It is now less than a month before
a number of us will be off to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge.
And even before that, our IBC Fundraiser is scheduled so feels like a big, blues countdown! Additionally, an upcoming concert date sneaked by me that needs
to be added t the countdown. Local blues lovers should be excited to hear that
the Samantha Fish Band will be performing at JJ's Live Thursday, April 21st. She is an intense and powerful blues woman...a not to be missed opportunity! We have a new article this week about a cool new exhibit -A Cast of Blues- now open at the CACHE Art Gallery at 214 S. Main Street in Springdale. Read on below for more information.
A new link has been added to the article with ideas for musicians. If you are a musician looking for tips, these links will likely give you some helpful insight. And of course another reminder that it's time to get your tickets for the April 30th IBC Fundraiser event! The featured band for the evening will be the OBS sponsored band, The Jeff Horton Band, who will be competing in the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis May 6th through the 9th. The Downtown Livewires and Skye Pollard will round out the music. Please check out the article below to access our ticketing site on EventBrite.
Also, don't miss the information on the family friendly Arkansas Black Music Expo that is happening this weekend the Jones Center in Springdale. What a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some great music while learning more about the contributions of black artists to American music. a nice option for local music lovers, is the kick off of concert and recital season at the University of Arkansas. As I try to do each spring, some of these many options will be added to our music calendar to offer a way to enhance the weekly listings. The hope is these options allow local folks to experience the offerings of these young musicians.
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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The Music Education Initiative
NOW OPEN
A CAST OF BLUES
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The Music Education Initiative OPENS A CAST OF BLUES – April 2022
Blues music was born in Mississippi, came of age in Chicago, and went on to inspire generations of rock and rollers, ranging from the British invasion of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to contemporary groups, such as The Black Keys. As one of America’s contributions to the world of music, the blues took root in the fertile soil of the Mississippi Delta, a floodplain covering 7,000 square miles between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. Early blues greats in the Delta pioneered the strong rhythmic style of music, accenting the raw emotions of the lyrics by squeezing chords out of a guitar with a bottleneck or metal slide.
A celebration of Mississippi’s rich musical heritage, The exhibition A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. This is the first time that this exhibit has been in NW Arkansas. Now, visitors to the CACHE Art Gallery at 214 S. Main Street in Springdale, can experience the exhibition, A Cast of Blues, opening April 15, 2022.
During this seven week exhibit, The Music Education Initiative will offer in addition to the gallery viewing, educational programming, community outreach, lectures, guest artists and performances. The exhibition's compilation of casts and photos create a compelling portrait of the men and women who defined—and continue to shape—the tradition of Mississippi blues. Gallery hours are: Mon. – Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00PM. This exhibit is made possible by the generous support of the Tyson Family Foundation, CACHE, WhyteSpyder, MTI Consulting Group, LLC and John and Yvonne Lee, and is free to the public.
A Cast of Blues artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson has said, “a life cast is like a 3-D photograph to someone who is blind.” McConnell-Dickerson, who is visually impaired, continues, “It captures the flesh, muscle, bone, hair, and subtle expressions of emotion. I wanted to discover the faces behind the music I love, so I went to Mississippi to map out the visages of the real Delta blues men and women.”
Ken Murphy’s photographs are selected from the groundbreaking book Mississippi: State of Blues (published 2010 by Proteus/Ken Murphy Publishing). A longtime Mississippi resident, Murphy captures the essence of the blues through highly detailed, panoramic color pictures. The exhibition’s compilation of casts and photos create a compelling portrait of the men and women who defined—and continue to shape—the tradition of Mississippi blues.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Charlie Patton, Son House, Robert Johnson, and scores of other bluesmen and women barnstormed across the Delta, playing plantations, juke joints, and levee camps scattered throughout the area. It was the next generation of Mississippi music artists led by Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf, who brought the Delta blues north to Chicago. The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and other rock and rollers picked up on the Delta sound and introduced it to the world. The musicians who stayed behind in Mississippi kept the tradition alive, passing it from one generation to another. Since the 1990s, Delta blues music has undergone a revival, with the rediscovery of overlooked artists—R.L. Burnside, T Model Ford, and Bobby Rush—and the rise of contemporary blues acts like the North Mississippi Allstars and the Homemade Jamz Blues Band.
