Ever since we restarted the live music calendar, the pickings have sometimes been slim. In order to compile the dates you see below in a fair and timely manner, I visit local community calendars and websites of venues that support our local blues musicians and/or have supported Ozark Blues Society. This week, I faced a lack of updates on three of the main sites I visit each week. Realistically I am not able to search the sites of individual artists due to time constraints and a concern that some local blues artists may get missed.
So the input I am looking for is to ask readers to please send me information for your favorite local artists. Of course local musicians may also send their information. Please send name of band, date, and venue for gigs occurring between next Friday and the following Saturday. Each week I review my last week of email for any dates that
to have your information included.
This week we bring you the announcement of the 2020 winners in the annual International Songwriting Competition. The article includes links to find out more about not only the winners, but also how artists can get involved in future competitions. Finally, as noted last week, we have begun to receive questions about the OBS sponsored local blues challenge. Our board will be discussing this competition soon, so stay tuned for dates and sign up information. 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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Winners Announced
2020 International Songwriting Competition
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Swedish Folk/Pop Duo Smith & Thell and Songwriter/Producer Peter Kvint Win the Grand Prize in US-Based International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
Judges Include Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Linkin Park, American Authors, Tom Waits, Trevor Daniel, Cam, Dave Koz, Camila, and More
May 3, 2021 -- The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its 2020 winners. Now going into its 20th year, ISC is the world’s largest and most prestigious international songwriting competition, receiving more than 26,000 entries from 158 countries. More than $150,000 in cash and merchandise is awarded to 71 winners in 23 categories covering all genres of music. Winning ISC is a distinction that has helped many artists go on to achieve greater success. Previous winners have included: Tones and I; Illenium; Vance Joy; Bastille; Fantastic Negrito; R.LUM.R; Gotye; Lindsey Stirling; Kimbra; Dustin Lynch; Faouzia; The Band Perry; Kehlani; Gregory Porter; Passenger; Gin Wigmore; Missy Higgins; For King and Country; Adrienne Lenker (Big Thief); and many more. Over the years many Scandinavian songwriters have become winners in ISC, but for the first time in its history, the competition’s highest honor, the overall Grand Prize, is awarded to Scandinavian songwriters. This year the Grand Prize is awarded to Swedish folk/pop duo Smith & Thell (comprised of Maria Jane Smith and Victor Thell) and songwriter/producer Peter Kvint for their co-written song “Goliath.” The Grand Prize includes $25,000 in cash (US) and more than $40,000 in additional merchandise and services. “We’ve always written about our real stories and our real life history. It’s always beautiful to be acknowledged for telling your own, real-life story,” said Smith & Thell. “’Goliath’ is about facing your fears and learning that no challenge is too big to handle. It’s an honor to hear that the message of the song reached through to the jury and to win this prestigious award especially during these challenging times.” Smith & Thell met as teenagers at a music event in their hometown of Helsingborg, a coastal town in southern Sweden and began to write songs together, both for themselves and other artists. They are no strangers to Swedish fans as many of their singles, including the ISC-winning song "Goliath," have topped the Swedish radio charts. They premiered "Goliath" at the Swedish Grammis Award show where they took home the award for the 2019 Songwriter of the Year. The song (from their 2021 album Pixie's Parasol) delivers a message of hope, determination, and perseverance. Although it was written in response to a year that was particularly challenging for them personally, the song's impassioned and uplifting themes are universally shared in light of recent events throughout the world. They described "Goliath" as their anthem for the underdog, saying “No one is too small to make a difference. A reminder to us all that we’re so much stronger than we think.” Their co-writer, Peter Kvint, is one of the most sought-after and successful songwriters and producers in Sweden, having written and/or produced many international, chart-topping hits for global artists such as Britney Spears, Heather Nova, Natasha Bedingfield, and Trace Adkin, as well as numerous Swedish artists. “Music is remarkable in that it can change the way you see the world. The song "Goliath" does just that and is relevant to everyone personally, as we all have struggles to overcome. The message is one that everyone can relate to and is one of those anthemic songs that makes you feel good and uplifted,” said ISC Founder and Director, Candace Avery. “Moreover, the song is perfectly crafted and is ear candy with a chorus that sticks in your head long after the song is finished. This is the first time the Grand Prize has ever been given to Swedish songwriters, and we are very excited to be awarding our highest honor to these very talented artists.” In addition to the Grand Prize winner, many other deserving songwriters also share in the prestige and kudos of winning their respective categories in ISC. These winners hail from all over the world (56% of this year’s winners come from outside the USA) and represent diverse cultures while ranging from talented amateurs to seasoned songwriting veterans. The 23 categories include all genres of contemporary music, from Pop to World Music to Country to Instrumental, and many more. For a complete list of ISC 2020 winners go to https://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners ISC is sponsored by: Arturia, Audeze, Celebrity Access, Eventric, Fender, Fano Guitars, Gig Salad, iZotope, Lurssen Mastering, Merch Cat, Musicians Institute, Play MPE, PreSonus, Shure, SongU, Sweetwater, and TuneCore. Entries are now open for ISC 2021. In honor of ISC's upcoming 20th anniversary, entries are only $20 for a limited time. This marks the lowest entry fee in ISC this year. For more information and to enter, go to https://www.songwritingcompetition.com For low-res photos of all winners, go to https://www.songwritingcompetition.com/photos For high-res photos, please contact Candace Avery at press@songwritingcompetition.com |
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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.
*****
******
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
*****
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:
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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.
05.07
- 1 oz Jig for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Ashtyn Barbaree at Fred's Hickory In in Bentonville
- Richard Burnett at JJ's Grill and Chill in Bella Vista
- Aaron Smith and the Coal Biters at The Momentary in Bentonville
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at Rowdy Beaver in Eureka Springs
05.08
- ShotGunBillys at Pedaler's Pub in Bentonville
05.12
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy at Moranos in Fayetteville
- Ashtyn and Jacob at Bentonville Brewing Company in Bentonville
05.13
- Ashtyn Barbaree Trio at Pedaler's Pub in Bentonville
05.14
- Earl and Them for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Modern August at Fred's Hickory Inn in Bentonville
05.15
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at Ozark Folkways Grand Reopening in Winslow
Mark Your Calendar
Please Submit Dates for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events HERE |
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On this day
in Blues History
May 7
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Today’s show features music performed by Jimmy Smith and Bumble Bee Slim
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"And then when I found my sound, it took me two and a half weeks to find my sound and when I did I pulled out all the stops, all the stops I could find"
Jimmy Smith
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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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