|
|
|
|
|
21st Annual Blues Festival Guide and a sneak peek into some of the editorial stories
|
 We are so excited to share the brand new cover of our 21st annual Blues Festival Guide print magazine featuring the amazing Ori and Tierinii Naftaly of the multi-award-winning, GRAMMY®-nominated, and critically acclaimed band Southern Avenue.
The photo was captured by photographer Jon Naugle at the 2022 San Diego Blues Festival.
Order your very own 21st annual copy to be delivered straight to your door! Shipping has begun!
Blues legend Bobby Rush calls our magazine: "The roadmap to everything blues."
From the desk of our Blues Festival Guide magazine Editor, Irene Johnson:
Here's an editorial sneak peek into our issue that's due for release soon. Enjoy!
• Living Legend: Leon Blue / By Dan D. Harrell Everything that Leon Blue is on stage, he is in real life. Meet the man behind the legend in this exclusive interview with Mr. Blue for the Blues Festival Guide.
• Partners in Love & Blues / By Michele Lundeen What would it be like to work with your romantic partner? In this feature, we asked blues couples to give us the inside scoop on how they balance business, love and the blues.
• Capturing Magic & Passion - Blues Photogs at Work / By Mark Thompson Photographers at every blues festival capture moments, creating a visual montage that allows blues fans around the world the opportunity to experience the festival. Get to know some of these unsung heroes!
• Cast Your Vote for the Blues Blast Music Awards - Blues music thrives thanks to its fans, and the Blues Blast Music Awards give fans the opportunity to voice their favorites!
• Eight on the Eighty-Eight / By Reverend Billy C. Wirtz The Rev is back to highlight eight ivory ticklers every blues fan should know!
• Just Like Your Mama Did: Cookin’ Onboard the LRBC with Bobby Rush and Mizz Lowe / By Kaati Gaffney, BFG Publisher Between their comedic dialogue, colorful innuendos and delicious recipe for garlic butter shrimp and cabbage stir fry dish, there’s lots to savor!
• Storytellin’ Blues Dig Deep / By Gaye Adegbalola Gaye schools us on contemporary blues story-songs – always, of course, with a bit of humor!
And more!
|
|
Wrapping up Photo Moments with the 20th BFG Magazine!
Our 21st Annual is coming right up!!
|
 I was so happy to meet and capture this photo on the Oct 2022 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise of the talented and charismatic Levi Lloyd. I didn't know him well but his demeanor was infectious and I instantly felt like I had known him for years.
Sadly, the veteran blues guitarist and much-loved band leader died unexpectedly Feb 1 at age 70. A local legend in the Sonoma County, California area, he was known as a "musical magnet."
I've just discovered that his Celebration of Life will be Sunday, May 21st at Sally Tomatoes, 1100 Valley House Dr., in Rohnert Park, California, with music and reflection from 12-8pm, doors at 11am.
The family invites all who feel they would like to be a part of Levi's special day to join them. Any donations will go to the Sonoma based non-profit "Play It Forward" who provide free instruments, lessons, and programs to the community. The family felt Levi would be honored knowing his musical influence will live on through this organization. Find more details on his Facebook page.
Photo: Michele Lundeen
It's time to ORDER your 2023 Annual Magazine *ONCE YOU GET IT, SEND US A PIC WITH IT! 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 (100 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!
|
|
|
Blues Lovers Will Find Plenty to Love at Gator By the Bay
|
 by Wendy Lemlin
(SAN DIEGO, CA) - Continuing a 20+ year tradition, San Diego’s Gator By the Bay Festival returns, May 11-14, at Spanish Landing Park in San Diego, California, with a lineup that’s sure to excite music lovers of all kinds. Nationally recognized blues artists such as Johnny Sansone, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Joanna Connor, Kid Ramos, Earl Thomas, and Kid Andersen’s blues  supergroup Greaseland Allstars, featuring Alabama Mike and Tia Carroll, will be headlining throughout the weekend.
Adding an international flavor, British blues artists Vince Lee and Sophie Lord (pictured at left) have come "across the pond" to make their Gator By the Bay debut. The British Blues boom was a cultural phenomenon that saw young English musicians inspired by American blues artists, particularly those from the Chicago and Delta blues scenes. Vince developed a deep appreciation for the American blues scene, particularly the music that emerged from Southern California. Sophie Lord, Vince's partner and bass player, honed her skills by playing with a variety of American blues musicians that have toured Europe. Their performance at Gator By The Bay, accompanied by local drummer Ric Lee, promises to be an unforgettable experience for blues lovers and music fans alike.
