Last week I suggested it felt like spring was upon us. Well, even with flowers
and trees still on the timeline, the snow and freezing temperatures experience this past week sure felt like a setback. Yet, here we are about a week out from the beginning of May, and it's not really pleasant enough for outdoor music.
Just disappointing if you ask me. Who wants to join me in betting that we
will jump from late winter temps
to blistering summer temps with
nothing in between this year?
On the positive side, the Walmart AMP has announced 2021 events are being added to the calendar much to the excitement of all concert loving fans.
The "Happy Hour at the AMP" series
will begin on May 7, 2021. This free
live music event will run during
the month of May and concerts will
begin in June. Additionally, for those who want to be a part of the AMP team,
they are hosting a job fair on Saturday, April 24 from 10am to 3pm. Visit the WALMART AMP website for more information.
Read on below for information on how
to enjoy this weekend's Fayetteville
Jazz Festival. Tickets are almost sold out. Be sure and check out the article below and sign up for some of the free tickets. Also, if you missed it last week, check out the second installment of Kevin Bonner Reviews. Finally, you again find the article that highlights two awesome options for musicians wanting to take the next step toward recognition of their craft. We are in the final week for submissions to the UnSigned Only competition so be sure and read on if this is something that might interest you. currently taking submissions, check out the article below for more information and links. The weekly music calendar continues to expand with opportunities to hear some of your local favorites.
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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THIS WEEKEND!
2021 Fayetteville
Jazz Festival
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If you hurry, there are still a limited number of tickets available for some of the shows. Some shows have virtual options as well! If you were thinking about going and haven't done it yet, now is certainly the time to get your tickets.
The 3rd Annual Fayetteville Jazz Festival is a don't miss event!
Read on below for more information!
Music Moves Presents the Fayetteville Jazz Festival
Featuring Artists in Residence Alexa Tarantino, Rodney Block, Carmen Bruner, and Jeremy Thomas
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
April 23-25, 2021
For more information, contact:
Chris Teal, Fayetteville Jazz Festival Director, Institute for Creative Music Director (509) 230-0688; or,
Anthony Ball, Music Moves Director, (479) 595-9109
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Second Edition!
Kevin Bonner
Reviews
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CROOKED EYE TOMMY BUTTERFLIES AND SNAKES
Welcome back fellow Kitty Cats and Jammer Kids. Kevin B. returning to drop another review of some blues music for you. In this episode, I’ll be discussing the not necessarily new but new to me album Butterflies and Snakes by the Southern California based group Crooked Eye Tommy.
Brothers Tommy and Paddy Marsh make up
the core of Crooked Eye Tommy. International Blue Challenge semi-finalists (2014 - band) / finalists (2020 - duo), these gentlemen have offered up a varied set of all original tunes on this their first release on their eponymous label. Recorded in Ojai, California, Butterflies and Snakes is described by the band as “a BOLD EXCURSION!” and an “amalgamation of Deep Seeded Blues and Smokey Southern Rock with Big Guitars and even Bigger Vocals.” Strong words from the left coast. Words that C.E.T. ably back up with this album.
The Marsh boys, who each play a mean guitar and handle lead vocal duties, fill out their line-up for this album with a nice, tight group of players including Glade Rasmussen on bass guitar, Tony Cicero on drums, Jimmy Claire (Raven/America) on saxophone, piano and Hammond B3, Bill Bilhou on B3, and Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp) on steel guitar. Becca Fuchs and Dan Grimm add backing vocals. Each of the seasoned players is top notch at their craft. The production on this effort is clear and robust.
Some stand out tunes on the album begin with “Crooked Eye Tommy”, written and voiced by the man himself. It’s a menacing, propulsive swamp stomp in which Tommy is “…gonna let the world know what a crooked eye can do.” All slide guitars and funky electric piano atop a groove that is heavy enough to rattle walls.
There is some right nice horn and keyboard work in Tommy’s next tune, the latin-spiced “Come On In.” This rhumba lopes along while Tommy likens his broken heart to an empty house , inviting his next love to make herself at home, such as it is.
It’s been said that good musicians borrow, great musicians steal. Brother Paddy takes the lead in the name-checking “I Stole the Blues,” confirming that sentiment. Muddy Waters, Albert King, Johnny Winter, T-Bone Walker and even Jerry Garcia are all given a shoutout. Nice to hear the refrain “… I stole the blues, now it’s time to give it back.”
“Time Will Tell” is a funky workout with some stellar twin-guitar leads ala the great Dickie Betts/Duane Allman joints or even those of Thin Lizzy. If it ain’t killed ya baby, you ain’t dead yet.
“Tide Pool” slides into the mix, slowing things down to a “hug your significant other and sway side to side” vibe. Paddy wonders what will happen to his love; like a tide pool, will it dry up? Be rescued by the sea?