The exhibition is fully accessible to all visitors, featuring braille labels and educational materials, as well as a music playlist for gallery use and a closed-captioned film about the Cast of Blues project. In addition, visitors are encouraged to touch the resin-cast masks. Says McConnell-Dickerson, “As a sculptural and visual art experience, feeling the life-made casts of these individuals and their facial expressions transfers their experiences directly to our fingertips.” The exhibition is also accompanied by the 2008 documentary film, M for Mississippi: A Roadtrip through the Birthplace of the Blues (94 minutes).
Organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national part of Mid-America Arts Alliance, the exhibition was curated by Chuck Haddix, music historian, author, radio personality, and director of the Marr Sound Archives at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Mid-America is the oldest nonprofit regional arts organization in the United States. More information is available at www.maaa.org and www.eusa.org.
About The Music Education Initiative: Our unique perspective focuses on musical education in the interest of creating new writing, recording, performing artists, entertainers and industry personnel by exposing students and other interested parties to music and entertainment career paths at earlier ages. We engage, educate, elevate and prepare the next generation of professionals in the business of music and entertainment. We share the music and entertainment industry expertise, experience, empathy, relationships, professionalism, and first-class programs of our founding team and advisors, to develop and add value to the community, especially those of underserved communities, and quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.
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THIS WEEKEND!
Arkansas
Black Music Expo
April 15-16, 2022
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Local nonprofit Music Moves is hosting a two day event celebrating Black/African American culture in Springdale at The Jones Center for Families on April 15-16, 2022. The Arkansas Black Music Expo will feature special musical performances by Grammy nominees Carl Thomas and Kirk Whalum, the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Band, and additional regional artists scheduled throughout the event. Attractions for children and food trucks will also be on site.
The event kicks off Friday, April 15  with performances by the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Band at 5pm; Rochelle Bradshaw & Hypnotion at 6:30pm; Grammy nominee Carl Thomas at 8pm;
and smooth jazz bassist Michael Fields, Jr. at 9:30pm. Saturday,
April 16 the Expo continues with performances by the St. James Missionary Baptist Mass Choir at 11am; Funk Factory at 12pm; HipHop Cypher featuring DJ D. Sewell, BAANG, Spida, Big Lowe, and BabeeDee Hollywood at 1:30pm;
Zion Travelers at 2:40pm; Grammy winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum
at 4:10pm; and a DJ show finale
at 5:10pm. Food trucks will be
serving throughout the event. Additional activities include a drum making workshop hosted by Music Moves to encourage children to explore music in simple ways.
The Springdale Police and Fire Department will host a Kids’ Corner and there will be inflatables and other family attractions open to entertain children on site. The Arkansas Black Music Expo is a family-friendly event free to the public, sponsored by
the Tyson Family Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and
The Jones Center for Families.
Music Moves is committed to educating and engaging the community by making high quality performances of Black music accessible to everyone. The nonprofit partners with local organizations to bring live concerts to the community throughout the year and has recently produced and distributed curriculum showcasing Black cultural influence
in the arts to music teachers in NWA. Further information about the Arkansas Black Music Expo and other Music Moves events can be found at the Music Moves website and Facebook page. |
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Tickets on Sale NOW!
Ozark Blues Society
2022 IBC Fundraiser
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The ticket link is up and active again! Remember Limited reserved table seating is available. Once it is sold out, general admission w/o guaranteed seating will remain available, but don't miss your chance for the best seats in the house!
To order your tickets visit our Eventbrite site:
You may also visit our website to access the ticket link.
Our new date is just one week before the International Blues Challenge in Memphis so it will be a great opportunity for the NWA community to come out and hear the Jeff Horton Band as they share the music they will be taking to Memphis! 
We are excited to bring this fun, annual event to the Meteor Guitar Gallery. Keep watching for more information as we finalize the details of this new event. A BIG thank you to all the great blues loving folks in NWA. We appreciate your support of Ozark Blues Society and our 2022 IBC challenger, the Jeff Horton Band.
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More Resources!
for Musicians
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Once again, thanks go out to Liz Lottmann for sharing these great links!
The new one is for how to get great PR for your band. Find that link HERE:
And if you haven't checked this one from BANDZOOGLE, be sure and give it a look. This one is focused on "How to Make Money With Music Online."
