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Celebrating our 2022 Blues Festival Guide
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 It’s our 20th Anniversary edition of the Blues Festival Guide! Our 2022 cover by photographer Marilyn Stringer features the talented Tullie Brae and Calvin Johnson at the 2021 North Atlantic Blues Festival!
The 2022 issue has started shipping and is full of the latest happenings in the industry, glimpses of blues history and, of course, blues festivals to plan your calendar! Here's an editorial peek!
Living Legend: Billy Branch By Bill Dahl - about this premier harmonica master
Fueling Musicians Program - Joe Bonamassa's program to support and assist musicians
WLAC: Blues, Baby Chicks and Stim-U-Aid By Reverend Billy C. Wirtz - the legendary “clear channel” radio station
That Chicago Blues Sound By Wayne Baker Brooks -
20 Years of Blues By Kaati Gaffney, Publisher - celebrating our 20th anniversary and our journey
What’s Cookin’ - Blueswoman Shaun Murphy shares a fave recipe
Hooked on Blues Docs - Tom Andrews on some recent blues documentaries
Trumpet Records Courtesy of the Delta Blues Museum - a testament to Mississippi’s musical gift to the world
And more!...
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Photo Moments with the 19th Annual BFG Magazine!
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 Here's photographer and staunch blues fan Marilyn Stringer who's in Memphis for the big Blues week doings. She's stoked to check it out and of course, no doubt, pleased that her cool photo is on the cover of the brand new 2022 Blues Festival Guide magazine.
Photo courtesy Marilyn Stringer
Order yours now if you haven't already. If you're a BFG client contact your sales rep.
*GET THE ANNUAL BFG MAG & SEND US A PIC WITH IT!
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 2022 Blues Festival Guide!
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Video of the Week "Happy Mother's Day"
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Sandy Haley :: FEELS LIKE FREEDOM
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  "Feels Like Freedom"
Sandy Haley grew up in the Detroit area surrounded by Chicago Blues and Soul influences. She now resides in Los Angeles area where she honed her skills for her sassy soulful singing style, Americana storytelling, songwriting, and piano. Sandy’s bluesy powerhouse voice has provided backup for well-respected touring blues artists.
This 2022 collection of songs Sandy has written to encourage others to overcome their struggles and pursue their dreams and keep the Faith.
2022 Feel Like Freedom CD reviews:
“Feels Like Freedom is a soul-drenched high-energy excursion into the blues, Chicago meets Motown.” - Rock Doctor 4.5 Stars
“Sandy’s greatest asset may be her thoughtful songwriting. Her soulfulness shines through not only in her performance but in her ability to tell a story." - Blues Highway
A little background about these original songs:
“Love Me Right Or Cut Me Loose” – this soulful ballad is dedicated to all the single parents to encourage them to be strong and get out of toxic relationships. The beautiful video has over 70,000 views on her YouTube channel.
"Feels Like Freedom" – this groovy title song is an anthem for hard working people that want to celebrate life, love, and friendship. Feel the vibe of "No Work All Play" and you'll get swept away.
Look for Sandy Haley music on Amazon or Spotify
Website | Email
Facebook and SandyHaleyBand on IG
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Are You Ready For A Musical Bender??
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 (LAS VEGAS, NV) - Pack your bags, Vegas is calling! The 8th installment of The Big Blues Bender returns to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, August 25-28, 2022.
The Big Blues Bender is everything you could possibly want in a musical vacation and more! This unrivaled experience is custom made for those of us who love Blues, but also appreciate those creature comforts that keep you dancing well into the night.
Say goodbye to dragging your camp chairs through a field, parking a mile away, waiting in line for port-o-potties, eating off a paper plate in your lap. The spacious and lovely Westgate Las Vegas offers a multitude of wonderful restaurants, fun shops, and of course an expansive gaming floor when you’re in the mood for a diversion. Best of all, every Bender package comes with a hotel room; your own private oasis! Take a nap or a bathroom break whenever you need it. Pop in for a costume change or recharge with a shower. You’re NEVER far from the action, and you’ll learn why our motto is, “Everything, An Elevator Ride Away!®”
Of course, the main event is the Music, and the Bender doesn’t disappoint. Over 50 artists descend upon the Bender’s five stages for nearly round the clock music. One pool stage and four air-conditioned indoor stages (with plenty of seating) offer a variety of vibes to choose from. Each evening, music goes till around 5 am, and the fun starts back up at noon. It’s called the Bender for a reason!
If you’ve never been to a Bender, now is your chance. Limited inventory still remains.
Head to the Big Blues Bender website and get ready for your Bender!
