From Blues Festival Guide publisher, Kaati:

Attention Blues Festival Promoters: RAISE THE ROOF

Here is a unique opportunity for you to get yourself and your festival attendees involved with the exciting Blues Foundation's RAISE THE ROOF: Campaign for the Blues Hall of Fame

The Blues Hall of Fame pays tribute to the greatest of the genre and educates new people about the genre. The Blues Foundation has been inducting people into the Blues Hall of Fame for years; it was a simple evening with web presence. Nothing permanent. But now we need physical presence.

We are working with the Blues Foundation and a myriad of artists and organizations to spread the word about this noble cause. Because we are right in the middle of preparing for festival season, this is the perfect time for you to get involved as well and it requires just a small amount of effort.

Here is a link with more details about the Blues Hall of Fame campaign. Our goal is to help raise awareness (this is where you come in) in order to raise funds to reach the goal of 3.5 million. We know you are busy with your event but here are some easy, quick and free ways you can get the word out about this worthwhile campaign.

What you can do: Add Blues Hall of Fame logo to your website

- Add BHF banner ad to your website - Include BHF ad in your Program

- MC announcements from stage - Pass out brochure to your attendees

Please make a commitment to this cause and let’s use the momentum of the festival season to create awareness! How does someone donate? Donate online. Call me if you want to share ideas or to get an ad for your website or program.

Best, Kaati / BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE

775 337 8626 or kaati@BluesFestivalGuide.com

Split Second, the highly anticipated new release by label mates Nicole Hart and Anni Piper, consists of songs by Memphis Slim, Sugar Pie Desanto, Janis Joplin, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers among others plus two originals, one composed by Nicole and one penned by Anni.

Giving a helping hand on this project are the Blues Leaf All-Stars consisting of Sandy Mack on harp, Juke Joint Jonnon dobro and acoustic guitar, Ron Rauso on guitars,Sim Cain on drums and special guest John Ginty on keyboards

"One of the more delightful CDs I've encountered in a long time features the pairing of singersNicole Hart & Anni Piper on their new CD,Split Second (Blues Leaf Records). It's undoubtedly going to be a contender for blues album of the year. Highly recommended!" ~ Blues Bytes Bill Mitchell

 "Can't Let You Go"

More info...

SIMI VALLEY CAJUN & BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 25-26

Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival

PERFORMERS SPOTLIGHT:

JAMES HARMAN'S BAMBOO PORCH REVUE

with Nathan James, Mike Tempo, Troy Sandow and Marty Dodson 

 James Harman is a one-of-a-kind song writer, producer, musician, showman, vocalist and internationally known bluesman. Through his long career starting in the early 60's James Harman has built up an enormous song catalog with 17 originals used in movies and television, 19 Blues Music Awards nominations, has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and is the harmonica player of choice on many ZZ Top releases, as well as live on many international TV shows. James Harman's Bamboo Porch Revue features a powerhouse of talent with band members Nathan James, Mike Tempo, Troy Sandow and Marty Dodson.

The 24th Annual Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, May 25th & 26th, 2013. 2013 promises to continue our tradition of bringing fans a full weekend of nonstop award-winning entertainment, more food choices than you can sample in two days, and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained too.

The Cajun & Zydeco Stage will showcase continuous music each day featuring the best Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music acts.

The Blues Stage will feature some of the most talented and renowned blues and roots acts in the world both Saturday and Sunday.



Both stages feature lots of viewing space plus large dance floors. In addition, this family friendly event has a giant kids area featuring bouncers, rock walls, specialty acts, crafts and talent shows. There are also food booths and many crafts and merchandise booths.

Tickets available now at: www.cajun-blues.com

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS FOR THE KATTAWAR BROTHERS 

The Kattawar Brothers play; Downhome Mudbottom Boogie Woogie blues and 60s music on piano and drums. Once these guys hit the stage you better fasten your seatbelt because they are high energy entertainment.

Jerry Kattawar (piano) is the entertainer. His stage antics keeps the crowd electrified. His hands and feet are never still. He spends as much time on top of his piano as he does stomping out the rhythm and music on the Keys. He exudes energy and performs with a zeal that leaves the audience breathless. Jerry interacts with his audience, they know he is performing for them, with them, and that they are the most important part of the show.

