestad, Aruba & Half Moon Cay (Bahamas Private Island) On Holland America’s Ms Eurodam. Cabins & Info HERE
LRBC #36 Eastern Caribbean: Jan. 29~Feb. 5, 2022 From Ft. Lauderdale, Fl To Tortola, St. Thomas & Turks And Caicos On Holland America’s New Flagship Ms Rotterdam. Cabins & Info HERE
Visit Reservations Or Call (816) 753-7979 To Reserve Your Cabin!
Click image for enlarged view
________________
LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE 313 Lawrence St., Kansas City, MO | (816) 753-7979 | BluesCruise.com
- More Than A Cruise… More Than A Festival… More Than You Can Imagine! -
|
|
|
Chasing The Blues Podcast is Back!
|
|
|
Tom the Suit Forst is Chasing The Blues!
|
 We're back for our 3rd season! We've produced over 100+ shows to date with more to come! Look for upcoming show announcements and special giveaways! This will be an amazing year for festivals and we will be talking to many of the top acts as well as with the people behind the scenes who bring you the music.
Join the over 10,000 fans who get the inside story and the behind-the-scenes information that make the Blues come alive.
Go to the Chasing The Blues Podcast website, Spotify or Apple.
Hosted by Tom the suit Forst and sponsored by The Blues Festival Guide.
Tom the suit Forst is a Connecticut and New York Blues Hall Of Fame recording artist and podcaster.
|
|
|
Tedeschi Trucks Band - "Bring It On Home To Me" with Sharon Jones and Doyle Bramhall II
|
|
______________________________________
|
|
|
Holidays, Birthdays and... Just In Case
|
 "Paul Oscher plays the soul I feel!"
... Muddy Waters
R.I.P. Paul Oscher
(April 5, 1950–April 18, 2021)
"Hard times ain't nothing that music won't help heal..."
Birthdays upcoming of note:
April 22-George "Harmonica" Smith (1924-1983), Bullmoose Jackson (1919-1989); April 23-Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport (1894-1955), Billy Davenport (1931-1999); April 25-Albert King (1923 –1992); April 26-Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (1886-1939), Johnny" Shines (1915-1992), J. B. Hutto (1926-1983), Mike Finnegan (1945); April 27-Ann Peebles (1947), Michael Ledbetter (1985-2019); April 29-Big Jay McNeely (1927-2018), Otis Rush (1935), Frankie Lee (1941), April 30-Rev. Gary Davis (1896-1972), Mabel Scott (1915-2000), Frankie Lee Sims (1917-1970), Jimmie Lee Robinson (1931-2002); May 1-Big Maybelle Smith (1924-1972), Little Walter Jacobs (1930-1968), Ada Brown (1890-1950), Carlton Armstrong; May 3-Homesick James (1914), James Brown (1933 ); May 5-Blind  Willie McTell (1901), Johnnie Taylor (1934-2000); May 8-Joe Bonamassa (1977), Robert Johnson (1911-1938); May 9-Bob Margolin (1949), A.C. Reed (1926–2004)
Just in Case: April 25, is "East Meets West Day" which instantly reminded me of The Butterfield Blues Band album, East-West featuring Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Jerome Arnold, Mark Naflalin, Billy Davenport. Great stuff!
_____________________________
Missed your copy of the Weekly e-Guide?
CORRECTION: Sean Costello was pictured in the April 5th e-Guide and I forgot to remove the notation. Last week, April 15th featured Mike Welch and the late Mike Ledbetter.
Thanks to Alan Shamblin for pointing that out oversight.
|
|
|
BFG Twitter-Instagram-Facebook
|
|
|
Join Blues Freaks at our Tweeter feed & on Instagram
|
Hey, come on over and Join 13,900+ Blues Freaks at our TWITTER feed @BluesFestGuide
___________________________________________
  Also Follow us on INSTAGRAM with 8,900+ BluesersSee awesome, bluesy festival photos
from our team and fellow blues lovers!
|
|
|
Get your Face in our Book
|
|
Then please drop on by and "LIKE" us to get
a daily dose of blues related stuff!
|
|
Radio Submit Roots Blues Airplay Chart (click chart for more)
|
|
|
|
Billboard Blues Album This week
|
|
|
Billboard's Top 2 Blues Albums - Week of April 24, 2021
|
 #1
REVEREND PEYTON'S BIG DAMN BAND
Dance Songs For Hard Times
#2
RAISIN CAIN
Chris Cain
|
|
|
We've Got You Covered with Live Streams & Online Concerts
|
|
|
Blues Festival Guide Magazine Media Platforms Feature Live Streams, Online Concerts & more
|
Our platforms are a portal for live stream and online concert events.
