So many weeks of late I have leaned
on the option to focus on the weather
as a positive (or negative) but uncontroversial topic. This week, I am happy to have some new news articles that hopefully will encourage readers to jump in to the hope and empowerment that is found in blues music.
Read on below to learn more about a new album by Brick Fields Blues Therapy Band that is in it's final production steps. They will be hosting a virtual release party (date yet to be confirmed), but are also seeking input from Blues Therapy supporters to offer some very limited live attendance seating. Read on below for information about this new music and ways to get involved in supporting the project.
We are also announcing an extraordinary opportunity OBS was offered to be a part of a conference on integrating arts into classrooms for teachers at UA. Check out the article below for more information on the presentation we are planning.
This weekend marks the release of the much anticipated new movie "The United States vs. Billie Holiday." What if you don't have HULU? You can still hear some great blues when you check out the USA Today link to 25 Essential Delta Blues Songs. Read on for all the details on both of these options.
I know I share this each week, but we would love to have more updates from local artists on how everyone is doing and what is (or isn't yet) on your horizons as we move toward spring.
If you are a local blues artist, venue,
or fan and would like to share your information, please click the link
below to email Sandy. And always remember, this is YOUR newsletter! Please send feedback or suggestions our way. You can reach me by email at the address below. We appreciate our readers and want
to see your ideas included!
~Sandy McCann
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"In The Garden"
New Album by
Brick Fields Blues Therapy Group
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Most of our readers just love our local Blues Therapy Group, Brick Fields. If you are new to their music, now might be a time to check it out. For all fans, new and old, the news of an upcoming album release is music to our ears!
Rachel Shares....I just wanted to update everyone on our upcoming album.
We have completed the recording and are in the mixing and mastering process. The album is a Gospel / Gospel Blues album and will be titled "In The Garden". It features the Blues Therapy Group: Kevin Bonner, Chris Parker, Hunter Judkins, myself, Larry and also Vince Turner who has been filling in since we lost our dear Hoobie. My children Riley and Sally are also lending their vocals on the record and we have included some special guests including Jason Smith on trombone. The record was recorded at Crisp Studio's by engineer Darren Crisp in Fayetteville, AR who is also co-producer along with the band and myself.
The album has been a labor of love. Since times are tough everyone has been donating their time. We've had a few donations which will help with getting the hard copy printed and distributed and also help with some of the recording costs.
We are planning an in-studio CD release party that will be broadcast on-line. There will be a small in-studio audience. We hope to provide a safe place, some food and a concert for folks who are in need or hurting. The invites will be special invites.
If folks know of individuals with the need of healing, basic needs or therapy who may be blessed by a live concert of Gospel Music I am asking that they email us with their stories. Please put "THERAPY!" in the subject line and send the email to: therapy@brickfieldsmusic.com
Due to Covid restrictions and guidelines, there will be limited space for invites.
We have released a single from the upcoming album. Here is a link to the video "Take Me To the Riverside"
The date for the broadcast has not been set yet. As of now, we plan to pre-record the event with Jamie Anawaty and Darren Crisp teaming up on the production.
Love to all our wonderful fans,
Thanks so much!
Rachel
Brick Fields
Booking Call: The Brick House 479-846-4668
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Teaching The Teachers
Blues Integration in Classroom Curriculum
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A few weeks ago, Ozark Blues Society's Blues in the Schools program received
a request to partner with the UofA
2021 "ARTful Teaching Conference"
by offering a virtual presentation.
The theme of this year's conference
is "The Art of the Story."
Since many schools and classrooms
are not able to offer full Blues in the Schools events even in non-Covid times, we felt this was an exceptional opportunity to grow our outreach to Arkansas pre-service teachers in support of our effort to Keep the Blues Alive. We quickly agreed to join in this program!
The conference is a month away and planning is underway. We have invited long standing OBS supporter, blues lover, and skilled youth educator, Jules Taylor, to present on our behalf. The presentation will be titled, "Learning Through the Blues to Tell Our Stories."
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Released Today!
"The United States vs Billie Holiday"
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Looking for something to watch this weekend? Today marks the release date on HULU of the premier of an epic movie that focuses on Billie Holiday. The movie features Grammy-nominated actress Andra Day in the role of Holiday.
You can view the trailer HERE:
Read more about the movie on IMDb IMDb LINK and check out the Vanity Fair article about the movie HERE.
Not a HULU member? Stay tuned for other options to watch.
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Got the Blues?
25 Essential Mississippi Delta Blues Songs
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Support Options
For Local Artists
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Please check this section of the newsletter weekly for ideas of how to support local musicians and venues. Information may be submitted by all readers, though if reporting for your favorite musician or venue, please confirm the accuracy of the information you are providing.
All submissions will remain posted with new entries being added to the top of the list each week and will run until the music calendar relaunches.