In a shift away from the general “my girl is gone” topics used so much in the blues, C.E.T. add some political takes on two of the tracks: “Somebody Got to Pay” – a shuffle-driven rebuke of elected official money grabs; and “Mad and Disgusted” wherein the lads rail against government overregulation.
Butterflies and Snakes offers up a wide variety of music, culminating in the straight up soulful country feel of “Southern Heart.”
My overall impression on a scale of “Not-a-Fave to Rave” lands this debut effort straight in the middle. Solid songwriting, excellent musicianship and smooth production make the tracks very suitable for a long drive or to help warm ya up before a night out on the town.
Until next time. . . Kevin B.
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Ready?
...to Take Your Music to the Next Level?
Two Great Competitions
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The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and the Unsigned Only Music Competition are designed to give artists more exposure and recognition for their music. Each gives away over $150,000 in cash and prizes and the chance to be heard by influential industry decision-makers. All styles and genres of music are accepted including Blues, Americana, Jazz, Country, and more.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISC AND UNSIGNED ONLY?
- ISC is all about the song and recognizing talented songwriters (both professional and amateur).
- Original music only, all prizes and recognition go to the songwriters.
- Unsigned Only is all about the artist and discovering talented performers who are not signed to a major record label (indie artists are eligible).
- Original music and cover versions, all prizes and recognition go to the artist.
EVERYTHING IS ONLINE
We know this past year has been extremely challenging for artists. The good news is both competitions remain a viable option for artists to get more exposure. Neither has a physical event to attend, so artists can safely enter online.
Both competitions offer the opportunity for artist's music to be heard by an elite panel of recording artists and music industry executives.
NOW IS THE TIME
Final week to enter the 2021 Unsigned Only Competition!
ISC 2021 and Unsigned Only 2021 are taking entries now. To find out more or to enter your music, check out the links below.
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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. Submissions are being reduced to contact information this week as we restart the Live Music Calendar.
*****
The Jeff Horton Band
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, the
Jeff Horton Band definitely has
a passion for the Blues! For the last
10 years Jeff and the guys have
done their part in sharing the Blues
as much as possible.
Now, they’re about to release their first all original album,
“These Blues are all Mine”!
Just like at their live shows, this album features a variety of Blues, from
the traditional to the contemporary there’s definitely something for
everyone that loves the Blues.
It's Official! A CD release party will be held at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville on April 30th - Show starts 6:45pm. Joining the JHB, will be special guests Buddy Shute & The Motivators. It's going to be an awesome night!
*****
Jimmy Wayne Garrett
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:
*****
******
Brick Fields
We have released a single from the upcoming album. Here is a link to the video "Take Me To the Riverside"
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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LIVE MUSIC
Music Calendar
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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. Submit weekly listings by emailing: SANDY
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**Limited listings are currently available
on published community calendars.
If you know of dates for local blues
not included below, please email Sandy at the above email link.
04.23
- Nace Brothers for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Fayetteville Jazz Festival in Fayetteville
- Music On The Mountain: The Cocktail Club at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville
- Jenna and Friends at JJ's Grill and Chill in Rogers
- J Ray Davis at Bentonville Tap Room in Bentonville
04.24
- Fayetteville Jazz Festival in Fayetteville
- Jenna and Friends at JJ's Grill and Chill in Springdale
- Roger Thomas at Flavors Lounge in Bentonville
- An Homage to Sting and the Police at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
04.25
- Fayetteville Jazz Festival in Fayetteville
- In The Atrium: SoNA Voices - All Alone at WAC in Fayetteville
- Music On The Mountain: Randall Shreve at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville
- Ashtyn Barbaree and Sarah Loethen at Pedaler's Pub in Bentonville
04.28
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy at Moranos in Fayetteville
- Ashtyn Barbaree at La Heurta on Crossover in Fayetteville
- Richard Burnett at JJ's Grill and Chill on Steamboat in Fayetteville
- Jim Mills at JJ's Grill and Chill in Rogers
- Vince Turner at JJ's Grill and Chill in Bella Vista
04.29
- Richard Burnett at JJ's Grill and Chill in Fort Smith
04.30
- Earl and Them for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Ocie Fisher at JJ's Grill and Chill on Steamboat in Fayetteville
- Steve Dimmitt at JJ's Grill and Chill in Springdale
- Jeff Horton Band CD Release Party with Buddy Shute and the Motivators at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
05.01
- 96MI at Pedaler's Pub in Bentonville
- Jenna and Friends at JJ's Grill and Chill in Bella Vista
Mark Your Calendar
Please Submit Dates for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events HERE |
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On this day
in Blues History
April 23
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Today’s show features music performed by Ray Charles
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"Just because you can't see anything, doesn't mean you should
shut your eyes."
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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