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Photo Moments with the 22nd Annual BFG Magazine!
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 Here's multi-award winning guitarist, singer, songwriter, bandleader and partner of Gulf Coast Records, Mike Zito hanging out at The Bayou Cafe in Vidor, Texas.
Mike will headline at the Rawa Blues Festival in Poland Oct 5th with Albert Castiglia as part of the Blood Brothers. Then the Mike Zito Band continues their "Life Is Hard" European tour through Oct 19 before heading back to the states.
Thanks for our BFG friend Cathy in Houston for capturing this.
Photo: Cathy Greaney
Order your very own 2024 Blues Festival Guide now!
Take a picture of yourself, friends, and/or artists, etc. with the BFG magazine... have fun with it!
Send pic via email with a caption (100 words max), URL if applicable, and photo credit to michele@bluesfestivalguide.com
BFG clients, contact your sales rep for your own copy!
The Blues Foundation is official sponsor of the 22nd annual Blues Festival Guide print magazine!
Blues legend Bobby Rush calls BFG: "The roadmap to everything blues."
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Soulful & Flavor at Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest Oct 11-13
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(NEW ORLEANS, LA) - Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Irma Thomas & the Professionals, Kenny Neal, Marcia Ball, Leyla McCalla, Eric Lindell, Chris Thomas King, Nikki Hill, Sue Foley, Little Freddie King and many more will take the stage at the 2024 Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival happening October 11-13 in New Orleans! The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Set in Lafayette Square Park, this beloved festival brings together music and the irresistible flavors of barbeque, creating a celebration of the Crescent City.
With two stages of continuous music all weekend, festival-goers can immerse themselves in the sultry sounds of the blues, while having an immersive experience with the artists.
Complementing the musical talent, the BBQ offerings at the festival are second to none. Renowned local and regional vendors will serve up an array of mouthwatering barbecue delicacies, from savory smoked meats to delicious vegetarian options, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate.
After being on hiatus for several years, the oral history stage at Gallier Hall returns! Featuring artist interviews in an intimate setting, interviews will be held indoors on the afternoons of Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13. Get to know the festival performers, up close and personal!
In addition to music and food, the festival also supports a marketplace featuring local artisans and craftspeople, offering unique handmade goods. This, coupled with the festival’s commitment to sustainability, including waste reduction initiatives and eco-friendly practices, creates a responsible yet festive atmosphere.
The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is not just an event; it's a must-attend for anyone seeking a soulful, flavorful experience.
The free festival is produced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation – the nonprofit organization that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell.
Facebook Event | Contact via email
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(MEMPHIS, TN) - The 2025 International Blues Challenge (IBC) is right around the corner and you don’t want to miss it! Join us in Memphis, Tennessee Jan 7-11 for the world’s largest celebration of Blues talent from around the globe.
The IBC represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. IBC takes place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. The week also offers seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.
You can now pre-order your official IBC 2025 merchandise. Find the full range of new merchandise and purchasing details. Must be placed by October 31st. Orders will be shipped by mid-December.
Plus, it's a rush to be in the heart of the Delta and experience all the surrounding history it has to offer as well.
Mark your calendars and grab your tickets now. Let’s keep the Blues alive, one riff at a time! See you there!
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“Octoberfest Blues Revue” Oct 6
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 (MEDFORD, OR) - The Rogue Blues Society returns to Medford’s Walkabout Brewing Company, 921 Mason Way, in Medford, Oregon on Sunday, October 6 for its annual “Octoberfest Blues Revue.” The festivities will happen in the Walkabout’s “Outback,” a grassy and tree-shaded space with picnic tables and ample room for dancing and will also include tasty food and a wide selection of premium craft beers.
A top-line duo are this year’s headliners, featuring dueling blues guitarists, Alligator recording phenom Chris Cain, and Michael Osborn (John Lee Hooker alumni) in a rare joint appearance.
