We're Looking for a Theme Song for our Blues Festival Guide Digital Magazine

Attention Musician/Bands - Your song could be the theme song on our Digital Magazine! LIKE" us at Facebook.com/BluesFestivalGuide, "and then click on "Theme Song Music Contest" to enter your video. Then direct your friends/fans to the contest page where they'll click the "vote" tab to see all the videos and be able to vote for you.

Contest Runs May 15th – June 30th, 2013

Blues Festival Digital Magazine “Theme Song” Contest official rules:

The Artist's song with the most votes receives Four Months of having their song featured as our digital magazine theme song which is linked from our Top Ranking Blues Website www.bluesfestivalguide.com. The Artist and Song with the most Votes Wins!

Who may enter: This contest is open to anyone 18 years old or older. See complete rules at the official entry form.

First step: "LIKE" us on FACEBOOK.COM/BLUESFESTIVALGUIDE

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Janet Ryan, a recognizable name in Western Massachusetts, developed a taste for the blues while living in Chicago, where she soaked up the blues in the juke joints of the Chicago north side for many years. She brought her powerful blues presence to the East coast and earned her living performing throughout Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. After the release of her CD Passion and Fire and Wrapped up In Blue Janet and her band Straight Up! exploded onto the club scene blowing the audiences away with their high energy rocking Blues music.

Janet Ryan blends the wailing voice of the blues with a unique soulful sound that takes her music to another level. In Janet’s singing and songwriting you can hear and feel the influence of Etta James and Janis Joplin, the blues of Buddy Guy and Junior Wells and the soul of Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.

Mama Soul showcases Janet Ryan’s powerfully soulful voice on a “baker’s dozen” 13 tracks of mostly original material, along with her unique take on the Sippie Wallace blues chestnut, “Women Be Wise.” The majority of Mama Soul was recorded at Audio Dallas Recording Studio in Garland, Texas, and produced by Jimmy Rogers and Paul Osborn; with two songs recorded at The Tone Zone in Holyoke, Massachusetts and produced by Ryan. The sessions feature Ryan supported by her long-time backing group, The Straight Up Band, as well as by members of the former Dallas-based outfit, Crosscut.

 "Tired of Talking"

More Info...

The 29th Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is scheduled for July 4-6 in LeClaire Park, Davenport IA—between Highway 61 and the Mississippi River. Acclaimed worldwide for its lineup of seasoned blues artists as well as up-and-comers, the festival also offers BlueSKool for the kids and free workshops. The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival is the only major blues festival in the nation produced by an all-volunteer organization and without major corporate sponsorship.

This year’s artists include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mighty Sam McClain, Walter Trout, Southern Hospitality, John Primer (who will receive the RiverRoad Lifetime Achievement Award), C. J. Chenier, W.C. Clark, The 44s, Anthony Gomes, Samantha Fish, and Davina & the Vagabonds—among a total of 27 acts on two stages.

Also this year the festival will see the first-ever Mississippi Valley Blues Challenge. Three bands from within a 175-mile radius of the Quad-Cities will compete in the final round on July 5, with the winner playing a full set on July 6 at the festival and representing the Mississippi Valley Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2014.

Producer of the festival the Mississippi Valley Blues Society seeks to fulfill its mission of educating the public about the American artform of the blues by making the festival financially accessible. Admission is only $20 per day, with discounted prices offered through the MVBS website.

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South Bend Blues & Ribs Festival June 22

Join us for some of the BEST blues, ribs, and good times; all to raise money and awareness for special needs facilities and programming. The South Bend Blues & Ribs Festival begins with gates opening 2 pm E.D.T., on Saturday, June 22nd, at Coveleski Regional Stadium, South Bend, Indiana.

This year's headline act is Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.

Also performing this year is special guest star Ana Popovic with Mo Better Love. Ana was born in Belgrade (formerly Yugoslavia). She brings a very distinctive style to her act that ranges from rock and funk; to blues and soul. Ana has been nominated for three times for the Music Blues Awards, and most recently in 2012 for Blues Female Artist of the Year. Her show is one you definitely do not want to miss.

Coming from Kansas City is another performer at this year's Blues and Ribs Festival named Trampled Under Foot. The band consists of three siblings Danielle, Kris, and Nick Schnebelen. 2012 was a huge year for the band as they were nominated for three Blues Music Awards, won Pitch Music Awards "Best Blues Band," and named Blues Blast Music Awards "Band of the Year."

J.R. Clark, a protege' of Lil' Ed Williams, brings all his influences of Lil' Ed, Luther Allison, Michael Burks, Magic Slim and Larry McCray and stirs it up in a pot to create a hot dish of his own rockin blues.

All funds that are raised from this event will support future programing and operations at Miracle Park, a uniquely designed facility for special needs individuals provided by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department.

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Newport Blues & BBQ Festival coming July 20

It's time to get down and dirty on Saturday, July 20th at the Newport Blues & BBQ Festival, an amped-up celebration of blues, beer, and barbeque. The one-day, 10-hour festival promises musical powerhouses and a BBQ Alley brimming with smoky goodness.

