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Check this out.. then scroll baby
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ONCE A YEAR MARKETING OPPORTUNITY!
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We're celebrating 21 Years as Blues Industry Leaders!
And it's time to reserve your Ad Space in the 21st Annual BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE Magazine!
Click Here for Ad Sizes and Prices (ads and payment not due until April 15)
Why You Should Include a PRINT Ad in Your Budget...
• People love the magazine! The physicality. Getting their hands on it. Engages senses: sight, touch, smell; the sound of pages turning, sharing with friends
• Interesting and entertaining editorial by top blues aficionados.
• Your website, e-Guide and Facebook Ads with us are deeply discounted when your campaign is anchored with a Print Ad.
• Thousands of bluesers read it online in digital format, also for free! We have an aggressive outreach program for our Digital Magazine (your ad in our print magazine, is automatically in the digital version at no up-charge).
• The Digital Magazine is also available to millions through two electronic newsstands: Magzter.com and Issuu.com
• The print and digital versions of the magazine have a long shelf life and are read and re-read throughout the year.
• Tens of thousands of magazines are shipped free to festivals, music museums, music venues, blues societies, etc. to be distributed free to blues fans.
• Thousands more order through a paid subscription to have magazine mailed directly to them.
ASK US ABOUT DISCOUNTED AD PACKAGES (PRINT & DIGITAL)
Click HERE to take a look at our complete Media Kit
for information about all of our Blues Media Products!
We have so many ways to market your project!
Peace & Music from Team Blues Festival Guide,
Kaati, Cheryl, Heather, Michele, Joana, Irene and Goran
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RBA Publishing Inc. | P.O. Box 920, Arcata, CA 95518 | 707-630-3304 |Text: 775-846-8238
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Photo Moments with the 20th Annual BFG Magazine!
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 Here's multi award winning singer, songwriter, recording artist, the effervescent Dawn Tyler Watson who performed on the January 2023 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.
Dawn and her band won the 2017 International Blues Challenge (IBC). The Montreal-based artist is also 6x Maple Blues Award Winner including "Female Vocalist," "Entertainer," "Album," and "Songwriter of the Year," 2019 Blues Blast "Female Blues Artist of the Year" award, and the 2020 Juno winner for "Best Album."
Photo: Gordon Bulcock
ORDER your Magazine *SEND US A PIC WITH ANNUAL BFG MAG! BFG clients, contact your sales rep for your own copy
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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Blues lead guitarist Omar Gordon now available for booking
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 (CLARKSDALE, MS) - Mississippi has been a hotbed of musical talent for decades and has been home to many blues-guitar masters like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B King, and in more recent times, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.
Meet Clarksdale, Mississippi’s Omar Gordon. Born October 29, 1990, Omar channels Robert Johnson’s ferocity on stage, shredding with his instrument as he sings and plays his original songs as well as classic covers. He’s been featured in Blues Music and Living Blues magazines and has performed at Sunflower River Blues Festival, Juke Joint Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, among others.
“I was born with the blues. All I know is music! Music is my passion! Blues is what you go through! It could be good things or bad. It’s just different here,” Gordon said. “The blues, it’s what we are and who we are. This Mississippi music, it’s in our DNA.”
Omar started singing and playing blues guitar when he was 14 years old. His first performances were in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi at the Delta Blues Museum where he fronted the student’s band and, among other appearances, they had the opportunity to open the Chicago Blues Festival. His first guitar teacher was bluesman Andrew Shine Turner, and other teachers included Dr. Mike, Terry “Big T” Williams, and Bill “Howlin’ Madd” Perry. These bluesmen not only taught Omar, but inspired and encouraged his talent.
He's played with artists James “Super Chikan” Johnson, B.B. King (where he got a standing ovation), Pinetop Perkins, Lala Craig, Watermelon Slim, Lucious Spiller, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Big Jack Johnson, Big George Brock, Jimmy Thackery, Garry Burnside, Cedric Burnside, Robert Burnside, T Model Ford, Shy Perry, Lightnin’ Malcolm, Bob Margolin, and many more.
His first CD, Living With The Blues, released in December 2022, features 7 original songs with themes ranging from happiness to struggle, and testifying that Omar Gordon is a bona fide Delta bluesman.