*****
Jimmy Wayne Garrett
A new album from Jimmy Wayne Garrett is out titled Town on the Mountain. It is a collection of original songs written from 2009 until 2019.  The album was recorded at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville, TN and Easthall Recording Studio in Fayetteville, AR and features The Buffalo Gals (Melissa Carper and Rebecca Patek) and a handful of Nashville based artists. Each track was captured using only acoustic instruments. This album casts a unique contrast to JWG's previous album.
During these challenging times, Jimmy loves to share joy through his music. He suggests "that we should remember Love. A person could be trying to
find the beautiful and good things in life. It’s a short time we have to be alive and most conversations taking place are uninspiring, unintelligent, uneducated, unproductive, close-minded, and permeate from terrible addictions or distractions to say the least. I’d rather pull close to my kinfolk, the arts, and the earth than spend energy on worrying about 'the state of things'".
For more information about Jimmy Wayne Garrett, his schedule, recent interviews, or buy the latest album, visit: JimmyWayneGarrett.com
His music may also be found HERE:
*****
Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Even among the restrictions we have been able to get some gigs in. The feedback on our latest CD, "Bar-B-Que" has kept us happy and looking past canceled gigs and shuttered venues. We have been receiving feedback on our album BAR-B-QUE from all over the globe... Russia, France, the Netherlands, an island off the coast of Africa as well as national radio shows.As bad as things are we do have a lot to give Thanks for.
Buddy notes there is another option for everyone to stay connected and to keep Bluesin'! Ron Sumner is making use of the empty Eureka Springs Auditorium by streaming concerts. The Motivators were live Dec. 3rd which is available for viewing anytime after on youtube under LiveAtTheAud
***
"Bar-B-Que" is the latest album from Northwest
Arkansas' own Buddy Shute and the Motivators. Fourteen Tracks and a lot of love. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Moore at East Hall Recording Studio in Fayetteville. The incredible Rachel Fields lends her vocals to a couple of tracks, and the song "I Been Changed" (aka "Angels in Heaven") was beautifully enhanced by the voices of Rachel, Ashtyn Barbaree, Dawn Cate-Bonner, Janna Falkner-Perry, Ashley Keylor, Kendra Kirklin and Sarah Loethen. Fronted by Buddy Shute (vocals, guitar), the Motivators are: Brenda Baskin (vocals), Mark McGee (harmonica), Steve Baskin (bass, vocals), and Randy Reese (drums). Keith Hubbard was named an honorary Motivator, and his distinctive keyboard playing can be heard throughout. http://www.buddyshute.com
Best wishes from Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Facebook: Buddy Shute and the Motivators
*****
Brick Fields
Rachel shares: I just wanted to update everyone on our upcoming album.
We have completed the recording and are in the mixing and mastering process. The album is a Gospel / Gospel Blues album and will be titled "In The Garden".  It features the Blues Therapy Group: Kevin Bonner, Chris Parker, Hunter Judkins, myself, Larry and also Vince Turner who has been filling in since
we lost our dear Hoobie. My children Riley and Sally are also lending their vocals on the record and we have included some special guests including Jason Smith on trombone. The record was recorded at Crisp Studio's
by engineer Darren Crisp in Fayetteville, AR who is also co-producer along
with the band and myself.
The album has been a labor of love. Since times are tough everyone has been donating their time. We've
had a few donations which will help
with getting the hard copy printed and distributed and also help with some
of the recording costs.
We are planning an in-studio CD release party that will be broadcast on-line. There will be a small in-studio audience. We hope to provide a safe place, some food and a concert for folks who are
in need or hurting. The invites will
be special invites.
If folks know of individuals with the need of healing, basic needs or therapy who may be blessed by a live concert of Gospel Music I am asking that they email us with their stories. Please put "THERAPY!" in the subject line and send the email to: therapy@brickfieldsmusic.com
Due to Covid restrictions and guidelines, there will be limited space for invites.
We have released a single from the upcoming album. Here is a link to the video "Take Me To the Riverside"
The date for the broadcast has not been set yet. As of now, we plan to pre-record the event with Jamie Anawaty and Darren Crisp teaming up on the production.
Once live music begins again, folks can stay updated on our concerts by signing up to our email at www.BrickFieldsMusic.com and following us on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/BrickFieldsMusic
We also have two stores on our website one for music merchandise and another for Blues Therapy handmade items such as essential oil blends, Jewelry, tie dyes, bath salts, body butters and more.
Thank you for your support.
I pray that each of you and your families are all doing okay through this.
Brick Fields
Booking Call: The Brick House 479-846-4668
*****
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Please enjoy the following listings comprised of bands, venues, and/or organizations that support Ozark Blues Society. Always check with individual venues for event details and schedule changes.
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Mark Your Calendar
Please Check Back
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On this day
in Blues History
February 26
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Today’s show features music performed
by Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong
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"There are some people that
if they don't know,
you can't tell them."
Louis Armstrong
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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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