Regional favorites, the versatile, innovative guitarist and passionate singer, songwriter Ben Rice and his band The PDX Hustle will serve up energetic bluesy, Americana, rock influences. Kicking off the afternoon’s music will be the hard-rock/blues mix of the youthful Brisbane Project and the soulful, R&B-tinged blues of TC and the Reactions.
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Fall is Blues Festival time in the Delta
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 (Helena, AR - Clarkdale, MS) - Every October, the King Biscuit Festival happens in Helena, Arkansas. This year’s 37th annual is October 9-12 and will feature the legendary Bobby Rush, Curtis Salgado, as well as so many more top-tier artists.
Clarksdale's "Super Blues Sunday," Oct 13th following the biscuit includes a endless variety of bluesy choices between the Cat Head Mini Fest, Pinetop Perkins Homecoming, Bluesberry Cafe, Ground Zero Blues Club, Hambone Art & Music, Hopson Commissary, and the Shack Up Inn.
The Cat Head Mini Fest will feature some downhome fun music 10am-4pm in front of the infamous Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art Store at 252 Delta Ave.
Pinetop Perkins Homecoming will feature a huge plethora of blues artists at Hopson Commissary and the Shack Up Inn. This event raises funds for the Pinetop Perkins Foundation that supports the musical paths of budding youngsters and helps with care and safety for elderly musicians.
Clarksdale's Deep Blues Festival will be October 17-20. This event features traditional and alternative blues played by musicians from all over the world, from Alvin Youngblood Hart’s classic blues to the Hill Country Blues and heavy rock 'n roll blend of GravelRoad’s "sounds of the new and the old.”
Also in Clarksdale is the Hambone Festival & Related Events Oct 24-27
If you can’t visit in person, check out Clarksdale's Delta Blues Museum website for the latest festival news and updates. You can celebrate Fall Blues festival time in the Delta with souvenirs from their Gift Shop. From tees and hoodies to CDs, books and Delta Blues Museum-branded items, their Gift Shop helps them and you keep the spirit of the Delta Blues alive.
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Blues Society News & The Road to The IBC's
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• Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge Oct 6
• Southern California Blues Society Battle of Bands Oct 13
• Piedmont Blues Preservation Society Challenge Winners
• Florida's Road to IBC Winners:
Southwest Florida Blues Society - Blues Society of Northwest Florida - First Coast Blues Society - Treasure Coast Blues Society - Suncoast Blues Society - North Central Florida Blues Society - Orange Blossom Blues Society
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THE ROAD TO THE IBC'S...
 (DURHAM, NC) – The Triangle Blues Society’s Triangle Blues Challenge will determine the Solo/Duo act and a Band that will represent in the Blues Foundation’s 40th International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee Jan 2025. This year’s local event is at 1pm Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Blue Note Grill, 709 Washington St, Durham, North Carolina.
Also, as a part of the upcoming Challenge, Triangle Blues Society (TBS) members are invited to submit their compact disc released between Nov 1, 2023, and Oct 31, 2024 to the TBS to have it considered for the Best Self-Produced CD at the IBC. Compilations are not eligible. See this page for further details.
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(LONG BEACH, CA) - The Southern California Blues Society (SCBS) will hold their “Battle of The Blues Band” on Sun Oct 13th at Malainey's Grill & One Hell of an Irish Bar, 168 North Marina Dr., in Long Beach, California.
You can find YouTube videos of some of the competitors on this Eventbrite page. Advanced tix are $25 and will greatly help offset the cost to send the winners to Memphis to travel and compete at the IBC.
(GREENSBORO, NC) - The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) is excited to announce Africa Unplugged as the winner of their Band category. Hailing from Durhma, North Carloina, the dynamic group is fronted by djembe master, guitarist, and songwriter, Atiba Rorie. The band uses traditional percussion instruments from West Africa in combination with guitars and bass. They create a funky and soulful blues-inspired modern take on tradition using both English and a language dialect from Mali in their lyrics.