Additionally, Gator By the Bay continues to spotlight the highly infectious Cajun and Zydeco music of Southwest Louisiana for which it has become known, luring happy dancers from all over. Cajun headliners include GRAMMY nominees The Revelers, and GRAMMY-winning fiddler Michael Doucet appearing with Bay Area's Tom Rigney & Flambeau. Two-time GRAMMY winner Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience headline opening night, Thursday, May 11, while Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole and Rusty Metoyer & Zydeco Krush bring zydeco to the festival daily, along with several of San Diego’s own Cajun and Zydeco bands.
There’s also plenty of Rockabilly, Latin, Gypsy Jazz, Country, Roots, New Orlean’s Brass Band, and Americana music to keep grins on festival goers’ faces while their feet rejoice on the dance floors. For festival, ticket, and musical artist info, see GatorByTheBay.com. We'll see you there!!
|
|
|
Blues From The Top Music Festival June 23-25
|
 (WINTER PARK, CO) - Nothin' but good times at Blues From The Top!
The 21st Annual Blues from the Top Music Festival is presented by the Grand County Blues Society, and takes place at Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park, Colorado June 23-25. The venue, home of Blues From The Top, is centrally located in downtown Winter Park, Colorado, making BFTT a truly one-of-a-kind event with amazing views of the Continental Divide.
Who's ready for the best line up this summer?
Friday: The Record Company, and Drive-By Truckers
Saturday: Grace Potter, Galactic, Samantha Fish featuring Jesse Dayton, Cedric Burnside, and Jimmy Carpenter
Sunday: Devin Allman Project with special guests Anders Osborne, Larry McCray & Jimmy Hall, Blood Brothers with Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia, Shemekia Copeland, and Robert Jon & The Wreck.
Festival-goers may choose from General Admission or V.I.P tickets via the website. For best price, buy tickets early as ticket prices will increase.
|
|
Visit Clarksdale for Live Blues Music 365 Nights a Year
|
 (CLARKSDALE, MS) - Come on down to The Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi just south of Memphis. Experience the home of the Blues and many Blues music legends including Muddy Waters and Sam Cooke.
There are so many things to explore, from the world-famous Delta Blues Museum to canoeing on the Mighty Mississippi. Take a free self-guided walking tour or select one of many professional guided tours.
There’s plenty of shopping in the downtown arts and culture district. You can dine out at an eclectic mix of old and new school restaurants. There’s lodging from unique spaces, luxury lofts, a hostel, or a new, three-story Hampton Inn.
And of course, there’s “live” Blues Music every night in clubs and juke joints.
Plus, there’s over a dozen festivals throughout the year.
We cannot wait to see you in Clarksdale, but ‘till then, get a preview of your visit with Live From Clarksdale, Blues Trail Revisited, and Delta Blues Museum or listen to our curated Blues playlist on Spotify.
|
|
Honoring Blues artists at the BMAs May 11
|
 (MEMPHIS, TN) - Time to honor and celebrate the Blues artists that make our Blues world go 'round!
The Blues Foundation is super excited about the 2023 Blues Music Awards (BMAs), taking place on May 11th at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee! Tickets are going fast! You don’t want to miss out on this wonderful blues music-filled event. Get your tickets today before it’s too late by visiting here.
The Blues Music Awards brings together Blues performers, industry representatives, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues recordings and performances from the previous year.
The BMAs are generally recognized as the highest honor given to blues musicians and are awarded by vote of Blues Foundation members.
If you’re not yet a member of The Blues Foundation, visit here to join. Looking forward to seeing you in Memphis!
|
|
Celebrating "King of the Delta Blues" Robert Johnson
|
 (CLARKSDALE. MS) - Throughout May, Delta Blues Museum celebrates Robert Johnson’s birthday (b. May 8, 1911). A rare combination of expressive singer, accomplished slide guitar player, and skilled songwriter, Robert Johnson has earned his status as “King of the Delta Blues.” His songs show a total mastery of the Delta blues and have influenced generations of musical artists since his death in 1937, an impact that continues to this day. The Complete Recordings CD collects his 29 songs plus 13 alternate takes and comes with a booklet of photos and illustrations, as well as a family tree of the music he has influenced. Available from our Gift Shop. Now through the end of May, get 10% off all Robert Johnson merch with code RJ2023.
Learn more about Johnson by visiting the Museum, or through their Explore and Learn feature online that offers a visual biography of his life and music, or... take our Virtual Field Trip. |
|
Piedmont Blues Mural Dedication
|
(SANFORD, NC) - To kick off NC Blues Week, a "Piedmont Blues Mural Dedication" will be held on Saturday, May 13th from 1pm-5pm at Depot Park in the historic railyard, located at 119 Carthage Street in Sanford, North Carolina.
