The blues is the foundation, and it's got to carry the top. The other part of the scene, the rock 'n' roll and the jazz, are the walls of the blues."
Luther Allison
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ALL AGES, FREE ADMISSION.
Reserved VIP Upper Level Seating Available at
All Lower Level Seating and Tables are open, FCFS.
Sponsored by The Ozark Blues Society of NWA and Music Moves.
Musician sign up at the door.
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“Band Feature” Showcase at Jam Nights
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For the next few months leading up to our Bound for Beale Blues Challenge, we will reserve a 2-3 song time slot during each open jam, for a band or a solo-duo that wants to showcase as an act in front of our crowd of Blues music lovers.
Standard setups only, house gear. Plug and play.
MUST RESERVE AHEAD OF TIME by emailing:
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BLUES CHALLENGE OFFICIAL DATE SET
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ATTENTION BLUES SOLO/DUO ARTISTS AND BANDS! Registration is now open for our Annual Blues Challenge. Contact ozarkbluesnwa@gmail.com for info on how to register to compete. The Challenge is set for Sunday, August 3, 2025, at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville! Winners go to Memphis in 2026 to compete in the International Blues Challenge on Beale Street! It provides a fantastic showcase in Memphis, in front of agents, record execs, club owners and festival bookers. Sign up now! Spread the word!
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Sponsorship Opportunities!
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Ozark Blues Society of NWA has many opportunities for sponsorship.
We offer many different levels and benefits to our sponsors!
For more info, inquire at
OZARK BLUES SOCIETY OF NWA!
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Eureka Springs Blues Party
5/29-6/1!
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The Eureka Springs Blues Party is back from May 29th to June 1st, 2025, bringing a powerhouse lineup of Grammy and Blues Music Award winners, blending Blues Rock, Funk, and traditional Blues in the heart of Arkansas.
Main Stage Saturday at the Auditorium: 2024 Blues Album Grammy Award winner Ruthie Foster and acclaimed New Orleans artist and songwriter Anders Osborne.
Street Party: Patrick Sweany, Indigenous with special guest Monte Montgomery, DK Harrell, and Annika Chambers with the Chambers DesLauriers Band.
Blues in the Park, the Center Street Block Party on Saturday, and the downtown Eureka Springs Entertainment District keep the energy going all weekend, culminating in a wild Funk party at Grotto Upstairs and the traditional Sunday sendoff at the iconic blues stage at Chelsea’s. For ticket details, venue info, and updates: www.eurekaspringsbluesparty.com. |
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MUSICIANS TORNADO RELIEF BENEFIT
MONDAY, JUNE 16 -- METEOR GUITAR GALLERY, BENTONVILLE AR
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The event will highlight Black history, culture,
and creativity through performances, local Black-owned
businesses, food, art, and family-centered activities.
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(Article by Liz Lottmann from 2008, published in the Free Weekly magazine)
Hubby Juergen and I were traveling around chasing the blues so much this fall, I felt like I was a member of Blues Traveler. The last week of September, we went to Indianola, MS, for the grand opening of the B.B. King Museum. Being at the grand opening of what will be a legendary stop on the Blues Trail was a privilege we just couldn’t miss.
The museum is exceptionally well put-together, and I learned a lot about B.B.’s life from the detailed exhibits. When you’re out on the Blues Trail, you should make the museum a must-see on your trip.
In early October, Juergen and I made our annual trip to the King Biscuit Festival in Helena, AR. We got there late Thursday, and as is our custom, we checked in first with Sunshine Sonny Payne (pictured here) at the Delta Cultural Center.  Then we strolled down Cherry Street behind the main stage and stopped to chat with our friends from the Grammy-winning Blue Shoe Project while they were setting up their booth. As we were talking, Pat Morgan (Pinetop Perkins’ and Willie Big Eyes Smith’s manager) came up and said, “Hey, Ozark Blues Society! My heroes!” I have no idea what in the world would make us her heroes, but it sure was nice to hear. Maybe it’s because OBS has continually booked Arkansas artists at our Blues in the Natural State Festival, many of whom are artists that she manages. I saw many friends from Northwest Arkansas – R.J. and Heidi Mischo, Caleb Henry, and many others whose names I won’t mention because they probably don’t want to know I saw them doing what they were doing. But it’s all just Biscuit Blues partying to me!