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Pre-order Better Days from Cliff Stevens
and get a signed copy free!
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 Cliff Stevens is a Montreal-based blues rock guitarist who writes, sings and produces his own albums, drawing inspiration from guitarists like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher, influences that are reflected in his playing and songwriting. His talent has been praised by many including Blues Blast Magazine (USA) said this about his last release: “Stevens shows us that he can write really good songs and deliver them with passion. The guitar sound and playing is outstanding.” Blues Matters Magazine said: “Stevens is every inch a performer in the same mold as Eric Clapton.”
Better Days is the fifth solo release by Cliff Stevens, with eleven new original songs in an array of styles from driving blues-rock, slow classic blues to acoustic country blues. His life journey currently reflects a more personal and introspective writing style, all the while blending it with a blues rock edge that fans still know and love. He is currently on a 30-day European tour to promote this upcoming release.
Midwest Record recently reviewed Better Days: “Swaggering guitar driven blues rock from a cat that’s been to the top and the bottom and finds the top is a much better place with a much better view.”
Pre-order Better Days on iTunes or Amazon before June 10 and Cliff will send you a personally signed copy of the album with a bonus track and free shipping.
With his latest release, Cliff Stevens promises that Better Days are still ahead.
Listen
Website
Facebook
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Carrboro Native Elizabeth ‘Libba’ Cotten Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
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Renowned blues musician Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, whose songs were covered by the likes of Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead and Joan Baez, was announced as a 2022 inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Wednesday morning. Cotten was born in what is now Carrboro in 1893.
Cotten began composing music during her childhood and quickly became proficient with both the guitar and banjo. Her finger-plucking technique eventually developed its own name: “Cotten style.” Cotten, who was left-handed, learned both instruments upside-down, making her sound unique among blues music.
It wasn’t until Cotten was in her 60s that she began to officially record her music. It began by pure chance: Cotten was working as a nanny and maid for the Seeger family when they heard her play and recognized her talent. One of the Seeger children produced Cotten’s first LP record.
Cotten was declared a National Heritage Fellow during her later years, and the Smithsonian Institution recognized her as a “living treasure.” Cotten won her first-ever Grammy at age 90, before passing away in 1987.
Cotten is memorialized in Carrboro with a mural at 111 North Merritt Mill Road, and a bikeway through town is named in her honor.
Michael Koh/Chapelboro
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Flagstaff Blues & Brews Festival 2022
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_________________________Paid Advertisment________________________
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Which Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Hits Your Groove?
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Bluesin’ is back baby! We're excited to Return to the West Coast in 2022! Cabins on Sale Now!
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LRBC #37 Sea Of Cortez
Cabins On Sale NOW! 94% Sold & Going Fast…
Oct. 29 ~ Nov. 5, 2022
San Diego, CA to Cabo San Lucas, La Paz & Loreto
Sailing on Holland America’s ms Koningsdam
Band Lineup, Cabin Availability
LRBC #38 Eastern Caribbean
Cabins On Sale OR Wait List Launch on May 10 @ 11am!!
Jan. 28 ~ Feb. 4, 2023
Ft. Lauderdale, FL to St. John, St. Maarten & Half Moon Cay (Bahamas Private Island)
Sailing on Holland America’s ms Nieuw Statendam
Band Lineup, Cabin Pricing & More Here!
The Best Blues Experience on the Planet!
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LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
More Than A Cruise… More Than A Festival…
More Than You Can Imagine!
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• Head Honchos Representing Blue Steel Blues Society
• Reno Blues Society Spring Dance May 14
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 (MEMPHIS, TN) - Representing Blue Steel Blues Society, the Head Honchos bring their dual-guitar musical attack to Memphis this weekend, May 6-9, to compete at the 2022 IBC (International Blues Challenge). The Valparaiso, Indiana-based group is fronted by the father/son guitar team of Rocco Calipari Sr. and Rocco Calipari Jr. and is rounded out by Mike Boyle on bass and Will Wyatt on drums. Rocco Sr. is also well-known throughout the blues world as longtime guitarist of Chicago blues stalwarts, Howard And The White Boys.
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 (RENO, NV) - The Reno Blues Society (RBS) presents its Spring Dance May 14 at Boomtown in Verdi, Nevada featuring popular regional band, The Blues Monsters.
Doors open 7pm with music from about 7:30-10:30. Tickets $20. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the dances they organize cost a fair amount of money to put on so your support is critical.
Tickets are available in advance on their website or at Hippies in Sparks or Recycled Records in Reno as well at the door.
Click image to enlarge.