Based in the Triad region, the winners of the Solo/Duo category is a new project titled The Right Reverend Dr. Dillon and Bob. The duo of Mark Dillon and Bob Bohinski brought a delightful energy that centered the guitar picking styles for which Piedmont Blues originated from.
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 (FLORIDA) - So far, seven of Florida's Blues Societies who are Blues Foundation affiliates have held their Blues Challenges.
Here is the list and thumbnail pics we gathered and complied to share of their respective winners. They will represent their society as they compete at the IBC in Memphis in Jan 2025.
Pictured Lt-RT from from top to bottom to match list below:
The Southwest Florida Blues Society challenge was held in Fort Myers.
Winners: Band – Denny Artache Band
Solo/Duo – Glenda Fell & Billy Blues
The Blues Society of Northwest Florida challenge was held in Pensacola.
Winners: Band - Harrison Avenue
Solo/Duo - Cat Daddy Blues Duo.
The First Coast Blues Society challenge was held in Jacksonville.
Winners: Band - Street Preacher
Solo/Duo - Andersson & Duncan
The Treasure Coast Blues Society challenge was held in Port St. Lucie.
Winners: Band - Jake Walden Band
Solo/Duo - Robert Ross
The Suncoast Blues Society challenge was held in St. Petersburg.
Winners: Band - Stoney Brooks
Solo/Duo - Mike Davis
The North Central Florida Blues Society challenge was held in Gainesville.
Winners: Band - Blues Prescription
Solo/Duo & Album: Sauce Boss (aka Bill Wharton)
The Orange Blossom Blues Society challenge for bands was held in Mount Dora.
Winner: Shreddie King Band
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* BLUES SOCIETIES*
Send us your Blues Challenge info so we can share with readers!
Toot your horn and promote and support your talented
regional competitors as well as your subsequent winners!!
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Which Cruise Hits Your Groove?
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#41 Southeastern Caribbean Oct 2024: Limited Cabins!
#42 Eastern Caribbean Jan 2025: Soldout! Join Wait List!
#43 Sea of Cortez Oct 2025: Pre-Book Now!
#44 Eastern Caribbean Jan 2026: Pre-Book Launches Soon!
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OCT 26 ~ NOV 2, 2024
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OCT 25 ~ NOV 1, 2025
 Sailing on Holland America’s Koningsdam from San Diego, CA to Cabo San Lucas, Loreto & La Paz. A $500 fully-refundable deposit per cabin holds your space in line. Detailed instructions announced around early December. Additional passengers may be added once you select your stateroom. (816) 753-7979 to prebook early and receive priority cabin selection!
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Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #44 EASTERN CARIBBEAN
Jan. 24 ~ 31, 2026
Sailing on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to St. John (USVI), St. Maarten & Half Moon Cay (Bahamas Private Island)
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or call (816) 753-7979 at that time!
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LEGENDARY RHYTHM
& BLUES CRUISE
Our Headliners Stay & Play...
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Reverend Freakchild :: BARE BONES
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 The most Reverend Freakchild opens his latest and 18th album, Bare Bones, by offering the philosophical track “All I Got Is Now,” with a lyric that sets the tone for the musical thoughts that follow – an exercise in bluesy Buddhism and other mystical delights: “Yesterdays are history / Tomorrows are a mystery / All I got is now / But I keep forgetting that somehow.”
But that's just a fraction of the lyrical output on Bare Bones, all of which springs from the fertile Freakchild mind, which seems unceasingly occupied by erudite elucidations of the mysteries of life through music. The magical mystery tours of his lyrics easily flow from the delicate to the desolate, but never fail to fascinate. The Rev has said that he's a Buddhist but considers music his religion. Both the blues and Buddhism, he says, can be seen as ways of confronting reality and the truth of human suffering: “I seek transcendence through song.”