Mike Kattawar (drums) is the foundation. He lays down that steady beat and even during the wildest stunts brother Jerry pulls he never falters. His drumming is clean and dead on. The only thing more amazing than Jerry Kattawar shinning up the stage support to stand on the roof and sing is to see Mike, drum sticks a blur, sweat pouring off him, keeping that beat no matter what else is going on.

Their dedication to their high energy Boogie Woogie style of 60s music make them great for private parties and festivals large and small....

“The Kattawar Brothers are a definite crowd pleaser at the Annual Grassroots Blues Festival.” - Al White – Executive Director, Grassroots Blues Fest

“There’s not a word in the dictionary that describers these legends. Jerry’s left hand on the piano is faster than lightening and Mike’s drumming is like the thunder."

- Silky O’Sullivan – Owner of Silky O’Sullivans Beale Street

“The Kattawar Brothers are the most exciting duo to emerge from the Delta." - The London Newspaper

“The Kattawar Brothers’ shows are the highlight of the “Music on the Mississippi” cruises on the River Barge Explorer." - Charles and Sarah Vahlkamp – Entertainment Chairperson, River Barge Explorer

Contact & Booking Info: Jerry Kattawar - 901.299.6826

Rachel Kattawar - 901.288.4777

jerry.kattawar@gmail.com

www.kattawarbrothers.com

TRIPLE BLUES THREAT NIGEL MACK  WITH BLISTERING SLIDE, KILLER HARP AND POWERFUL VOCALS NOW BOOKING!

Don’t try to put bluesman Nigel Mack in a box. Bucking the usual labels, the multi-instrumentalist/songwriter and disciple of Chicago blues knows how to unite American roots music into one hot sound.

On his latest award-winning album, Devil’s Secrets, and live on stage with his band, the Blues Attack, Mack shows that harp players can wield a mean slide guitar, that zydeco, funk and R&B can blend with expert blues and that origins and background mean less and less in Chicago’s welcoming, but hard-hitting scene.

This kind of defiant mix comes naturally to the Saskatoon-born, Vancouver and Chicago-forged musician, who grew up catching blues and jazz legends before launching his own career as an artist in his late teens. “You’re not just painting in one color, but you’re mixing colors together that work,” reflects Mack. “I’ve tried to bring in all these elements from American music and fuse them together. It’s all blues, but not stuck in a box, though I really respect the musicians who play traditional blues. My trip’s just a bit different. I like to engage listeners when they put on my albums or watch my show, so that they’re never bored. We’re upbeat, up-tempo and very dynamic!”

Diverse sounds heat up Mack’s latest release of original songs, Devil’s Secrets (#1 Canadian Blues CD of 2012 on Galaxie Satellite radio in Canada). From the rootsy, steel guitar-powered “Chicago Bound,” an unintentionally prophetic song that foretold Mack’s own big move to the city, to the zydeco two-step of “Come Back Baby” (with an accordion cameo by CJ Chenier), from rock tales (“Mid Life Crisis”) to raucous funk (the instrumental shout-out to The Meters, “Meet Her Funk”), to the horn-drenched soul of “Here’s To You,” Mack and his band don’t hesitate to bring other related roots genres back to the blues fold. “The whole thing we call blues is giant,” notes Mack. “It touches everything -- all of American music.”

Find him on YouTube here...

http://nigelmack.com

INAUGURAL PARKFEST BLUES FESTIVAL COMING MAY 11

The River City Blues Society of Virginia is proud to announce the inaugural ParkFest Blues Festival onat Pocahontas State Park

 May 11, 2013, in Chesterfield County, Virginia.  

The event will kickoff with local blues bands, Andrew Alli & Last Night Blues Band (bottom) and the Mike Lucci Band (below lt). The music will continue with a regional favorite, Mikey Jr. (below rt), from Philadelphia, PA, playing a wicked harmonica. South Florida native, Albert Castiglia (lt) and his band will take the stage playing hot guitar and timely blues lyrics. The evening will end with Washington area favorite and Blues Music Award winner, The Nighthawks (top).

The festival will not only showcase the blues music of local, regional and national artists, but also the gem that is Virginia’s largest state park, Pocahontas State Park, in Chesterfield County. The festival is set in the Heritage Amphitheater where there is not a bad seat in the house as the stage is elevated. There is ample parking, plenty of shade. The amphitheater has seating and a grassy slope where spectators can set up chairs and blankets.

An interactive exhibit on loan from the Library of Virginia regarding blues music and its roots in American and Virginia music will be on site. This live exhibit will also offer acoustic blues during the stage breaks with opportunities for attending musicians. There will also be a Vendor Park with food and beverages.

