Challenge and Celebration
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The 2018 International Blues Challenge is now just a moment for the history books. Our local challenge winners played and sang their hearts out but unfortunately did not progress to finals. This Saturday you can come welcome them back and get a taste of what they shared in Memphis. Read on below for more information about our Celebration of Blues Challenge Winners Fundraiser Event. The winners of this year's 34th annual IBC are:
Lee Oskar Harp Player Award:
Kevin “B.F.” Burt (Central Iowa Blues Society)
Solo/Duo – 2nd Place:
Daniel Eriksen (Oslo Bluesklubb)
Solo/Duo – 1st Place:
Kevin “B.F.” Burt (Central Iowa Blues Society)
Cigar Box Guitar Award:
Kevin “B.F.” Burt (Central Iowa Blues Society)
Gibson Guitar Award:
Artur Menezes (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)
Band – 3rd Place:
Artur Menezes (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)
Band – 2nd Place:
Fuzzy Jeffries & the Kings of Memphis (Memphis Blues Society)
Band – 1st Place:
Keeshea Pratt Band (Houston Blues Society)
In other news,below you will find all the information about the OBS annual meeting as well as info about our January 27th post-IBC Fundraiser.
The event calendar is still showing the signs of winter, but there are still opportunities to catch some fun live events in NWA. Please keep me posted about events and shows in our area and ideas of what you would like to see in this Newsletter.
Email me anytime at:
~Sandy McCann
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TONIGHT!
An Evening With
Spencer Bohren
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It's not too late to grab some tickets for tonight's show! Ozark Blues Society is proud of our efforts several years ago to get Spencer to come to the WAC with his gifted presentation and are excited the WAC continues to help in "Keepin' The Blues Alive!"
From the WAC site: "Spencer has a marvelous gift for sharing his great love for Americas wealth of traditional folk, blues, gospel, and country music with audiences of all ages.
His ability to animate the musicians and singers from the past with both respectful readings
of their music and spellbinding stories is legendary. The atmosphere of his New Orleans home subtly informs each performance.
What's more, the stories that preface the
songs are as fascinating and well-crafted as
the songs themselves.
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SATURDAY!
2018 IBC Fundraiser at the 21c Hotel
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Supporters of Ozark Blues Society's annual Road to Memphis fundraiser take note! Due to the very early scheduling of the 2018 International Blues Challenge, Ozark Blues Society has scheduled our January Fundraiser to be held after the competition. The theme will be "Celebrate IBC." We will be back again this year to enjoy the awesome hospitality at the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville.
Acts performing will include Tony Redman and The Downtown Livewires who will be representing Ozark Blues Society at the 2018 IBC and The Pinetop Renegades who were one of the runner ups in our local compeition. It stands to be a great night of HOT blues!
So, join us Saturday, January 27, 2018
as we raise funds in support of
Ozark Blues Society's sponsorship
of our local winners.
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Our Blues Challenge Winners Return
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As shared above Ozark Blues Society's 2018 IBC competitors had a good run which unfortunately did not lead to coming home with the excitement of winning in finals. Of note, our sponsored Best Self-Produced CD entry winner, Buddy Shute and the Motivators, did not advance to the finals either. No sad faces should be found however as all IBC competitors get the amazing chance to work Beale Street promoting their band. Many modern blues artists launched exciting careers working through that same scenario. Maybe you have heard of some....Michael Burks...Susan Tedeschi...Watermelon Slim... So, IBC is so much more than a performance challenge and Ozark Blues Society is always excited to share our local talent with the movers and shakers who wander Beale Street during IBC week. Please give all our local competitors a round of applause. They are doing/ have done Northwest Arkansas Proud! For a complete list of winners, visit www.blues.org or via the Blues Foundation Facebook page HERE
Read on to get a snapshot of the cool acts we sent to IBC this year!
Solo/Duo Winner
Tony Redman
For more than 20 years Tony Redman has been a fixture in the Austin, TX music scene. Somewhat of a musical chameleon, Redman’s versatility as a guitar player has enabled him to play in a wide variety of bands ranging from blues, country, rock n roll, to solo acoustic shows leaning heavily on early Delta Blues stylings. In July 2017, Redman and his family re-located to Fayetteville Arkansas to enjoy a slower pace of life compared to Austin. With a batch of new songs, and recording projects on the horizon, Redman is looking forward to a new chapter in his musical journey in Northwest Arkansas.
Band Winner
The Downtown
Livewires
The Downtown Livewires play out of one of the fastest growing regions in the nation: Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville/Fayetteville.) Since the band’s first gig on Halloween 2011, fans have been treated to several hundred powerful shows. The band’s first EP, “Live at Haxton Road Studios” was released October 2017. Recorded in front of a LIVE studio audience, it’s available on iTunes and videos are on their YouTube channel. Electrifying fans with thrilling originals and the revitalization of old legacy high energy blues covers, The Downtown Livewires totally involve the audience in every show!
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Annual Meeting
for Ozark Blues Society
Elections
ALL are welcome!
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The OBS nominating committee has presented their candidates and voting (open to all current members) will occur at our annual meeting.
Please consider joining us on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 6:15 pm at the Springdale Holiday Inn.
In addition to board officers we are regularly accepting applications to serve on the OBS Board of Directors, member’s dues must be current and they must be in good standing
with the society. Interested candidates can email BILL BAIRD for more information.
OBS is responsible for a number of events in Northwest Arkansas including an active Blues in The Schools program, Blues Jams (when available), various Blues concerts and special events, as well as an annual regional competition for acts desiring to compete in the International Blues Challenge . OBS is a member of Downtown Bentonville Inc. and The Blues Foundation.
OBS is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit.
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Music Calendar
1/26- 2/03
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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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1.26
- The Nace Brothers for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- An Evening with Spencer Bohren (blues) at the WAC in Fayetteville
- Keith Nicholson at Levi's Gastrolounge in Rogers
- Melody Pond at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
- Blew Reed and the Flatheads at Rowdy Beaver in Eureka Springs
1.27
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at Hoppin' John's Bistro in Fayetteville
- Ozark Blues Society's IBC Celebration Fundraiser at 21c in Bentonville
- Emily Rowland at Core Public House in Bentonville
- Brother Moses at Bike Rack Brewing in Bentonville
1.28
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy (free show 2pm) at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
1.29
- Musician's Circle at Core Public House in Bentonville
1.30
- Richard Burnett at JJ's Grill and Chill in Fayetteville
1.31
- Isayah's Allstars at Mojo's Pints and Pies in Fayetteville
- Copelin Bates at JJ's Grill and Chill in Bella Vista
2.01
- The Triplets of Belleville Cine - Concert at the WAC in Fayetteville
2.02
- Full House for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Classic Albums Live - Rumors at the WAC in Fayetteville
- Roby Pantall Jazz at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
2.03
- Dr NOLA and the Soulshakers at JJ's Grill and Chill on Dickson in Fayetteville
- John McEuen and the Circle Band at the WAC in Fayetteville
- Junction 80 at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
- Buddy Shute and Mark Bokun at Low Gap Cafe in Ponca
Mark Your Calendar
- 2/16 KALO with The Downtown Livewires at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- 2/17 Brandon Santini at Warren's Rec Room in Alma
- 3/3 Royal Wade Kimes at Sunrise Stage in Fayetteville
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On this day
in Blues History
January 26
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Today’s show features music performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Peter Green
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"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
Ella Fitzgerald
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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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