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Holidays, Birthdays and... Just In Case
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 • May 5 Cinco de Mayo
• May 8 Mother's Day
Mother, mom, mama, mommy... how ever you may say it, it connotes love and warmth and protection. "Mother" stands for a multitude of things.. the hug giver, the disciplinarian, the Band-Aid placer, the gentle guide, the comfort-food maker, maybe even the music maker. Even the earth is called "Mother." Celebrate your "mama" this weekend with unconditional love.
Birthdays upcoming of note:
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); May 10-Ted Bogan (1909-1990), Larry Williams (1935-1980); May 11-Kansas Joe McCoy (1905–1950); May 12-Barbara Dane (1927), Guy Davis (1952); May 13 Stevie Wonder (1950), Ana Popovic (1976); May 14-Grady Gaines (1934-2021); May 15-Johnny Williams (1906-2006), L.C. "Good Rockin" Robinson (1915-1976), Larry Johnson (1938); May 17-Taj Mahal (1942); May 18-Little Son Joe Lawlars (1900-1961), Big Joe Turner (1911-1985); May 19-Jimmy Thackery (1953)
 Just in case:
May 9 is "Lost Sock Memorial Day" The first known socks were made from matted animal hair. In 1892 the clothes dryer was invented (the beginning of our sock struggle?). In 2011 the "Lost Sock Calculator" was introduced by a Polish company dedicated to solving the world's problems through math (alrighty then!). I'm sure we can write some blues lyrics about it... maybe borrowing from.... "Woke up this morning, look 'round for my socks, you know I've got those lost sock blues..." Well, why not?! We've all been there.
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Then please drop on by and "LIKE" us and get
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Radio Submit Roots Blues Chart
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Billboard & iTunes #1 Blues Albums
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Billboard/iTunes #1 Blues Albums - as of May 5, 2022
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 #1 Billboard
BONNIE RAITT
Just Like That
#1 iTunes
BONNIE RAITT
Just Like That
(Note: iTunes rankings change very often.
This is #1 as of e-Guide publishing time)
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To view entire calendar of festivals & Live Streams, click here!
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ATTENTION:
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS
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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.
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NOTE: Highlighted/Linked events are paid "Featured" ads.
Checkout website Festival page!
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Gator By The Bay
May-5-2022 - May-8-2022
San Diego, California USA
43rd Blues Music Awards
May-5-2022
Memphis, Tennessee USA
International Blues Challenge
May-6-2022 - May-9-2022
Memphis, Tennessee USA
Clarksdale Caravan Music Festival
May-07-2022
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Pinetop Perkins Boogie & Jam
May-7-2022
Clarksdale, Mississippi USA
Kwadendamme Bluesfestival
May-12-2022 – May-15-2022
Kwadendamme, Netherlands
Women In Blues
May-13-2022 – May-14-2022
Helena, Arkansas and
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Simply Texas Blues Festival
May-14-2022
San Angelo, Texas, USA
5th Annual Baton Rouge
Soul Food Festival
May-14-2022 – May-15-2022
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Blues on Broadbeach
May-19-2022 – May-22-2022
Broadbeach, Australia
Carolina Blues Festival
May-21-2022
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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| | For festival-event links
please go to our website
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Silver City Blues Festival
May-27-2022
Silver City, New Mexico, USA
Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival
May-21-2022 – May-22-2022
Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Ground Zero Blues Club
21st Anniversary
May-27-2022 – May-28-2022
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Goat Fest IX
May-27-2022 – May-28-2022
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Red’s Old Timers Music Festival
May-28-2022
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Holland Intl' Blues Festival
Jun-09-2022 – Jun-11-2022
Holland, Netherlands
Flagstaff Blues and Brews
Jun-10-2022 - Jun-11-2022
Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
32nd Annual
Billtown Blues Festival
Jun-10-2022 - Jun-12-2022
Billtown, Pennsylvania, USA
Utah Blues Festival
Jun-10-2022 – Jun-11-2022
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
New York State Blues Festival
Jun-16-2022 – Jun-18-2022
Syracuse, New York, USA
Northwoods Blues Festival
Jun-17-2022 - Jun-18-2022
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA
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Continue to stay optimistic! We've got this!
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We are thinking of you and wishing you good health!
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 RBA Publishing/Blues Festival Guide
P.O. Box 920, Arcata, CA 95518
Call 707-630-3304
We welcome e-Guide suggestions and questions. You can reach our E-Guide editor, Michele Lundeen (pictured here) via EMAIL.
Michele is also a singer, songwriter, performer and bandleader based in the San Diego County, California area and nicknamed the "Queen of Steam" for her high energy and passionate style.
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 find out 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.
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Hey blues lovers! Got 