For booking and more info: Email or 1-662-288-8674
Follow Omar Gordon: Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok
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 (FREDERIKSHAVN, DENMARK) - Early bird discount tickets are now available for the Blues Heaven Festival, Denmark's biggest multi-award-winning blues and soul festival. Named the world's best festival, the festival has received several national and international awards. This musical cornucopia has been the ultimate winter medicine for music-loving audiences from around the world. The 17th edition of Blues Heaven will be held Nov 11-13, 2023 in Arena Nord in Frederikshavn in Scandinavia.
The cozy atmosphere, among friendly people and the fantastic unique musical experiences with primarily American Grammy and Blues Music Awards world stars have always been the hallmark of the festival. Award-winning international acts announced for 2023 include Tommy Emmanuel, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, and Zac Harmon.
As always, there are two large stages, two dance floors and plenty of seating. There is a 15-minute break between the concerts on these stages. There is also an acoustic stage, with seating where the sound is muffled and you get really close to the stars.
Quality and service are the keys at Blues Heaven, where the many helpers ensure that the level of service is sky-high. In the exquisite VIP lounge, gourmet food is served both days. Another highlight during the weekend are the 3 concerts with the festival's artists at Maskin Hallen. Here it is important to plan early as these tickets are always very popular.
For the past several years, all hotels in the area have been sold out months before the festival and private accommodation has been offered to the many visitors through Airbnb.
We look forward to the next chapter in Denmark's music history, and are 100% sure that everyone will have an unforgettable experience in the mighty Arena Nord.
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If you go to New Orleans, you outta go see the Mardi Gras!
There are actually a multitude of outstanding parades and musical events starting in January and leading up to official Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday. If you happen to be in New Orleans on this Tuesday, Feb 21, you’ll also see small “tribes” or “gangs” of Mardi Gras Indians, also called Black Masking Indians, emerge this morning and set out in the city’s neighborhoods in search of other Indians. The age-old costuming tradition symbolizes the interconnection of black and Native American cultures in New Orleans.
As the tribes travel, the maskers and their entourages sing traditional call-and-response chants that have inspired New Orleans' musical styles from rhythm and blues to funk to bounce.
"Mighty cooty fiyo - hey la hey, hey la hey." Aka "Madi cu defio, en dans dey, end dans day" (from the song "Indian Red")
When two Indian groups intersect, they compete to determine which has the prettiest “suits.” The flamboyant feathered suits, decorated with incredibly intricate bead work mosaics, are a unique New Orleans art form at the pinnacle of Mardi Gras costuming.
A few of the musical events in New Orleans include Anders Osborne’s Bacchus Bash at Tipitina’s on Sun Feb 19th 9 pm, and a Bacchus Post Parade Party with the Grammy winning Hot 8 Brass Band at Howlin’ Wolf’s on Sun Feb 19th, 10pm.
If you’re not in New Orleans, rest assured you’ll be able to find Mardi Gras type celebrations this week and next in and around your area where you can join in the spirit.
Laissez les bon temps rouler. Yep, gotta let the good times roll!
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Sail on Sale... BLUESGUIDE is your promo code to book
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The Sandy Beaches Cruise just returned after a 3-year hiatus and it was the most incredible reunion! From surprise artist collaborations to late-night jam sessions, to reuniting with friends, new and old, it all made the wait well worth it - and we hope you’ll book your spot for next year!
In 2024 we'll be sailing January 13-20 aboard Holland American Line Nieuw Amsterdam from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to St. Maarten and San Juan. This 7-day voyage will feature performances by Delbert McClinton, The Mavericks, Marcia Ball, The Band of Heathens, Lee Roy Parnell, Jimmy Hall, Wayne Toups, Blind Boys of Alabama, Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, Red Young, Seth James, Shelley King, Kimmie Rhodes, Yates McKendree and many more to be added.
Booking for 2024 is now open, but cabins won’t last long. Blues Guide fans can book with promo code BLUESGUIDE to save on cabin prices! Book now at SandyBeachesCruises.com and join the Sandy Beaches Facebook community!
Plus, there are flexible payment options available to help keep you on budget and spread the cost of your cabin over low monthly payments. You can book now and pay later, even past the date of your trip! More info here.
Get ready for an immersive week of concerts, artist-hosted activities, and incredible moments with your favorite performers and friends as you sail the beautiful Caribbean. Note: 2024 guests are welcome to sail regardless of vaccination status.