 Each year, I'm invited to hang backstage at the main stage with Jim “Dr. Blues” Rose, an OBS board member. (Pictured l. to r., are Bob Margolin, Sunshine Sonny Payne, and Jim Rose.) Jim manages the backstage area during the entire festival, and he’s the one I rely on for getting me in to talk with the artists and get their autographs on our raffle guitar. This year was no exception, and besides being able to catch up with old friends, I was able to get
some great autographs.
(Pictured l. to.r., Sam Smith, Willy "Big Eyes" Smith, Liz Lottmann, and Robert Stroger.) It’s funny, because I’ve been collecting autographs for so many years now, that when artists see me walking up to say hello, they start groping their pockets to find a Sharpie. They know the guitar raises money for our society and helps fund our Blues in the Schools program, and they’re always glad to sign our guitars.
Ozark Blues Society’s Blues Challenge was on October 27th, and we know now what a jaw-dropping collection of NWA talent will represent Northwest Arkansas at Memphis’s International Blues Challenge. The winner of the Best Self-Produced CD is Ocie Fisher and the Hipp Dogs! The duo going to Memphis is Isayah (Warford) & Kory (Montgomery)! And the band that will go to Memphis is...Oreo Blue! If you plan to go see these wonderful artists compete in Memphis, you should reserve your hotel rooms now. Hurry, because I bet there are only three rooms available in the entire downtown area for that weekend. IBC is the largest, most well-attended blues event in the world, it takes place on Beale Street, there are over 140 bands that compete -- and you shouldn’t miss it!
Keep an eye out for news of our Membership and Fundraising Party coming up at George’s Majestic Lounge. I’ll have more details for next time.
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Please enjoy the following listings comprised of bands, venues, and/or organizations that support Ozark Blues Society of NWA (and vice versa).
ALL BLUES ARTISTS - For an individual listing, provide us with your Events Page link, and/or submit upcoming gigs in time for the publication prep deadline every Wednesday to:
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ARTIST LISTINGS:
VENUE and PUBLICATIONS LISTINGS, many featuring Blues and Jazz performances and jams:
The Fayetteville Flyer Events Listing
Top Concerts Listing-NWA
Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville
Music Depot, Rogers
George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
Coda Concert House-Joplin, MO
Music Education Initiative
Magnolia House Events
NWA Jazz Society Events
Railyard Live at Butterfield Stage, Rogers
Arkansas Music Pavilion (The AMP), Bentonville
The Momentary, Bentonville
Pub on the Bricks (FB page)
Club 509, Fayetteville
Blues Festival Guide
Submit Dates or Website Show Links for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events here:
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Live Blues Videos on TV 24/7
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Watch some of your favorite Blues artists recorded in live performance on Blues Music Television.
Blues Music TV on Facebook HERE .
Also on ROKU and FIRESTICK HERE! |
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Let Blues Articles Guide You
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Google has assembled a page dedicated to Blues news and articles. It's good stuff! It contains news about upcoming Blues festivals, and links to music journalists' blogs.
You can get a FREE online subscription to
Blues Blast Magazine here:
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Visit our website to renew or join!
Annual membership levels begin at $20/year for a single membership. Family membership is $30. And there are many higher levels of support offered. Membership gives you so much in return, including meeting new friends while enjoying the best regional and national blues artists. Your membership support of Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas helps us pursue our mission to preserve the Original American Art Form known as The Blues, supports live blues performances, and provides educational programs for all ages. Thank You!
Membership Benefits Include:
Weekly E-newsletter
Opportunities to win tickets to events
VIP seating at events (when available)
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!
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Enjoy these weekly radio, streaming, and written blues sources!
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Generic Blues Show on KUAF
Hosted by Paul Kelso
The Generic Blues Show has been airing since the early 90's, playing tunes of all types of blues... whether it be country, rock, jazz, R&B or soul..WORKSHOP MUSIC EDUCATION INITIATIVE. it all links back to the blues.
Hear the show Fridays at 9 p.m. on 91.3 FM and Sundays 6 p.m. on KUAF 93.1
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On this day
in Blues History
For a daily dose of blues history, check out the daily Bluesland podcast HERE:
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Blues Music Television!
 Blues Music TV on Facebook HERE . Want more? Check out their all Blues channel on ROKU and FIRESTICK HERE! |
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