The City of Sanford will reveal its newest public artwork funded by a public/private partnership. The mural, located near the historic railyard, was painted by Britt Flood and displays images of Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Both men are legends of the Piedmont Blues style known for acoustic songs and fingerpicking unique to the genre. Incidentally, their two names were combined by a well-known British rock band who fell in love with the music of the Black American Folk tradition to create the name, Pink Floyd.
Floyd Council was a resident of Sanford, NC, and his son, Floyd Council, Jr will be present to honor his family. Alvin “Little Pink” Anderson will travel from Iowa to celebrate his father and represent his family. After the mural is revealed there will be food trucks, vendors, and live music.
Piedmont Blues Preservation Society is sponsoring a special performance by a 45-minute solo performance by Little Pink Anderson to conclude the event.
|
|
NC Blues Week May 13-21 includes Piedmont Blues Preservation Society's 37th Carolina Blues Festival
|
(GREENSBORO, NC) - North Carolina celebrates its rich Blues heritage and culture with the statewide NC Blues Week from May 13th to May 21st, culminating in the 37th Annual Carolina Blues Festival on May 20th at LeBauer Park from 2pm-11pm. The festival is presented by volunteer-run Piedmont Blues Preservation Society, which has been promoting and preserving blues music since 1985. Click image to enlarge schedule.NC Blues Week offers a variety of events to celebrate the origination of Blues and Piedmont Blues Preservation Society both of which began with Piedmont style guitar pickers and Gospel artists. There's something for everyone, including multiple farmer’s markets, electronic music, a virtual panel, live performances and community Blues jams. |
|
|
Which Cruise Hits Your Groove?
|
|
|
#39 Mexican Riviera: Book Now! 95% Sold!
#40 Western Caribbean: Soldout - Join Waitlist
|
 LRBC #39
MEXICAN RIVIERA
Sailing OCT 28~NOV 4, 2023
on Holland America’s ms Koningsdam from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta.
LRBC #40
WESTERN CARIBBEAN
Sailing JAN. 28~FEB. 4, 2024
on Holland America’s ms Nieuw Statendam from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Cayman, Roatán, Honduras & Costa Maya, Mexico.
______________________________________________
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! |
|
|
Featured Video of the Week
|
|
|
Barbara Dane & Chambers Brothers
"I Am A Weary And Lonesome Traveler"
|
|
Happy 96th Birthday to Barbara Dane on May 12th
|
|
|
Matt Lomeo :: WHEN YOU CALL
|
|
 When You Call, Utica, NY native Matt Lomeo first all-original album, reveals a persuasive vocalist steeped in the blues but inclusive of genre in his songwriting. Matt’s biggest influences include harmonica greats Junior Wells and George “Harmonica” Smith and vocalists Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, and Johnnie Taylor.
Produced by Grammy-nominee Terry Wilson of Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps and featuring veterans of Eric Burdon and J.J. Cale’s bands, When You Call is a blues-based collection that brings the genre back to its origins in popular music. Clever lyrics, soulful vocals, and concise, pointed improvisations are among the strengths that are sure to make Matt Lomeo a mainstay in the roots music scene for many years to come.
|
|
|
Just In Case... plus Holidays & Birthdays
|
 • Friday May 5th Cinco De Mayo
• Sunday May 14 "Mother's Day"
(Shemekia Copeland and her mama at left)
Birthdays upcoming of note:
May 5 Blind Willie McTell (1901), Johnnie Taylor (1934-2000); May 6-Shaun Murphy; May 8 Joe Bonamassa (1977), Robert Johnson (1911-1938); May 9 Bob Margolin (1949), A.C. Reed (1926–2004); May 10-Ted Bogan (1909-1990), Larry Williams (1935-1980); May 11-Kansas Joe McCoy (1905–1950); May 12-Barbara Dane (1927), Guy Davis (1952); May 13 Stevie Wonder (1950), Ana Popovic (1976); May 14-Grady Gaines (1934-2021); May 15-Johnny Williams (1906-2006), L.C. "Good Rockin" Robinson (1915-1976), Larry Johnson (1938); May 17-Taj Mahal (1942); May 18-Little Son Joe Lawlars (1900-1961), Big Joe Turner (1911-1985); May 19-Jimmy Thackery (1953); May 20-Joe Cocker (1944-2014); May 21-Fats Waller (1904-1943), Dave Specter (1963), Billy Wright (1932-1991), Ronald Isley (1941); May 24- Bob Dylan (1941)
 Just in Case: May 5 is "Museum Lovers Day." I've always loved museums and history. I also love music and there is a plethora of music related museums to be experienced... and there's several blues-related museums in the Delta region alson. You might tune into some of these if you'll be in the area for the upcoming Blues Music Awards.
