For many the Memorial Day weekend heralds the beginning of summer. Let's hope the recent spring deluge rains are going to be replaced by some beautiful sunny weather. As we celebrate this weekend, let us not forget those who gave their lives to protect freedom around the globe. What an amazing country we live in that seeks to not
only protect our national freedoms,
but also stands ready to come alongside our allies as they fight for theirs.
The calendar listings remain a bit light again this week as two of the local music listings I follow have still not updated, but I have heard from more people lately sharing info about local live music options. Hopefully soon everything will get back into a rhythm! Please continue to follow your favorite artists, bands, and venues and keep your ear to the ground. And...please email me if you have leads!
We are featuring a couple new articles this week. For all our blues AND jazz lovers, you don't want to miss the upcoming celebration of a return to live music when the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society hosts their "Jazz in Bloom" concert. Read on for all the details! Also, for those wishing to keep connected to the best of blues, the 2021 Blues Music Awards are virtual again this year and tickets are now on sale. Again, more information can be found in the article below. If you have missed the last couple editions, you will find all the returning articles below helpful.
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
|
|
Just Announced!
Youth Master Class
Blues Workshop
|
The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas will be sponsoring a master class workshop in the blues for young guitar and harp players on July 29-30, 2021 at the Meteor Guitar Gallery
in Bentonville. The sessions will be
with Akeem Kemp for guitar and
David Berntson for harp. The event will culminate in a concert Friday night,
July 30th at the Meteor.
The workshop will be open to guitar and harp players ages 12-18. This is unusual opportunity for young blues players or those talented young players who want to learn the blues to get instruction from these exceptional blues recording artists. Participants will be sponsored by the Ozark Blues Society, so there will be no cost for participants. To be sponsored,
or just to find out more information,
call Tim Treese at 479-586-4184.
For more about Akeem Kemp Band:
For more about David Berntson:
|
|
Mark Your Calendar
Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society
Jazz in Bloom
|
Join us as we enjoy  a special "Survivors Celebration" from the challenges of Covid 19 on June 6, 2021 at our Jazz In Bloom concert.
There is no charge for admission for current Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society members. Thank you all for supporting our society over the years!
Tickets are $10 for non-members. Anyone joining the NWA Jazz Society
at the event gets free admission.
Date: June 6, 2021
Location: Main Lawn – Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. 4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72764
Gates Open: 6:00 PM
Concert: 6:30-8:30
HEADLINER: Claudia Burson Quintet
- Ben Harris-guitar
- Michael Hanna-saxophones
- Benji Wilson-bass
- Darren Novotny-drums
OPENING ACT – NW Arkansas Jazz All-Star Youth Ensemble Quartet
- Ryan Yumang-saxophone
- Dillon Brouse-drums
- Charlie Agnacian - bass
- Conner Cowart - keyboards
Covid Precautions:
- Concert goers will be socially distanced on the main lawn at BGO
- Bring your own chairs or blankets
- Bring your own food and refreshments
or by phone: 479-225-2306
|
|
Don't Miss the Party
2021
Blues Music Awards
|
We are excited to announce The Blues Foundation has partnered with Mandolin, the streaming platform chosen by blues musicians and blues fans everywhere, to bring you an elevated viewing experience of the 42nd Blues Music Awards!
|
|
Mark Your Calendar
2021
Blues Challenge Date
|
Looking ahead, the Ozark Blues Society Board of Directors is happy to announce we anticipate holding a regional Blues Challenge at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville on October 22, 2021 in anticipation of the resumption of the International Blues Challenge in 2022.
for updates and registration information later this summer.
|
|
Harmonica Enthusiasts
2021 SPAH
On-Line Convention
|
 We learned this week, the 2021 SPAH harmonica convention will once again be held in a virtual format on August 10-14th. The convention promises something for every harmonica enthusiast wishing to connect with other players and grow their skills.
August 10-14, 2021
60 Hours: Harmonicas, Friendship and Music!
|
|
Steven Ovadia's
Working MOJO
Songwriting Interviews
|
My name is Steven Ovadia. I'm a blues writer who has a new project. It's called Working Mojo and it features in-depth interviews with blues artists about their songwriting process — a topic that's sorely under covered.
Working Mojo is a labor of love, so I'm reaching out to blues societies to get the word out. Here are some recent interviews:
I hope you'll enjoy the interviews and share them with your members. And if you have any ideas for how to spread the word about the site, or just want to talk, I'm always happy to speak with fellow blues fans.
Best,
|
|
Support Options
For Local Artists
|
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.
*****
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:
YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAj6BYVglL4&list=OLAK5uy_la2zCm6zUphqeNMMe4j9I2jxiI2YT1AkU *****
******
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!
*****
|
|
LIVE MUSIC
Music Calendar
|
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
----------------
**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.
05.28
- Full House and Sarah Hughes Band for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at La Huerta on Crossover in Fayetteville
05.29
- Buddy Shute and Mark McGee at Jamin' Java in Fayetteville
- Chris Cameron and Wolf Grulkey at Six Twelve Coffee House and Bar in Fayetteville
- Ultimate Prince Tribute at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
05.30
- Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale
06.02
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy at Moranos in Fayetteville
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at La Huerta on Crossover in Fayetteville
- Ben Harris solo Jazz at Six Twelve Coffee House and Bar in Fayetteville
06.03
- Elizabeth Bainbridge Jazz Duo at Sasssafras Springs Winery in Springdale
06.04
- Cate Brothers and Brick Fields for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Alisha Pattillo Quartet at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville
06.05
- Tribute to Whitney Houston at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- Ashtyn Barbaree and Patti Steel at Ramo 'D Olivo in Bentonville
Mark Your Calendar
- June 6 - Jazz in Bloom at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville
- June 18-19 Buddy Shute and the Motivators and Brick Fields at the Fort Smith
Please Submit Dates for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events HERE |
|
|
|
On this day
in Blues History
May 28
|
Today’s show features music performed by Earl Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and Gladys Knight
|
|
"Love is what makes the world go around. I know it's a big cliche to use, but it is the absolute truth. There is nothing else like it. I know that is what everybody is striving to feel: in relationships, in brother- and sisterhood, and in all of the things that we aspire to have in our lives."
Gladys Knight
|
|
Blues Education Supporters
|
Thanks to the following for their support of blues education.
|
|
Check Out these regular local radio programs
|
"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
|
|
Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society
|
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
|
|
|