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Blues Moon Marquee Sweep Awards
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 (TORONTO, CANADA) - British Columbia-based Blue Moon Marquee rocked the Maple Blues Awards in a four-award sweep, winning the coveted categories of Entertainer of the Year, Acoustic Act of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Record/Producer of the Year for their fifth album Scream, Holler & Howl.
It’s the first time in the 26-year history of the awards that one artist swept in these specific categories.
A.W. Cardinal, one-half of the Blue Moon Marquee duo, is also the first Indigenous artist to win the big four categories. Cardinal is Alberta-born and Métis/Cree. Jasmine Colette, a.k.a. Badlands Jass, is the other half of Blue Moon Marquee.
The Maple Blues Awards are Canada’s and they honour the finest in Canadian blues. The awards program's goal is to promote blues music across the country and recognize outstanding achievement. The Maple Blues Awards have been presented by the Toronto Blues Society since its inception in 1997. This year’s awards were presented Jan. 30 in Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre.
...read more here
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Magic City Blues Society presents
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 (BIRMINGHAM) AL) - The Magic City Blues Society presents Misty Blues with Hurricane Elaine Hudson & The Force of Nature Band on Fat Tuesday Feb 21 2023 at The Nick, 2514 10th Ave S., Birmingham, Alabama. Tix are $7 advance or $10 and the door.
Misty Blues and her band were 2019 International Blues Challenge finalists. They have recorded and shared the stage with Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, and opened for Tab Benoit, John Primer, Albert Cummings and Michael Powers.
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Which Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Hits Your Groove?
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- #39 Mexican Riviera: Book Your Cabin Now!
- #40 Western Caribbean: Bands Announced Early Spring
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LRBC #39
Mexican Riviera
Oct. 28 ~ Nov. 4, 2023
Sailing on Holland America's ms Koningsdam from San Diego, CA to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta. Visit online reservations or call (816) 753-7979 to BOOK YOUR CABIN NOW! Artist Lineup &
~ 
#40 Western Caribbean
Jan 28 ~ Feb 4, 2024
Sailing on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Grand Cayman, Roatán, Honduras & Costa Maya, Mexico. Bands announced in early Spring. Stay tuned for Open Cabin Sales start date! Sign up for mail list. Visit online reservations or call (816) 753-7979 to place deposit! ______________________
LEGENDARY RHYTHM
& BLUES CRUISE
313 Lawrence St. Kansas City, MO
(816) 753-7979
Our Headliners Stay & Play
They Don’t Hit & Run!
Best Blues Experience on the Planet! |
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"Marann" Beau Jocque & the Hi-Rollers
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Rhythm Krewe :: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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 The Southern California band, Rhythm Krewe, began life in 1990 as Floyd & the Flyboys, when guitarist/vocalist/songwriter, Steve Zelman, assembled a nine-piece horn band made up of first-rate players on every instrument. Credits read like a Who’s Who of the music industry, including artists, who have performed/recorded with Ray Charles, Santana, Tower of Power, The Temptations, Lyle Lovett, the Eagles, Brian Setzer, and more.
The release of their debut album, Unfinished Business, includes nine original songs penned by Zelman, as well as covers of songs (recorded) by Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Professor Longhair, and James Cotton, all featuring elaborate horn arrangements and stellar instrumental performances on a swath of traditional blues, swing, jump blues and soul tracks.
1950’s jump blues classic, “She Moves Me,” from the Johnny “Guitar” Watson catalog opens, then Gary Coppola steps to the mic for the spicy rhumba “One Hell For Another.” “Little Bit Of Heaven“ is a southern fried song of love and devotion. “Better Late Than Never” is a sweet-talking blues followed by the piano driven 12 bar blues “Time Of Day.”
The band frames James Cotton’s “She’s Murder” as a hot Chicago shuffle followed by Professor Longhair’s blues rhumba “Her Mind Is Gone,” then they borrow a bit from Albert King’s “Don’t You Lie To Me.” The greasy shuffle, “Prescription For Disaster,” features guest vocalist David Morgan, and next is the salsa infused “Wild Love.” The title track, “Unfinished Business,” mixes all the elements of big band blues together. Steve Z mellows the mood on the blues confessional “Sweet Surrender, followed by the fun loving “Monkey Toes” that gently swings and builds to a Bo Diddley beat finale.