RCBS also announces that profits raised will benefit the Special Olympics of Virginia. SOVA is a sports organization that has celebrated the spirit, courage and determination of children and adult athletes with mental disabilities.

The River City Blues Society is a 501(c)3 dedicated to the preservation and to the promotion of blues music in Central Virginia. More information and tickets for ParkFest Blues Festival can be found at www.parkfestblues.com.

ROWAN BLUES AND JAZZ SOCIETY

CELEBRATES 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL

 Homemade Jamz Blues Band at present and still serious

The Rowan Blues & Jazz Society is celebrating its 15th annual Rowan Blues and Jazz Festival, October 19, 2pm-11pm at 200 West Fisher Street in historic downtown Salisbury, North Carolina.

This year’s headliners will be the most requested performers of the past 15 years. Jazz trumpeter, Joe Robinson (below lt), is bringing up-and-coming jazz vocalists to the big stage. The award-winning Homemade Jamz Blues Band (current pic above and early pic at bottom), will be performing selections from their new CD. 

This festival will be a reunion for fans and musicians who meet annually in Salisbury and support the Rowan Blues and Jazz Society. The society plans to show appreciation by returning to its roots — free general admission. Tickets are available for limited reserved VIP seating and may be purchased online here.

Preceding the music will be the Jackie Torrence Storytelling Festival from 11am-1pm. Storyteller Beverly Burnett, president of the NC Association of Black Storytellers, will facilitate this event for children of all ages. Gates open at 1pm for the Blues and Jazz Festival.

Mini Funk Factory, Overton Elementary School’s band, will kick off the festival at 2pm. They will march onto the festival ground to the cadence of sounds reminiscent of New Orleans. Do not miss the performance of Rowan County’s first elementary school marching band. Arts, crafts and international food vendors will be on site. Bring your own comfortable chair and a blanket or wrap. This is a family-friendly and handicap-accessible event with activities for all ages. No pets or coolers allowed. For more information concerning sponsorships or volunteering opportunities: www.rowanbluesandjazz.org.

JOIN US DOWNUNDER TO CELEBRATE BYRON BAY BLUESFEST’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2014!

Now is the perfect time to plan for the 25th annual Bluesfest in 2014, Bluesfest is Australia’s multi-award winning and international renowned blues and roots festival.

Taking place over the Easter Long Weekend at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm in Byron Bay on Australia’s east coast, Bluesfest is an amazing opportunity to experience some of the world’s top musical masters in one of the world’s most picturesque settings. Some of the biggest names in music appear on the seven tent stages.

When guests are not enjoying the massive names in music at Bluesfest, Byron Bay is a place of outstanding natural beauty waiting to be explored. Long an escape destination for Australians this small, relaxed, chic seaside town with glorious beaches provides an ideal location to wind down after a long weekend of music festival indulgence!

For more information about packages to the event, contact Down Under Answers. 800-889-1464

*The Blues Festival Guide is going to Byron Bay Blues Fest in 2014… Please come with us! Call Linda/Down Under Answers to find out about special group rates for our blues family.

LRBC #21 & #22 SOLDOUT! JOIN WAITLIST!!

SOLD OUT ~ JOIN WAITLIST!

LRBC #22 Eastern Caribbean, January 19~26, 2014 

LRBC #22, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John & Turks & Caicos on the Holland America ms Nieuw Amsterdam IV, is SOLDOUT ~ JOIN WAITLIST STARTING APRIL 15

We will begin a waitlist Monday, 4/15/2013 at 11AM CDT! The waitlist will NOT will be live until this time, therefore, you will NOT be able to join the waitlist prior to 4/15.

Here's the link. You will be required to sign into your online account. Details on how to create your account are below.

By joining, you will be placed on the waitlist in order of the date and time that your request was received. If a cabin does become available (most likely Deluxe Verandah Outside ranging from $2450-2600 per person Double Occupancy plus $230 per person port/ship fees and gratuities to be billed onboard) we will notify you of availability. We DO require a Credit Card to be placed on the waitlist. Your card will not be charged until you have secured a cabin.

If you experience problems signing up for the waitlist online, you may also call our office at 816-753-7979. BUT... you will be able to secure a higher spot on the list by using the online system as the phone lines become very busy so it becomes difficult to get through right away. Thank you in advance for your patience!

