“A blues harmonica player doesn't just play notes—they tell stories with every breath, bending sorrow into beauty and
struggle into soul.”
― Lightnin' Joe Meyering, Sr --
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In This Issue: DECEMBER 12, 2025
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 JAN. 2ND HAPPY HOUR AT GEORGE'S MAJESTIC LOUNGE ON DICKSON ST., FAYETTEVILLE!
Join us for our annual fundraiser to send our Blues Challenge winners to Memphis, to compete in the International Blues Challenge! Tables are going fast, so get yours reserved asap! Ticket link is here:
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Bound For Beale Performers
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BATTERTON & EDWARDS
OBS BLUES CHALLENGE DUO WINNER
For nearly two decades, Batterton and Edwards have crafted a unique sound that marries the raw authenticity of Ozark mountain music with the soulful depth of Delta blues. Their music emerges from the natural confluence of Arkansas traditions — where banjo meets slide guitar, where mountain hollers blend with field songs, where front porch picking sessions flow into juke joint rhythms. Multi-instrumentalists and seasoned vocalists, they transform traditional country blues through their deep understanding of both high country and lowland sounds. Every performance carries the dust of Delta crossroads and the mist of mountain mornings.
R.D. OLSON BAND
OBS BLUES CHALLENGE BAND WINNER
The R.D. Olson Blues Band delivers a powerful, soul-infused blues experience, rooted in the classic traditions of the genre. Their journey in the blues world has taken them through the Northwest Arkansas (NWA) scene and onto the national stage. A testament to their talent, the band was recently selected to compete at the prestigious International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis, scheduled for January 13th – 17th, 2026. In addition to their success in the Challenge, the R.D. Olson Blues Band earned a free recording package courtesy of Crisp Studios in Fayetteville, AR.
Their musical catalog spans heartfelt originals and classic tributes, with notable video performances including "The Rd Olson Blues Band - Sick and Tired" and "40 Days- The Ronnie Hawkins Tribute Show," which was their most viewed video in 2024. The band, whose YouTube channel was established in 2015, continues to connect with audiences through their powerful live performances, including a rendition of the song "Mama" that was described as "better than the recording".
SPECIAL GUEST: CHARLOTTE TAYLOR!
Little Rock, Arkansas singer-songwriter Charlotte Taylor has been performing since an early age. Born and raised in Heber Springs, AR. Taylor formed her first band, Project Blue after getting hooked on the blues, and went on to record on the famed Memphis label, Hi Records. Her CD entitled Taylor and Martinez was well received and added to many radio playlists. Charlotte continues to perform with her band and has been a frequent performer at The King Biscuit Blues Festival, as well as playing solo, and duo shows in Memphis, Clarksdale, MS., Little Rock, AR. and beyond. With a wide range of influences from blues to country, jazz and soul, Charlotte sings everything with a lot of soul.
Charlotte Taylor will be accompanied by an All Star Core Band, featuring Gary Hutchison, Tony Redman, John Davies, Rick Endel, Dave Renko, & Diane Rudolph.
ALSO FEATURING!!!
JEFF HORTON BAND
PAST OBS BLUES CHALLENGE WINNER
The Jeff Horton Band is a five-piece American Blues Band from Bentonville, Arkansas. The band formed in 2011, driven by their passion for the Blues. They offer well-orchestrated original songs that showcase the band’s unique style fusing hard hitting grooves and guitar licks that singe. The band is full of funky, upbeat energy that leaves the audience engaged as they take them on a deep musical journey through the Blues.
DOWNTOWN LIVEWIRES
PAST OBS BLUES CHALLENGE WINNER
The Downtown Livewires is a 6-piece electric blues band that plays out of one of the fastest growing regions in the nation – Northwest Arkansas. The Downtown Livewires play high energy Electric Blues / Rock, Memphis blues, and legacy blues. Audiences of their shows love to dance and sing along, no matter the venue, whether it be clubs, festivals, private parties, concerts, or city events.
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OBS JAMS, COMING RIGHT UP!
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🎶 GREAT NEWS 🎉
WE HAVE CONFIRMED WITH THE MUSIC DEPOT THAT THE BLUES JAMS WILL CONTINUE AT THEIR LOCATION THROUGHOUT 2026! WATCH THE WEBSITE, OUR FACEBOOK PAGE, AND THIS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR HOST ANNOUNCEMENTS!
JAMS ARE FROM 6:30-9:30pm AT THE MUSIC DEPOT
206 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR
BLUES JAMS ARE ALL AGES, AND FREE TO ENTER AT THE MUSIC DEPOT, DOWNTOWN ROGERS, 6:30-9:30PM
- Reserved VIP Upper Level Seating purchase links are available on the Music Moves website.
- All Lower Level Seating and Tables are open, FCFS.
Sponsored by The Ozark Blues Society of NWA,
Music Moves, Pinnacle Rugs, & Thomas Family Agency
Musician sign-up at the door.
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DECEMBER 26th SPECIAL HAPPY HOUR CONCERT
Happy Hour Concert with The Cate Brothers
Dec 26th 6:00PM (Fri), DOORS 5:00PM
George's Majestic Lounge
519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville, AR
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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:
Individual Listings Here:
Los Roscoes (at the Gravel Bar on Thursdays in Eureka Springs)
JESSE WELLES AT OZARK MUSIC HALL 3/28/26
VENUE and PUBLICATIONS LISTINGS, many featuring Blues and Jazz performances and jams:
George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
Gravel Bar, Eureka Springs AR
Magnolia House Events
Morano's Bar & Grill, Fayetteville AR
Music Depot, Rogers
Music Education Initiative
NWA Jazz Society Events
Ozark Music Hall, formerly JJ's Live
Park House Kitchen and Bar, Siloam Springs
Railyard Live at Butterfield Stage, Rogers
The Momentary, Bentonville
Pub on the Bricks (FB page)
Club 509, Fayetteville
Blues Festival Guide
The Free Weekly Events Listing
Submit Dates or Website Show Links for Regional Blues Artists and Groups Events Here:
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Uncle B.B. wants you!!!
We have opportunities for sponsorship on many different levels, all with excellent benefits. Find out more via email:
OZARK BLUES SOCIETY OF NWA!
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Dig Jazz??? See What's Up with ...
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Our Sister Society, the NWA Jazz Society, is up to some good stuff! Check out their events, join, and sign up for their newsletter here:
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Google has Googled Blues 4 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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OBS Prowls the 'Net So You Don't Have To!
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This week's featured reel:
PAUL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND
HERE'S THE VIDEO:
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Take the opportunity to vote for your favorite Grammy Nominee, especially
in the Blues Category!
 The Recording Academy has revealed the nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, and this year’s blues categories feature a mix of living legends and modern torchbearers keeping the genre alive.
BEST TRADITIONAL BLUES NOMINEES:
- Ain’t Done With The Blues — Buddy Guy
- Room On The Porch — Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
- One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey — Maria Muldaur
- Look Out Highway — Charlie Musselwhite
- Young Fashioned Ways — Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush
BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES ALBUM:
- Breakthrough - Joe Bonamassa
- Paper Doll - Samantha Fish
- A Tribute To LJK - Eric Gales
- Preacher Kids - Robert Randolph
- Family - Southern Avenue
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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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Keep Up with the Blues Charts
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Do you have a recording out there for airplay? Or are you following a particular Blues artist? Or are you just curious about what CD to buy next? Here's the BIG BLUES CHART for ya.
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Blues Festival Listings -
National and International
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What's the best resource for finding Blues Festivals around the country and the world, you ask? It's right here! The Blues Festival Guide online magazine... you're welcome!
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DONATE ONE TIME OR RECURRING
We are grateful for the support of our sustaining sponsors!
Visit our website to RENEW, OR JOIN AS A MEMBER
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 member meetings and submit nominations for Board positions.
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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