Writing and arranging for a nine-piece band is a difficult task in any genre. Staying true to the traditional forms of classic blues and soul is a labor of love, and one the Rhythm Krewe have taken on with panache.
Website
"She Moves Me"
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Just In Case... plus Holidays & Birthdays
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 February is "Black History Month"
• Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Feb 21
Birthdays upcoming of note:
Feb 16- Bill Doggett (1916), Super Chikan (1951), Andra Faye (1960); Feb 17-Lou Ann Barton (1954); Feb 18-Irma Thomas (1941); Feb 19-Sam Myers (1936-2006), William "Smokey" Robinson (1940), Robert “Bilbo” Walker (1937-2017); Feb 20-Jimmy "Papa" Yancey (1898-1951), Joanne Shaw Taylor (1985); Feb 21-Francis "Scrapper" Blackwell (1903-1962), Nina Simone (1933-2003); Feb 23-Johnny Winter (1944-2014); Feb 24-Willie Kent (1936-2006); George Thorogood (1950); Feb 25-Ida Cox (1896 or 1898-1967); Feb 26-Antoine "Fats" Domino (1928-2017), Bob "Bear" Hite (1943-1981); Feb 27 Goran Petco (BFG webmaster); Mar 1-Zac Harmon (1957); Mar 2 Alvin “Youngblood” Hart (1963), Rory Gallagher (1948-1995)
Just in Case:
 • February 17th is "Random Act Of Kindness Day." If you’re anything like most people, then you are constantly mumbling things to yourself like, “People these days are just rude. Sound familiar? Of course it does... let's see what we can do about it. If you are wrapped in a busy bubble, today is a day to remember you can lift others and yes, lift yourself up with a simple kindness. It's not that hard. Hold your head up, smile, pay it forward, compliment someone, tip a musician and ... yeh, do onto others as you would have them do unto you! I bet for a lot of you, everyday is "random act of kindness day!" Nice! I like that!
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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 Feb 16, 2023
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 #1 Billboard
BONNIE RAITT
Just Like That
#1 iTunes
SAVOY BROWN
Blues All Around
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BFG Twitter-Instagram-Facebook
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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
___________________________________________
  Also Follow us on INSTAGRAM with 10.4+ BluesersSee awesome, bluesy festival photos
from our team and fellow blues lovers!
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Get your Face in our Book
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Then please drop on by and "LIKE" us and get
a daily dose of blues related stuff!
Over 183K blues fans can't be wrong!
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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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The February Blues XXIV
Feb-02-2023 – Feb-26-2023
Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada
Baton Rouge Mardi Gras Festival
Feb-18-2023
Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA
Villa Sessions 2023
Vila do Conde Blues Festival
Feb-23-2023 – Feb-26-2023
Vila do Conde, Portugal
Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival XXI
Feb-24-2023 – Feb-26-2023
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vero Beach Blues Festival
Feb-25-2023 – Feb-26-2023
Vero Beach, Florida, USA
Leeds Blues, Rhythm
& Rock Festival
Feb-26-2023
Leeds, United Kingdom
Saskatoon Blues Festival
Feb-27-2023 – Mar-05-2023
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
River City Blues Festival
Mar-17-2023 – Mar-18-2023
Marietta, Ohio, USA
Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival
Mar-17-2023 – Mar-19-2023
Boquete, Panama
Blues on Reid
Mar-25-2023
Port St. Joe, Florida, Florida, USA
Woodystock Blues & Brews Fest
Mar-25-2023
Lake Havasu State Park, Arizona, USA
2023 Byron Bay Bluesfest
April-6-2023 - April-10-2023
Byron Bay, Australia
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| | For more festivals & events plus links
please go to our website
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Nidaros Blues
Apr-13-2023
Trodheim, Norway
Juke Joint Festival
& Related Events
Apr-13-2023 – Apr-16-2023
Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
April-14-2023 - April-16, 2023
St. Petersburg, Florida USA
Buffalo Blues & Roots Festival
Apr-22-2023
Buffalo , New York, USA
Baton Rouge Blues Festival
April-22-2023 – April-23-2023
Baton Rouge, Louisiana USA
Blues, Brews & Barbeque
May-06-2023
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Lincoln Blues, Rhythm
& Rock Festival
May-6-2023
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Gator by the Bay
May-11-2023 – May-14-2023
San Diego, California, 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
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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 