See www.BluesCruise.com or (816) 753-7979

for reservations & info

You HAVE to experience this at least once in your lifetime! 

YOU CAN HELP KICKSTART FIRST BLUES MUSIC REALITY SHOW

The award-winning creators of M for Mississippi and We Juke Up in Here return in 2013 with “Moonshine & Mojo Hands,” the first-ever blues music reality show! Ride shotgun with hosts Jeff Konkel and Roger Stolle as they travel Mississippi’s back roads in search of juke joints, house parties, moonshine and the musicians who keep this uniquely American art form alive. Weekly web-TV episodes of Moonshine & Mojo Hands will stream for FREE at beginning this fall.

But to make the show a reality, the producers need your help! Please check out their Kickstarter campaign and consider making a contribution. Organizations and individuals interested in becoming marketing sponsors are invited to e-mail Roger Stolle at roger@cathead.biz or Jeff Konkel at jeff@brokeandhungryrecords.com.

NEWCASTLE TOWN SQUARE RHYTHM & BLUES FAIRE

The magic happens in the Newcastle Town Square, 515 Main St., Newcastle, CA on Sunday April 28 with Nevada City’s own Pinkie Rideau & the Blind Resistance taking the stage at 1pm, Sacramento’s Val Starr & the Blues Rocket take off at 3pm and from San Francisco Leah Tysse will be performing at 5pm.

Hosted by Antuzzi’s Newcastle Inn (formerly Constable Jacks), the gates open at noon. Food and beverages will be available at the Faire. Don’t miss this event with three of the best blues women on stage together for a day of blues and magic.

Tickets are only $15 and will be available at Antuzzi’s Newcastle Inn 515 Main St, Newcastle, CA; Cherry Records in Auburn; Clock Tower Records in Grass Valley; all Dimple Record stores; Esoteric Records; Beat Records; Firehouse Clothing store in Folsom; Armadillo Records in Davis; and at the gate on the day of the show.

On this day as well, join the Blues Rocket’s JohnE and Val in celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, no better way to celebrate than with music, friends and family!

Be there Noon, April 28 at Newcastle Town Square Rhythm & Blues Faire!

CONNECT WITH NEW BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE QR CODE

This is our new QR code. You will see it on the front cover of the 2013 Blues Festival Guide magazine, on the streets soon!

As usual, your blues friends may want to “borrow” your copy of your Blues Festival Guide magazine that is chock full of great info, but now you can offer to let them scan the code with their smartphone. This will bring them to our Mobile Website with a link to the Digital Version of the magazine, and they can read it there!

How does it work?

Download a free QR bar code scanner App (there are dozens of them), then scan the QR code and you will land on our new landing page for mobile devices.

What will you find there?

~ Link to read the 2013 Blues Festival Guide magazine in Digital Format

~ Link to sign up for and read our free weekly,electronic newsletter called Blues e-Guide (our editor is the Queen of Steam herself, Michele Lundeen!)

~ Link to list of dozens of blues festivals in date order.

~ Link to contact us 

Our new mobile web page is easy to navigate on your smart phone… giving you access to blues festivals at your fingertips.

Get the Blues Festival Magazine via your local Blues Society!

The Blues Festival Guide magazine comes out the third week in April each year. You can pick one up from your local Blues Society or you can order a copy to be mailed to you for a fee. 

Click here for details

Attention Blues Fans: Be a Part of Blues History

For the past 15 months, The Blues Foundation has asked blues fans to help Raise the Roof! Many of you have responded generously. As a result, the Campaign for the Blues Hall of Fame has secured pledges and donations of over $1.5 million dollars. By September, the final plans and drawings will be ready and construction can begin. But construction will begin only if those blues fans who have not yet pledged do so in the next six months.

Be a part of blues history. Do what you can. Help us complete this dream now. Let us have a Grand Opening with B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland with cutting the ribbon!

1. Make a multi-year pledge or donation online 

2. Or Mail check to: The Blues Foundation

421 So. Main, Memphis, TN 38104-4464.

3. Or Make a one-time donation by calling 901.527.2583.

For detailed information call or e-mail Jay Sieleman, President & CEO, The Blues Foundation: 901.527.2583 ext. 12 or jay@blues.org

No effort is too small or unappreciated!

If not us, who? If not now, when?

You too can get involved. Email us: Info@BluesFestivalGuide.com

to get logos and links for your website or Facebook

Video of The Week

Homemade Jamz Blues Band

"Who Your Real Friends Are"

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO