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Thankful for you our Blues friends!
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We all have moments when we stop and reflect on how thankful we are... some of you may have them every single day... some when you've accomplished a feat... and often times when we realize our mortality. But we can still find peace in the small moments and are reminded to relish in even the smallest of life's gifts.
At Thanksgiving time especially, we may reflect even more on family and friends... here ...and gone. The thought of their warmth and familiarity at this holiday time of year can override chaos... (well, okay, that and pie.)
I continue to be thankful that I can express myself through my voice, my art and my pen and those that relate to that language. I'm thankful I can still find my mental strength when push comes to shove. Yes, some days more than others ...but I'm thankfully still here, and thankfully so are you.
From myself and all the staff at BFG, we want to remind you, not just today, but every day, that we so thankful and grateful for YOU, our readers, blues lovers, and blues friends. Wishing you and yours a joyful, peaceful and healthy holiday.
Your e-Guide Editor,
Michele Lundeen
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Photo Moments with the 20th Annual BFG Magazine!
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 King of The Chittlin' Circuit, the multi-award winning singer, songwriter, entertainer extraordinaire Bobby Rush is here with longtime dancer, vocalist, entertainer and his personal assistant, Mizz Lowe.
The Bobby Rush Band put on several hi-energy shows during the course of the week on the Oct. Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. Rush and Mizz Lowe even did a culinary demo in the main dining room that was informative and entertaining. Attendees got a tasting plate of their delicious recipes while Rush played a little song to wrap the demo... non-stop energy! He turned 89 a few days after the cruise! Go Bobby!
Photo: Michele Lundeen
ORDER your 2022 Magazine *SEND US A PIC WITH ANNUAL BFG MAG! BFG clients, contact your sales rep for one.
Anyone can Order here! Once you receive, have fun, get creative and SNAP A PHOTO of you, your friends, and/or artists, etc. with the BFG magazine and EMAIL photo, caption (120 words or less), URL if applicable, and photo credit to e-Guide editor!
The Blues Foundation is official sponsor of the 20th Anniversary Blues Festival Guide!
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Are You Ready For A Musical Bender??
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 (LAS VEGAS, NV) - Pack your bags, Vegas is calling! The 9th installment of The Big Blues Bender returns to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, September 7-10, 2023.
The Big Blues Bender is everything you could possibly want in a musical vacation and more! Say goodbye to dragging your camp chairs through a field, parking a mile away, waiting in line for a porta potty, eating off a paper plate in your lap. The spacious and lovely Westgate Las Vegas offers a multitude of wonderful restaurants, fun shops, and of course an expansive gaming floor when you’re in the mood for a diversion. Best of all, most Bender packages come with a hotel room; your own private oasis! Take a nap or a bathroom break whenever you need it. Pop in for a costume change or recharge with a shower. You’re NEVER far from the action, and you’ll learn why our motto is, “Everything, An Elevator Ride Away!®”
Of course, the main event is the Music, and the Bender doesn’t disappoint. Over 40 artists descend upon the Bender’s five stages for nearly round the clock music. One pool stage and four air-conditioned indoor stages (with plenty of seating) offer a variety of vibes to choose from. Each evening, music goes till around 5 am, and the fun starts back up at noon. It’s called the Bender for a reason!
If you’ve never been to a Bender, now is your chance. Tickets are on sale so head to the official website and get ready for your Bender!
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14th Killer Blues Headstone Project Festival Nov 26
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 (WHITEHALL, MI) - The Killer Blues Headstone Project is presenting the 14th Annual Blues Festival Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Playhouse at White Lake, 304 S Mears Ave. in Whitehall, Michigan. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. The Killer Blues Headstone Project exists to provide headstones for blues artists lying in unmarked graves.
This year’s headliner is Joe Johnson and the Bluebacks who have been helping to keep the blues alive in the Midwest since 2007. The West Michigan based blues band plays high energy Chicago Blues and blues-rock music.
Opening the show are the Guitars of Third Coast Swing from Ludington, Michigan. Third Coast Swing specializes in the styles of Gypsy Swing, Gypsy Bossa, Bolero, French Musette & more. Think Louis Armstrong with a French accent.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For tickets and more information visit here.
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Allman Family Revival celebrates and galvanizes relationships
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 “We are in the sixth year of saluting my Dad’s music and life for the Allman Family Revival…but it’s reaching beyond that initial sentiment. It’s galvanizing relationships within our generation of musicians...” - Devon Allman
(MACON GA) - Kickin' off their 18-city tour this Saturday Nov 26 is the 6th Annual Allman Family Revival, one of the year's most anticipated Southern Roots/Rock tours celebrating the Life and Music of legendary Allman Brothers Band co-founder Gregg Allman and led by Gregg's son, Devon Allman.
Saturday's performance will be held in the historic home base of the Allman Brothers, Macon, GA, at Macon City Auditorium, 415 First St., Saturday, Showtime is 8pm and tickets are $35 on up. Call (478) 751-9152 or the venue site. Presented by Gibson Guitars and Flying Embers.
The revival will feature The Devon Allman Project, Duane Betts, Donavan Frankenreiter, Maggie Rose, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall, Alex Orbison, The River Kittens, and on select dates Luther and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars, George Porter Jr, G. Love, Ivan Neville, Samantha Fish & More TBA. In select cities various special guests will be opening the shows including: George Porter Jr & Runnin’ Pardners, Dumpstaphunk, and the Samantha Fish Band.
Recent additions to the 2022 Allman Family Revival include Vaylor Trucks (son of Butch Trucks), Melody Trucks (daughter of Butch Trucks), G. Love (G. Love & Special Sauce), Johnny Stachela (Allman Betts Band) and John Ginty (Allman Betts Band).
“My favorite part is just the joy of the audience. I can tell they are touched and getting every penny’s worth,” Allman says. “Knowing Dad is looking down saying, ‘Damn, son, all that hot jammin’ for me?!’ I know he’s tickled that we celebrate him. Because none of us has to do this. We all have busy careers. This is a ‘want to’ situation; absolutely, 100% about music and celebration and tribute.”
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Rockin’ The Blues for New Year’s Eve in Minnesota
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 (BLOOMINGTON, MN) - The Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Ballroom, 3900 American Blvd, West, in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the place to be on New Year's Eve! An intimate setting, spacious dance floor and room for 250 Blues lovers! Two of the country's top Blues musicians will be in Minneapolis for a memorable night of Blues music. Acclaimed Chicago Blues Guitarist Johnny Burgin and Harmonica Ace R.J. Mischo from Los Angeles will headline a star-studded New Year's Eve event. Backed by the great band of nationally known musicians Bruce McCabe, Jeremy Johnson, Steve Dougherty and Keith Boyles, the evening will deliver a fabulous blend of Chicago and West Coast Blues to take you into 2023. Showtime is 8pm.
A limited amount of tickets remain at $59 each. Tickets are General Admission (first-come first-served). A table of 10 can reserved when 10 tickets are purchased in one transaction. The Hilton (844-856-8554) also features guest rooms at a special price for our event of $99 for a single and $119 for a double (mention Rockin' The Blues 2023 when making your room reservation). Free covered parking, and a full-service restaurant on site. Doors open at 7:15 PM.
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More artists added to Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III
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 Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa and Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises for more than a decade, have confirmed 12 more artists who will perform at Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III, the third European voyage of Bonamassa’s world-famous floating blues-rock party at sea. Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III sails August 17-22, 2023 from Athens, Greece to Dubrovnik, Croatia and Santorini, Greece aboard the luxurious Norwegian Jade. Guests can book their cabins now.
This 5-night music festival will feature two unique sets from Bonamassa along with dozens of electrifying live performances and once-in-a-lifetime collaborations by a spectacular lineup of hand-picked special guests that include Blackberry Smoke, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jimmy Vivino, Kirk Fletcher, as well as the 12 artists just added to this year’s Mediterranean cruise lineup – Ruthie Fletcher, King King, Vanessa Collier, Henrik Freischlader, Cardinal Black, Bywater Call, Johnny A, Eddie 9V, Dom Martin, The Cinelli Brothers, True Strays, and Alice Armstrong.
In addition to the non-stop music, guests will enjoy an array of unique activities and special programming geared towards the ultimate blues enthusiasts.
Between the non-stop music and onboard events, the ship will dock at stunning ports in two of the most breathtaking cities in the world — Dubrovnik, Croatia, a medieval city adorned with cobblestone lanes that lead to world class restaurants with delicious cuisine, and Santorini, Greece, known for its iconic whitewashed architecture, steep cliffs, and stunning sea views. Shore excursions will be available to purchase until 4-6 weeks prior to sailing.
Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea Mediterranean III will once again benefit the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), dedicated to providing students and teachers the resources and tools needed to further music education.
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• North Jersey Blues Society Holiday Party is in Stanhope
• Piedmont Blues Preservation Society's "Spirit of Giving Toy Drive & Fundraiser" 12/13 + "Giving Tuesday" 11/29
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 CORRECTION FROM LAST WEEK! UPDATED LOCATION.
(STANHOPE, NJ) - North Jersey Blues Society Holiday Party and fundraiser will be held Sunday, Dec 4th at The Stanhope House, 45 Main Street, Stanhope, New Jersey.
Two award-winning bands, Jersey Swamp Cats, and Regina Bonelli & The True Groove All-Stars will perform.
Doors open at 3pm and showtime is 3:30pm. Tickets are $20.
There will be a special signed guitar raffle (signed by Hall of Fame Blues musicians) plus Silent Auction items for bidding.
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 (WINSTON SALEM, NC) - Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) resume’s its Annual Toy Drive with a Tab Benoit & Dirty Dozen Brass Band pre-show toy drive and fundraiser. December 13th at the Ramkat will be a special night to celebrate the spirit of giving and the holiday season with music and community along with a cash bar and light hor d'oeuvres. This event is free to attend and will serve as a pre-show party before Tab Benoit & Dirty Dozen Brass Band takes the big stage at 8pm. Get in on the Spirit of Giving from 5pm - 7pm on Dec 13, 2022 at Gas Hill Lounge, Ramkat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,
Attendees are asked to donate an unwrapped toy or make a cash gift to PBPS and will receive $5 off their general admission ticket to the Tab Benoit & Dirty Dozen Brass Band show. The toys will be donated to families in need. The Spirit of Giving Toy Drive begins at 5pm and will feature showcase performances by the winners of 2022 PBPS Road to Memphis Blues Challenge. Remember to invite and share this opportunity to benefit underprivileged children.
Piedmont Blues Preservation Society is seeking monetary gifts to total $10,000 by Dec 31st, 2022 with help from Triad community Blues supporters. In addition to supporting the toy drive, Giving Tuesday is Tuesday November 29th. Find out other ways for you to give to Piedmont Blues Preservation Society this holiday season, visit their website. All gifts are tax deductible. Funds are used to support programs that share Blues culture in communities across the Piedmont/Triad region.
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Which Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Hits Your Groove?
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- Join Waitlist for #38 Eastern Caribbean!
- #39 Mexican Riviera Sales Launch Dec 9
- Prebook #40 Western Carribbean
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 LRBC #38 Eastern Caribbean
Cabins SOLD OUT &
Wait List is HOT!
Jan. 28 ~ Feb. 4, 2023
Ft. Lauderdale, FL to St. John, St. Maarten & Half Moon Cay (Bahamas Private Island). Sailing on Holland America’s ms Nieuw Statendam.
Band Lineup, Cabin Pricing & More Here! Join the Waitlist by visiting here or call (816) 753-7979
~  LRBC #39 Mexican Riviera
~
Pre-Book Now!
#40 Western Caribbean
Jan 28 ~ Feb 4, 2024
Sailing on Holland America’s Pinnacle-class ms Nieuw Statendam from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Grand Cayman, Roatán, Honduras & Costa Maya, Mexico. By placing a fully-refundable prebook deposit of $500 per cabin, you’ll reserve a space in line to book a cabin once the band announcement is made in early Spring.
(816) 753-7979 to place your deposit!
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LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
More Than A Cruise… More Than A Festival…
More Than You Can Imagine!
The Best Blues Experience on the Planet!
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Vaneese Thomas :: FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
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 “Vaneese Thomas is a powerhouse vocal of positivity and hope on this record. Her lyrics observe the issues and challenges we face in these modern times and uplift us as we navigate toward harmonizing with each other as she does from song to song. Her voice is the true and seamless bridge of musical roots from soul to country and missing no highways in between. From harmonica to fiddle and raging electric guitars, this record lives in a completely timeless realm of beauty.” Valerie June
The amazingly powerful voice of Vaneese Thomas is front and center on her ninth album, Fight The Good Fight. Beyond her vocal prowess the collection of a dozen new tracks showcases the songwriting skills of Thomas, who wrote/co-wrote the songs. Thomas co-produced the album with her life partner, Wayne Warnecke, at Peaceful Waters Music during the pandemic lockdown. The breadth of style and theme reflects Thomas’ career with a cross section of soul, gospel, blues, country, and Americana flavors with themes of romance, socio-political discourse, spirituality, celebration, and love.
Thomas invited many special guests to contribute to the effort including Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman’s musical director), Bo Mitchell, Lisa Fischer, Tash Neal, along with the Memphis Horns - trumpeter Marc Franklin and saxophonist Kirk Smothers (Drive By Truckers) - and harmonica from Corrin Huddleston. Two veterans of LateNight TV, bassist Will Lee from the Letterman show and drummer Shawn Pelton from SNL, and a slew of other players sat in for special sessions in Brooklyn, Nevada, and the famed Royal Studios in Memphis.
Website
 "Same Blood Same Bone"
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The California Honeydrops "Soft Spot"
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Just In Case... plus Holidays & Birthdays
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 • Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day (USA)
• Nov 29 Giving Tuesday
Birthdays upcoming of note:
Nov 24 Donald "Duck" Dunn (1941-2012); Nov 25 Eddie Boyd (1914-1994), Jimmy Johnson (1928); Nov 26 Tina Turner (1939), Bernard Allison (1965); Nov 27 Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970); Nov 29 John Mayall (1933); Nov 30 Robert Nighthawk (1909-1967), Brownie McGhee (1915-1996), Smokin’ Joe Kubek (1956-2015), Shuggie Otis (1953); Dec 2 Tal Wilkenfeld (1986); Dec 4 Larry Davis (1936); Dec 5 Alec "Rice" Miller aka Sonny Boy Williamson II (1912-1965), Kim Simmonds (1947), "Little Richard" Penniman (1932-2020); Dec 6 Sean Carney; Dec 8 Gregg Allman (1947-2017); Dec 9 Junior Wells (1934-1998), Dec 10 Guitar Slim (1926-1959)
 Just in Case: Nov 30, 2022 is "National Mississippi Day," a holiday dedicated to honoring this great state. Mississippi has had a great influence on the music industry, the Delta Blues specifically, and of course historical relevance in the civil rights movement. The long list of influential Blues greats that were born in Mississippi include Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Bo Diddley, Son house, Bukka White, Pinetop Perkins, Sonny Boy Williamson, Skip James, Albert King, Big Bill Broonzy, Jimmy Rogers Sam Cooker, Ike Turner, Rufus Thomas, Otis Rush, and the list goes on! Also, if you're not familiar with, checkout the Mississippi Blues Trail site that goes beyond artists.
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Missed your Weekly e-Guide?
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Billboard #1 Blues Albums
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Billboard & iTunes #1 Blues Album - as of Nov 24, 2022
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#1 Billboard
LARKIN POE
Blood Harmony
#1 iTunes
BONNIE RAITT
Just Like That |
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Join Blues Freaks at our Tweeter feed & on Instagram
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Hey, come on over and Join 14.3k+ Blues Freaks at our TWITTER feed @BluesFestGuide
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Radio Submit Roots Blues Chart
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20th Annual Blues Festival Guide
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20th Annual Blues Festival Guide Magazine
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 You can not only get a hard copy of the magazine via select festivals, blues societies or by ordering, but our 20th Anniversary digital edition of the Blues Festival Guide is available on our website! Click the image at left to read and enjoy all 84 pages. Turn on the speaker to hear Tulle Brae singing "Seven Bridges."
Blues legend Bobby Rush calls our magazine: "The roadmap to everything blues." Indeed, the articles offer something for everyone, all blues related, of course. This year’s engaging editorial from aficionados in the blues community includes articles from Victor Wainwright, Mitch Woods, Reverend Billy C. Wirtz and Roger Stolle among others.
Our cover by photographer Marilyn Stringer features the talented Tullie Brae and Calvin Johnson at the 2021 North Atlantic Blues Festival!
You can also order your own hard copy here!
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To view entire calendar of festivals & Live Streams, click here!
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ATTENTION:
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS
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LIST YOUR FESTIVAL ON OUR
WEBSITE FOR FREE HERE
To highlight your festival on our web and here in the e-Guide Festival Calendar please EMAIL for ad rates
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Due to space constraints
Not all upcoming Blues festivals/events are listed here
For a complete list & links see our comprehensive website.
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NOTE: Highlighted/Linked events
are paid "Featured" ads.
Checkout our website Festival page!
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35th Women's Blues Revue
Nov-25-2022
Toronto, Canada
Killer Blues Headstone Project
14th Blues Festival
Nov-26-2022
Whitehall, Michigan USA
River Basin Blues Blast
Non-26-2022
Evansville, Indiana USA
Bradenton Blues Festival
Dec-02-2022 – Dec-03-2022
Bradenton, Florida, USA
Tim Fik
Birthday Blues Bash
Dec-11-2022
Gainesville, Florida, USA
MLK Blues Festival
Jan-12-2023 – Jan-15-2023
Chester, South Carolina, USA
Go Mexico Rock ‘n Blues
Explosion Festival
Jan-21-2023 – Jan-29-2023
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Clarksdale Film
& Music Festival
Jan-27-2023 – Jan-29-2023
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
The February Blues XXIV
Feb-02-2023 – Feb-26-2023
Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada
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| | For more festivals & events plus links
please go to our website
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Cincinnati Winter Blues
Experience IV
Feb-11-2023
Mason, Ohio, USA
Saskatoon Blues Festival
Feb-27-2023 – Mar-05-2023
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
2023 Byron Bay Bluesfest
April-6-2023 - April-10-2023
Byron Bay, Australia
Juke Joint Festival
& Related Events
Apr-13-2023 – Apr-16-2023
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Baton Rouge
Blues Festival
April-22-2023 – April-23-2023
Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA
10th Annual Big Island
Jazz & Blues Festival
Jun-01-2023 – Jun-03-2023
Kailua Kona, Hawaii, USA
Billtown
Blues Festival
Jun-09-2023 – Jun-10-2023
Hughesville, Pennsylvania, USA
Waterfront Blues Fest
July-1-2023 - July-4-2023
Portland, Oregon USA
Tampa Bay
Blues Festival
July 14-16, 2023
St. Petersburg, Florida USA
North Atlantic
Blues Festival
July 15-16, 2023
Rockland, Maryland USA
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We continue to stay optimistic!
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We're thinking of you.. here's to good health & good music!
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 RBA Publishing/Blues Festival Guide
P.O. Box 920, Arcata, CA 95518
Call 707-630-3304
We welcome e-Guide suggestions and questions. You can reach our E-Guide editor, Michele Lundeen (pictured here) via EMAIL.
Michele is also a singer, songwriter, performer and bandleader based in the San Diego County, California area and nicknamed the "Queen of Steam" for her high energy and passionate style.
RBA Publishing, Inc. in business since 1993, is a boutique, blues-specific PR and marketing firm based on the West Coast. We help musicians, festivals, labels and music-related brands. Our digital campaigns target fans, industry and influencers. We are masterful at email marketing, social media, fan acquisition and long-term marketing plans. Our media services are supported by people who understand and love the blues genre. Publishers of the annual Blues Festival Guide magazine, our top-ranking website, and e-Guide newsletter with approx. 30,000 weekly subscribers, we have been blues industry leaders for 20 years. Please contact us at 707-630 3304 or EMAIL to find out how we can help you!
Information both editorial and advertising in the Blues Festival E-Guide is believed to be correct but not guaranteed. Double check info carefully before you attend any event or send money for anything. We do not do CD/DVD reviews nor write the news... we just share and report it.
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Fair Use Act statement and disclaimer
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Hey blues lovers! Got 