For this Bare Bones transcendence, the Rev has reprised the nine tracks on his 2023 album, Songs Of Beauty For Ashes Of Realization, and pared back its more experimental musical vibe to a solo acoustic effort. The session was recorded live with no edits at the Chattanooga Public Library Studios, making it as close as possible to a musical stream of consciousness.
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Monster Mike Welch - "Walking to You Baby"
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Birthdays & Just In Case...
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Just In Case... plus upcoming Holidays & Birthdays
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 OCTOBER
• International Drum Month
• National Arts & Humanities Month
• Oct 7 Kids Music Day
"Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues" ...Albert Collins
Birthdays: Oct 3-Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954-1990), Billy Branch (1951 Blues in The Schools founder), Keb' Mo' (1951), Deborah Coleman (1956-2018); Oct 4-Duke Robillard (1948), Betsie Brown (Blind Raccoon/Overton Records); Oct 5-Roy Book Binder (1943), Rick Estrin (1949); Oct 6-Diunna Greenleaf (1957); Cheryl O'Grady (BFG); Oct 8-Andy “T” Talamantez; Oct 9-O.V. Wright (1939-1980); Oct 10-Cyril Neville (1948); Oct 12-Nappy Brown (1929-2008), James "Sugar Boy" Crawford Jr. (1934-2012), Sam Moore (1935), Barbara Blue; Oct 13-Dorothy Moore (1946); Oct 14-Jimmy Liggins (1924-1983), Son Thomas (1926-1993), Kenny Neal (1957); Oct-15 Victoria Spivey (1906-1976); Oct 16-Sugarpie DeSanto (1935 pictured), Big Joe Williams (1903-1982)
 Just in Case: October 10th is "National Hug A Drummer Day!" I like that concept! In 1909, William Ludwig opened a company and patented the kick-drum pedal, leading to the first "drum kit" as we know it today. in 1926, drummer Chick Webb formed a band in Harlem, making him the first prominent bandleader who played the drums. And in 1979 Modern Drummer Magazine created the first Hall of Fame for drummers. Gene Krupa was it's first member. We love the beat... how many drummers can you think of right off that you'd like to hug? Right?!
October 5th is "Kids Music Day" .. a day to inspire kids to assimilate music into their lives. This brings to mind the various interactive Blues In The  Schools and Blues Kids programs held around the country. There are also global youth blues music camps. I'm also a huge fan of also repurposing items to use as percussion instruments. Music gets kids moving, creating and interacting, while building confidence and motor skills... i.e. rhythm. Encourage kids to write a song. There's not much that's more gratifying then seeing the smile of a child that gets to participate at any level with music. Making, playing, or even listening to music has solid academic and social benefits, especially for kids. It uplifts the mood, alleviates stress, and promotes mindful concentration. Yep, we all know for a fact that music is a natural healer!
Sugar Pie DeSanto: Juliana Yamada/KQED | D’Mar Photo: Michele Lundeen
Kids Photo: via Blues Camp for Kids KC, presented by Fernando Jones and Blues Kids Foundation
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Missed your Weekly e-Guide?
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PICTUREBillboard #1 Blues Albums
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Billboard & iTunes #1 Blues Album - as of Oct 3, 2024
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 #1 Billboard
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD
Dirt On My Diamonds Vol 2
#1 iTunes
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD
Dirt On My Diamonds Vol 2
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Get Ready to Blast Your Music with E-Blasts!
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Have your 2024 Blues Festival Guide print magazine?
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 Latest industry happenings, blues history, lifestyle, entertaining and educational features, and dozens of blues festivals to help you plan your calendar! Our cover photo is Jimmy Carpenter by Marilyn Stringer.
Editorial Features include!
• Living Legend: Bob Stroger
• Blues On Deck
• Shredding the Glass Ceiling
• Blues From the Bluegrass State
• Visiting First Cousins By Rev. Billy C. Wirtz
• What’s Cookin’ with Anthony Geraci
• The European Blues Union
Click HERE to order your very own copy of the 2024 Blues Festival Guide print magazine — shipped directly to you. Although our magazine is free, there is a small shipping/handling charge (BFG clients, reach out to your BFG reps for your copy).