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Amazon Smile
donating to
Ozark Blues Society
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Perhaps you previously have used Amazon Smile as an option to donate to Ozark Blues Society but more recently found the link not working. Well, I am happy to report we have gotten our account updated and you may once again use Smile as a way to help OBS! So, if you shop at Amazon, next time you shop sign in at https://smile.amazon.com/, and type in "Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas" as your favorite charity. Amazon will donate a small percentage of your purchase to OBS! It's easy, and you will have the same shopping experience in your usual cart. |
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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. Submissions are being reduced to contact information this week as we restart the Live Music Calendar.
*****
Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Buddy Shute and the Motivators live at the Eureka Springs Auditorium on YouTube: LiveAtTheAud
***
Buddy's latest project is a duo with Mark McGee. They will be representing the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society at the 2022 International Blues Challenge. Their recently released CD/EP is now available.
To learn more about the band, and Buddy's duo with Mark McGee, visit:
Facebook: Buddy Shute and the Motivators
******
Brick Fields
We have released a single from the upcoming album. Here is a link to the video "Take Me To the Riverside"
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
*****
The Jeff Horton Band
**Read on for NEW information**
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, the
Jeff Horton Band definitely has 
a passion for the Blues! For the last
10 years Jeff and the guys have done their part in sharing the Blues as much as possible, treating their fans to an enjoyable experience.
Jeff reports he has some exciting gigs coming up at Good Vibrations in Rogers. There will be a new jam every other Monday from 7-9pm, beginning December 27th. Additionally, he and the band will be hosting the New Year's Eve party
at Good Vibrations this year.
Lots of fun times ahead!
For more information on the Jeff Horton Band check out:
Jeff has also put together a Spotify playlist for NWA Blues. It can be found, HERE:
*****
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LIVE MUSIC
Music Calendar
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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. Submit weekly listings by emailing: SANDY
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4.15
- Earl and Them for Happy our at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Arkansas Black Music Expo at the Jones Center in Springdale
4.16
- Arkansas Black Music Expo at the Jones Center in Springdale
- School of Rock at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- Keith Nicholson at JJ's Grill and Chill in Bella Vista
- Blew Reed and the Flatheads at Hiwasse Store in Hiwasse
4.17
- Jenna and the Soul Shakers at Kingfish in Fayetteville
4.18
- Vince Turner at JJ's Grill and Chill in Springdale
4.19
- UA Jazz Presents: Latin Jazz Masters at the Black Box Theatre at UA Global Campus in Fayetteville
- Adam Collins, Matt Beach and Garrett Jones for Jazz at the Undercroft Bar in Bentonville
- Jim Mills at JJ's Grill and Chill in Bella Vista
4.20
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy at Moranos in Fayetteville
- Ben Harris jazz guitar at Six-Twelve Coffeehouse and Bar in Fayetteville
- UA Music Jazz Ensemble at Faulkner Performing Arts Center in Fayetteville
4.21
- Donna Herula Trio with Brick Fields at Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville
- April in Paris: An Evening of Jazz Combos at UA Global Campus in Fayetteville
- Samantha Fish Band at JJ's Live in Fayetteville
4.22
- Full House for Happy our at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- ASBOA Arkansas Jazz Festival at the Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville
- Elizabeth Bainbridge Jazz Duo at Sassafras Winery in Springdale
4.23
- Jeff Horton Band at JJ's Grill and Chill on Steamboat in Fayetteville
- ASBOA Arkansas Jazz Festival at the Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville
- Buddy Shute and Mark McGee at Ozark Folkways Center in Winslow
- Brick Fields at Wanderoo Lodge and Bar in Eureka Springs
Mark Your Calendar
4/30 Bound for Beale IBC Fundraiser at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
5/6-5/9 International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN
5/8 Robert Johnson Legacy Tour with guest Tony Redman at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
5/15 Johnny Rawls and the RD Olson Blues Band featuring Gary Hutchison at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
5/23 Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams at Robinson Center Performance Hall in Little Rock
Please Submit Dates for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events HERE |
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On this day
in Blues History
April 15
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Today’s show features music performed by Fletcher Henderson and Howlin’ Wolf
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"I don’t play anything but the blues, but now I could never make no money on nothin' but the blues. That's why I wasn't interested in nothin' else"
'Howlin' Wolf
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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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