When in Memphis, TN make sure to checkout the Memphis Rock & Soul Museum, the Stax Museum of America, W.C. Handy Museum, and Sun Records. In Clarksdale, MS there's the Delta Blues Museum. the Blues Hall of Fame Museum and the Rock & Blues Museum. The Howlin' Wolf Blues Museum is in West Point, MS. In Indianola, MS you can see the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, MS. The Delta Cultural Center is in Helena, AK. There's the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, TN. There's the Gateway To The Blues Museum in Tunica, MS. The National Blues Museum is in St. Louis, MO. And there's more... do some research and enjoy the riches that every one of these museums, whether big or small, can offer.
____________________________________
Missed your Weekly e-Guide?
|
|
|
Billboard #1 Blues Albums
|
|
|
Billboard & iTunes #1 Blues Album - as of May 4, 2023
|
 #1 Billboard
MUDDY WATERS
Hollywood Blues Summit:
Live At The Ash Grove July 30, 1971
#1 iTunes
THE BLUES BROTHERS
Briefcase Full Of Blues
|
|
|
BFG Twitter-Instagram-Facebook
|
|
|
Join Blues Freaks at our Tweeter feed & on Instagram
|
Hey, come on over and Join 14.3k+ Blues Freaks at our TWITTER feed @BluesFestGuide
___________________________________________
  Also Follow us on INSTAGRAM with 10.6+ BluesersSee awesome, bluesy festival photos
from our team and fellow blues lovers!
|
|
|
Get your Face in our Book
|
|
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!
|
|
Radio Submit Roots Blues Chart
|
|
|
|
To view entire calendar of festivals & Live Streams, click here!
|
|
ATTENTION:
FESTIVAL PROMOTERS
|
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
|
Due to space constraints
Not all upcoming Blues festivals/events are listed here
For a complete list & links see our comprehensive website.
|
| | |
|
|
|
NOTE: Highlighted/Linked events
are paid "Featured" ads.
Checkout our website Festival page!
______________________
|
Kwadendamme Bluesfestival
May-04-2023 - May-07-2023
Oost-Souburg, Netherlands
Moulin Blues Festival in Ospel
May-05-2023 - May-06-2023
Stenenbrug, Netherlands
Topanga Blues Festival
May-06-2023
Topanga, California, USA
DC Blues Festival
May-07-2023
DC, Washington, 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
NC Blues Week
May-13-2023 - May-20-2023
Greensboro, North Carolina USA
Carolina Blues Festival
May-20-2023
Greensboro, North Carolina USA
Simply Texas Blues Festival
May-20-2023
San Angelo, Texas USA
|
| | For more festivals &
events plus tons of links
please checkout our website
_______________________
|
Exit 56 Blues Fest
May-27-2023 - May-28-2023
Brownsville, Tennessee USA
10th Annual Big Island
Jazz & Blues Festival
Jun-01-2023 – Jun-03-2023
Kailua Kona, Hawaii, USA
Orangeville Blues
& Jazz Festival
June 2-4
Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Billtown Blues Festival
Jun-09-2023 – Jun-10-2023
Hughesville, Pennsylvania, USA
Central Virginia Blues Festival
Jun-10-2023
Afton, Virginia USA
2nd Manomet Blues Festival
June-25-2023
Plymouth, Massachusetts USA
|
|
|
|
Are you missing us at times?
|
 Hi blues peeps...Sometimes your weekly e-Guide newsletter may arrive a little late due to us, but other times some end up as soft bounces (ones that are temporarily undeliverable). We send to the soft bounces addresses after the first initial batch has completed sending, but some may still end up as soft bounces.
*As a friendly reminder, and to hopefully help this situation, please remember to set up your spam filters to allow mail from the info@BluesFestivalGuide.com and eguide+bluesfestivalguide.com@mnb.email to ensure delivery.
We hate if you don't get your newsletter that often includes time-sensitive events and special interest bluesy content we know you don't want to miss.
Here's to a music and sunshine filled week ahead.
Yours in the blues,
Team BFG
|
|
|
We're thinking of you... here's to good health & good music!
|
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
Fair Use Act statement and disclaimer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hey blues lovers! Got 