As fast as an online event is announced, the Blues Festival Guide team makes the announcement and link go live in a special section on the top-ranking Blues Festival Guide Website, as well as on our social media platforms ( Facebook with 195,000 followers, and Instagram @bluesfestguide with 8,900+ followers). This service is provided for free to the artist as well as the viewer.
Even though most music festivals and clubs are still on lockdown across the globe, there is new music and live concerts via live stream, both local and international, that can be watched from the safety of your couch on your own TV, computer or phone.
With almost 20 years of experience delivering blues music and blues music news around the world, Publisher Kaati Gaffney says, “We are experienced digital marketers specializing in live music events. During this time of pandemic, while festivals and events are virtual, it is our pleasure to provide this service.” ...Find more about BFG or to contact us to share your events
|
|
|
To view entire calendar of festivals & Live Streams, click here!
|
|
ATTENTION:
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS
|
LIST YOUR FESTIVAL ON OUR
WEBSITE FOR FREE HERE
To ensure that your festival also appears here in the e-Guide Festival Calender EMAIL |
Not all upcoming blues festivals/events are listed here at certain times of the year due to space constraints. Unless highlighted, festivals are no longer inked due to increasing spam
For a complete list and links see our comprehensive website.
|
| | |
|
|
|
NOTE: Highlighted/Linked events are paid "Featured" ads. For complete list & links go to our website Festival page!
______________________
|
*CORONAVIRUS UPSETS:
Please click through the festival links on our site for current updates
15th Clarksdale Caravan
Music Fest
May-8-2021
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Greater Prescott Valley
Blues Festival
May-22-2021
Prescott Valley, Arizona, USA
Mifflinburg Spring Flight
& Blues Party
May-22-2021, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, USA
3rd Red's Old-Timers Blues Fest
May-29-2021
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Black Hills Blues Stomp
and Swamp Romp
Jun-04-2021 - Jun-06-2021
Sturgis, South Dakota, USA
Virtual 42nd Blues Music Awards
Jun-6-2021
Memphis, Tennessee USA
31st Billtown Blues Festival
Jun-11-2021 - Jun-13-2021, Hughesville, Pennsylvania, USA
Flagstaff Blues and Brews
Jun-11-2021 - Jun-12-2021
Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
|
| | For festival-event links
please go to our website
_______________________
|
Sierre Blues Festival
Jun-12-2021
Sierre, Switzerland
Bentonia Blues Fest
Jun-14-2021 - Jun-19-2021
Bentonia, Mississippi, USA
Alpine Country
Blues Festival
Jun-18-2021 - Jun-19-2021
Alpine, Arizona, USA
Northwoods Blues Festival
Jun-18-2021 - Jun-19-2021
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA
|
Blues On The Fox
Jun-18-2021 - Jun-19-2021
Aurora, Illinois, USA
Cleethorpes Blues, Rhythm
& Rock Festival
Jun-19-2021
Cleethorpes, United Kingdom
20th Greenwood Blues Cruise
Jul-08-2021 - Jul-10-2021, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
Briggs Farm Blues Festival
Jul-08-2021 - Jul-10-2021
Nescopeck, Pennsylvania, USA
|
|
|
|
Please stay safe and optimistic!
|
|
|
We are thinking of you and wishing you good health!
|
|
|
 RBA Publishing/Blues Festival Guide
P.O. Box 920, Arcata, CA 95518
Call 707-630-3304
RBA Publishing, Inc. in business since 1993, is a boutique blues-specific PR and marketing firm based on the West Coast. We help musicians, festivals, labels and music-related brands. Our digital campaigns target fans, industry and influencers. We are masterful at email marketing, social media, fan acquisition and long-term marketing plans. Our media services are supported by people who understand and love the blues genre. Publishers of annual the Blues Festival Guide magazine, our top-ranking website, and e-Guide newsletter with approx 30,000 weekly subscribers, we have been blues industry leaders for over 18 years. Please contact us at 707-630 3304 or EMAIL to findout how we can help you!
Information both editorial and advertising in the Blues Festival E-Guide is believed to be correct but not guaranteed. Double check info carefully before you attend any event or send money for anything. We do not do CD/DVD reviews nor write the news... we just share and report it.
We also welcome your e-Guide suggestions, critiques and questions. You can reach our E-Guide editor, Michele Lundeen (pictured) via EMAIL.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey blues lovers! Got 