You Can Also peruse the 2024 Digital Edition with a simple click in the outside margins. Listen to Jimmy Carpenter's "Soul Doctor." Plus hyperlinks throughout the magazine! Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2024 Digital Edition
Blues legend Bobby Rush calls BFG: "The roadmap to everything blues."
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Join Blues Freaks at our X feed & on Instagram
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Radio Submit Roots Blues Chart
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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 highlight your festival on our web and here in the e-Guide Festival Calendar please EMAIL for ad rates
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Due to space constraints
Not all upcoming Blues festivals/events are listed here
For a complete list & links see our comprehensive website.
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NOTE: Highlighted/Linked events
are paid "Featured" ads.
Checkout our website Festival page!
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Bluestock
Oct-05-2024
Bellville (EZ Lane), Texas, USA
Chain O' Lakes Blues Festival
Oct-04-2024 - Oct-05-2024
Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA
VI Alicante International
Blues Festival
Oct-04-2024 - Oct-08-2024
Alicante, Spain
Reds & Greens True Blues Fest
Oct-05-2024
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Bluesberry Festival
Oct-05-2024
Norcross, Georgia, USA
Napa Blues, Brews & BBQ
Oct-05-2024
Napa, California, USA
Forgotten Music Festival
Oct-05-2024 - Oct-06-2024
Port St. Joe, Florida, USA
Octoberfest Blues Revue
Oct-06-2024
Medford, Oregon, USA
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Oct-11-2024 - Oct-13-2024
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Black Mountain Music Festival
Oct-12-2024 - Oct-17-2024
Black Mountain, North Carolina, USA
King Biscuit Blues Festival
Oct-13-2024
Helena, Arkansas, USA
Super Blues Sunday
Cat Head Mini Fest
Oct-13-2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Pinetop Perkins Homecoming
Oct-17-2024 - Oct-19-2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Deep Blues Fest
Oct-17-2024 - Oct-20-2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
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events plus tons of links
please checkout our website
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Taste of the Deep South
Oct-19-2024 - Oct-20-2024 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Hambone Festival & Related EventsOct-24-2024 - Oct-27-2024 Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Blues Heaven DenmarkNov-08-2024 - Nov-09-2024 Frederikshavn, Arena Nord, Denmark
Connecticut Rhythm & Blues FestNov-09-2024 Britain, Connecticut, USA
Blues Alive FestivalNov-14-2024 - Nov-16-2024 Šumperk, Czech Republic
Boca Blues FestivalNov-16-2024 - Nov-17-2024 Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Reading Blues FestivalNov-22-2024 - Nov-24-2024 Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Lakewood Ranch BluesDec-07-2024 Lakewood Ranch, Florida, USA
Clarksdale's New Years WeekendDec-31-2024 Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
International Blues ChallengeJan-7-2025 - Jan-11-2025 Memphis, Tennessee USA
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Are you missing us at times?
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 Hi blues peeps...Sometimes your weekly e-Guide newsletter may arrive a little late due to us, but other times, some end up as soft bounces (ones that are temporarily undeliverable). We send to the soft bounces addresses after the first initial batch has completed sending, but some may still end up as soft bounces.
*As a friendly reminder, and to hopefully help this situation, please remember to set up your spam filters to allow mail from the info@BluesFestivalGuide.com and eguide+bluesfestivalguide.com@mnb.email to ensure delivery.
We hate if you don't get your newsletter that often includes time-sensitive events and special interest bluesy content we know you don't want to miss.
Here's to a music and sunshine filled week ahead.
Yours in the blues,
Team BFG
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We're thinking of you... here's to good health & good music!
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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 the annual 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 22 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.
To ensure delivery please set up your spam filters to allow mail from
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