This years line-up kicks off at 12:30 pm and includes James Cotton Blues Band, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Matt “Guitar” Murphy with Rick Russell & the Cadillac Horns, Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, and Quinn Sullivan. Wow! Pair that with savory offerings and cold brews and you’ve got the recipe for a quality dose of southern hospitality right here in downtown Newport, Rhode Island.

Advance tickets are $45 advance (through July 19th) or $55 Day-Of Event. Tickets on sale NOW! Kids under 12 free with an adult. Upgrade your admission ticket with a "BBQ Alley" pass available for $30. This pass includes a choice of four different tastings of BBQ specialities from a variety of the area’s best smokers and grillers within our dedicated BBQ Alley section.

While you soak in the sun and sounds of our Blues masters, check out a variety of pit-masters who will be dishing out some of the best savory barbeque in the area.

Matt “Guitar” Murphy performed with legends Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Etta James and more. In 1978 Murphy joined The Blues Brothers band and can be seen in the films The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000. This year at the Blues & BBQ Festival, the famous Blues Mobile, from the movies, will be on display for all to view. Come check it out.

More info...

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Buddy Guy to Headline Pre-Festival Concert July 19 and Dr. John to Headline the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival coming Aug 16-17

The Summer of 2013 will be known as the Summer of Music in Jackson. With the overwhelming popularity of six-time Grammy Award Winner and the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors recipient Buddy Guy, this premiere artist will headline the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Pre-Festival Concert at the Mississippi Coliseum on Friday, July 19th, 2013. Joining Buddy Guy will be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Percy Sledge. Kicking off the evening will be Canadian International artist, Shakura S’Aida and Grammy nominated and Blues Music Award Winner, Ruthie Foster.

Tickets for the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Pre-Festival Concert are $30, $45 and $60 and are available through Ticketmaster and the Mississippi Coliseum Box Office.

The Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival will premiere on the grounds of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on August 16th and 17th, 2013. The event will be headlined by six-time Grammy Award Winner Dr. John and the Nite Trippers and the hit making music band, Mint Condition. This two-day festival will feature over 30 of the best rhythm and blues artists assembled in the Southeast.

Friday gen. tickets are $35 and gates open at 5 pm Saturday gen tickets are $45 and gates open at 1 pm. A limited number of weekend passes good for both days are available for $65. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and at the Mississippi Coliseum Box Office. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Mississippi Blues Commission Blues Musicians Benevolent Fund

Click here for the complete lineup of the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival and more information or Facebook and Twitter. Click here for more information on the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, or 601-960-1891.

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Bill Wax Leaves Sirius/XM

An inspiration, and innovator, a teacher, a historian, a godsend... these are just a few terms that describe Bill Wax, creator of B.B. King's Bluesville on Sirius/XM. The first show aired on September 11, 2001.

On June 17, we were saddened to discover this note from Bill: "This may come as a surprise for some, but I have left Sirius/XM. Partly due to my health, which given a bit of time will be fine and partially due to that, this is no longer a good fit with the company. I want to thank all of you for your support over the past 12 years. Thanks to all the great musicians for helping us deliver a channel I am very proud of."

We, like countless multitudes of others, will miss Bill's presence on XM. We also wish him good health, much happiness and ... yes, good blues. I'm sure he will cross our paths again soon in some capacity.

Rich DelGrosso put it succinctly on Bill Wax's Facebook site: "At a time when we could hear the blues only on small college stations at weird times of the day you created a 24/7 venue that elevated the music, bringing it to millions of listeners. When the book is written there will be a chapter on Bill Wax and his mission that kept the blues alive! We lovers of the music owe you a debt of gratitude!"

Yes we do owe you a debt of gratutude and wishing you all the very best.

Photo: Greg Slim Lively Johnson

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It's not too soon to plan for the 25th Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia

 “So there you have it, five glorious days of beautiful music in one of the greatest environs of its kind on the planet!” Dan Condon – Time Off 

(Byron Bay, Australia) Bluesfest 

2013 – held over Easter long 

weekend was a triumph of music and cultural experiences. Heralded as "The Best Ever" in its 24 year history, Bluesfest saw over 128 bands deliver nearly 200 performances on seven stages!

Over 104,000 attendees enjoyed the music extravaganza as well as 51 market stalls and 43 food stalls, handpicked for their locally produced, organic and sustainable wares, Q&A’s with the artists, a roving lantern parade, kids activities and dance performances, turning the Bluesfest 2013 into an unforgettable 5 day fiesta experience.

So who and what now for 2014?

Well it’s onwards and upwards as Bluesfest celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a line-up potentially bigger than ever before. Our Bluesfest audience thinks so too .... with over 40% of tickets already sold.

One thing is for sure, Bluesfest NEVER rests on its laurels. We're always looking to bring the best of blues, roots, rock, reggae, soul and jazz to the Bluesfest spiritual home at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay, Australia.

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.

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Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #21 & #22

Soldout ~ Join Waitlists Below

Oct. 18~25, 2013 Fantasy/Big Easy/Mayan on Holland America ms Maasdam. Fort Lauderdale to Key West, New Orleans & Progreso, MX.

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

Here's the link. 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!

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