I will try not to let this get political...but this past week I fell into a discussion with some long time blues friends. One I used to be pretty close to had posted something that supported racial discrimination. This story is NOT designed to draw on your personal political beliefs. What struck me the most in the course of the online debate I ended up in the middle of is the sad fact that the power of blues music to overcome the oppression seems to have waned. One musician in the comments said he has moved away from his focus on blues because of this loss of authenticity. Another collaborated his position. Again, my intent is not political, but the loss of another blues legend this week left me contemplating and somewhat worried. To me the blues is all about self-expression and empowerment over oppressive life situations. Lets all keep the memories, music, and stories of men like CeDell Davis's contributions to overcoming alive lest we lose our connection to true blues in these divisive times. Please see the article below for more information about CeDell.
 The countdown is on in this week's newsletter with deadlines for the various submissions and competition sign ups. Please complete your sign up and/or help get the word out if you know someone who might be interested. There are links below for each competition and information can always be found on our website ozarkbluessociety.org
And of course, don't forget to keep up
on great local and regional music events by way of our weekly calendar below.
As always you can always drop me a
note and let me know of upcoming shows and events as well as ideas of what you would like to see in this Newsletter.
Email me anytime at:
~Sandy McCann
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We Have Lost Another Arkansas Blues Legend
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Just a week before he was scheduled to perform at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena-West Helena, we have lost CeDell Davis at the age of 90 (or 91 if you believe his birth certificate!) He was born June 9, 1927, in Helena, and lived there and and around the upper Mississippi Delta area before moving
to Pine Bluff in the 1960s.
A true blues legend, he overcame many difficulties in life. As a 10-year-old child, he
was afflicted with severe polio, which left his hands unable to make chords on his guitar.
His determination led him to teach himself
how to play using a butter knife as a slide. Years later, Davis was badly injured at a St. Louis tavern when an apparent police raid caused a stampede that left CeDell injured.
He lost function of his legs which basically confined him to a wheelchair. Later in 2005
he had a stroke which left him temporarily unable to play guitar. Here is a LINK to an interesting news piece about CeDell.
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Submission Deadline October 7
International Blues Challenge
Best Self-Produced CD Competition
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Ozark Blues Society would like to announce the opening of submissions for this year's Best Self-Produced CD competition. Deadline for OBS to receive your entry in October 7, 2017. Winner of our regional competition will be announced at our Blues Challenge. The winning artist will be awarded a $25 cash prize by OBS and their CD will be submitted to the Blues Foundation's 2018 BSPCD competition. Please read on for more information and...
Visit our website
for complete rules and entry information.
In 2005, The Blues Foundation established an award for the Best Self-Produced CD, given out at the International Blues Challenge, as part of their mission to celebrate blues recording and to ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. Unlike their celebration of blues recordings and performances at the Blues Music Awards, or their recognition of up-and-coming musician performance via The International Blues Challenge, this award
was created to recognize excellence in
independent Blues recordings.
Basic Rules:
This competition requires entry through a Blues Foundation Affiliate who may submit only one entry. Participation in the International Blues Challenge is not required. Qualifying CDs must have been released between November 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017 and may not include compilations (please note earlier submission date for OBS.) A performer who has previously been nominated or a CD or a label that has been previously nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition.
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Registration Closes October 14
2017
Ozark Blues Society
Blues Challenge
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This regional competition is run under the umbrella of our affiliate status with the Blues Foundation. OBS uses the same format and scoring used at the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis in January. If you are a blues band or a solo or duo blues act living within 250 miles of Bentonville Arkansas and would like to compete in the IBC in January, this regional contest is a first step to make that happen. Only winners from the various regional competitions may go on to the semi-finals in Memphis.
Read on below or visit our website for all the information
The 2017 Ozark Blues Society
Blues Challenge will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville, Arkansas. This regional competition is designed to be a preliminary round for bands and solo/duo artists wishing to compete in the January 2018 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis by the Blues Foundation. The regional competitions are held by blues societies affiliated with the foundation and are open to all blues acts within a 250 mile radius of each affiliate.
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Ready to Take it to the Next Level?
Blues Music Awards Submission Process
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This month's edition of the Blues Foundation's E-News included a reminder about the ongoing BMA submission process for recorded music. This contest is a level beyond the Best Self-Produced CD competition, however it also is open to all artists. Interested?
Read on for the official Blues Foundation information:
All Blues Musicians are invited to submit their recording(s) for consideration for a 2018 Blues Music Award. Music released between November 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017 is eligible. The submission process officially closes on October 24, 2017. You do not have to have your CDs already manufactured in order to fill out a submission form to submit your music. However, music must arrive in The Blues Foundation offices within two weeks of submission or of album release, whichever comes first, but no later than October 24, 2017. Music which does not arrive within the appropriate time deadlines, may be subject to increased registration fees.
Link to Registration: Blues Music Award Submission
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Music Calendar
9/29- 10/7
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Please enjoy the following listings comprised of bands, venues, and/or organizations supportive of Ozark Blues Society. Always check with individual venues for event details and schedule changes.
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9.29
- Bel Airs for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Richard Burnett and Friends t Mojo's Pints and Pies in Fayeteville
- Roby Pantall Jazz Trio at Stage 18 in Fayetteville
- The Wedding Polarity at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- Photoshere at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
- Flash at Two25 Gallery in Bentonville
- Melody Pond at the Forge in Bentonville
- Jon Dooly at Fred's Hickory Inn in Bentonville
- Brick Fields at New Delhi Cafe in Eureka Springs
9.30
- Brick Fields Duo (Me and Lar)at Hoppin' Johns in Fayetteville
- Roby Pantall at Ruth Chris Steak House in Rogers
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
- Beth and Dave Tessier at Two25 Wine Gallery in Bentonville
- Dr NOLA and the Soulshakers at Choctaw Casino in Pacola OK
10.01
- Celebrando la Música at the AMP in Rogers
10.03
- U of A Jazz Jam with Jake Hertzog Trio at Stage 18 in Fayetteville
- Nate Hancock at JJ's grill and Chill on Dickson in Fayetteville
10.04
- Brickfields Blues Therapy at Bear's Place in Fayetteville
- Richard Burnett at JJ's Grill and Chill on Dickson in Fayetteville
10.05
- Randall Shreve at Two25 Wine Bar in Bentonville
10.06
- Leah and the Mojo Doctors and Flashback for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Rachel Fields at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
- Kyle Nachtigal at Two25 in Bentonville
- TJ Scarlett at Fred's Hickory Inn in Bentonville
10.07
- Dr NOLA and the Soulshakers at Kingfish in Fayetteville
- Rick Atha at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
Mark Your Calendar
- 10/03 Kip Attaway at Sunrise Stage in Fayetteville
- 10/27 Ozark Blues Society Blues Challenge at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- 10/28 Eli Cook at Founders Room in Alma
- 11/7 Dana Cooper at Sunrise Stage in Fayetteville
- 12/7 Trout Fishing in America at Sunrise Stage in Fayetteville
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On this day
in Blues History
September 29
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Today’s show features music performed by Billie Holiday and Houston Stackhouse
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"Somebody once said we never know what is enough until we know what's more than enough."
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Blues Education Supporters
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Thanks to the following for their support of blues education.
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Check Out these regular local radio programs
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"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
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Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society
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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
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