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Your Roadmap to the Blues
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Order Your Blues Festival Guide magazine!
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 Dear Blues Fans,
Time to order your copy of the annual 2026 BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE print magazine today. The 2026 Blues Festival Guide magazine has arrived!
Our fantastic cover features the award-winning Vanessa Collier captured by Marilyn Stringer. Here's everything you'll need to plan your blues festival calendar, plus get the latest industry news, revisit blues history, and connect with the greater blues community.
Click Here to order your 2026 copy. copy. Although the magazine is free, we do need to charge for handling and shipping. *BFG clients, contact your sales rep for your n/c copy!
 Peace & Music from Team Blues Festival Guide,Kaati, Michele, Joana, Irene & Melisa
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RBA Publishing Inc. | 2150 Western Ave, Arcata, CA 95521
Call/Text: 775-846-8238 | Email
Blues Industry Leaders Since 2003
Blues legend Bobby Rush calls BFG: "The roadmap to everything blues."
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Photo Moment with the 24th Annual BFG Magazine!
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 BigLLou Johnson is the founding voice host of BB Kings Bluesville on SiriusXM, a Blues Music Award winner and Chicago Hall of Fame Inductee. The award-winning sultry bass voice actor, singer, recording artist, emcee, was born and raised on Chicago's west side and has appeared on stages across the world.
Founded by BigLLou and Nitrice Johnson, GoldenVoice Audio Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to supporting the Blues community. The organization bridges the gap between blues legacy and modern philanthropy through world-class events and unique memorabilia auctions. On June 3rd they'll present the 3rd annual Chicago Blues Fest kickoff fundraiser... it's a Pre-Party with a purpose! See article this issue.
Photo courtesy: Nitrice Johnson
Order your copy today! Make your summer plans with the festivals, read great articles, stay connected with the Blues community
• The Blues Foundation is official sponsor of the 24th Annual Blues Festival Guide magazine
• Order and/or look for our 24th annual BFG magazine issue and take a picture of yourself, friends, and/or artists, etc. with the BFG. Then send that photo with caption (100 words or less), photo credit, and URL if applicable to michele@bluesfestivalguide.com
*BFG clients, contact your sales rep for your n/c copy!
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Chicago Crossroads: BigLLou’s 3rd Annual Blues Fest Kickoff Hits Buddy Guy’s Legends
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(CHICAGO, IL) – GoldenVoice Audio Foundation and Executive Producer BigLLou Johnson are proud to announce the return of the summer’s most essential blues event: the 3rd Annual Blues Fest KickOff Fun-Raiser – “Chicago Crossroads: A Sinner’s Serenade.” The gala takes place Wednesday, June 3, at the legendary Buddy Guy’s Legends in the heart of Chicago.
For over a decade, BigLLou’s Tribute FunRaising events have brought together legendary performers, industry titans, and devoted fans to celebrate the preservation of the Blues. The 2026 theme, “Crossroads to Chicago" draws inspiration from the gritty, soulful aesthetic of the cinematic world of Sinners, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for a night of world-class music and philanthropy.
Hot on the heels of the Memphis Hall of Fame inductions, the GoldenVoice crew is bringing that "Mercy in Memphis" soul to the Windy City. This year’s lineup features a powerhouse roster including 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Kenny Neal, Eden Brent (performing a special tribute to Marcia Ball), Shakura S’Aida, Lynn Jordan, and Patch of Blue, alongside a few surprise guests that only BigLLou can call in.
"Chicago is where the blues found its electricity, and on June 3rd, we’re plugging in for a purpose," says BigLLou, the beloved founding voice host of BB Kings Bluesville on SiriusXM, Blues Music Award winner and Chicago Hall of Fame Inductee.
The night features a high-stakes auction for a brand-new Resonator Guitar signed by select cast members of the film Sinners, including blues giants Bobby Rush, Boo Mitchell, and Kingfish. By partnering with the Zeffy platform, GoldenVoice ensures that every dollar donated goes directly to benefit The Blues Foundation and local Chicago Youth Blues initiatives.
Doors 5:30pm with a Free Acoustic Show at 6pm, and the Main Event at 8pm. Limited "Shucky Ducky" Reserved VIP Experience tickets are available here. General tickets available here via the venue website.
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JP Soars Cigar Box Guitar Giveaway
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Enter to win a one-of -a kind handmade cigar box guitar built by JP Soars and Soars High Productions. "My dad makes the beautiful necks from scratch," says JP. "These cigar box guitars are durable, classy, unique instruments made to last and made to be played. Check out the 20-minute tutorial on my website. I explain how I tune it, how I approach the picking method and what effects I use to get out of this world sounds.”
Also check out JP Soars and Anne Harris' brand new Record, Gypsy Blue Revue on Forty Bellow Records which features the 18-minute cigar box jam! Always a crowd favorite!
Click the image for a chance to win the custom cigar box guitar.
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 (CHICAGO, IL) - After attending Big LLou's 3rd Annual Blues Fest KickOff Fun-Raiser on June 3rd at Buddy Guy's Legends (see this issue) you'll be geared up for Chicago Blues Festival, the nation’s largest free blues festival, June 4-7. The festival offers a citywide lineup honoring Chicago’s blues legacy, while highlighting the genre's established musicians and emerging artists.
Festivities kick off Thursday, June 4, at Ramova Theater, 3520 S. Halsted St., from 5-10:30pm., however, this event appears that the RSVP features are soldout but double check the website if you like.
Music continues throughout the weekend Millennium Park with four stages of music from noon-9pm. Free admission.
Maxwell Street attendees will also tap into the blues with live music on Sunday, June 7, from 10am-3pm. There will be a free trolley from Millennium Park to the Maxwell Street 10:30am - 2:30pm.
Check the official City of Chicago website for the full schedule and more details!
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43rd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival Ignites this June
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(SAN JOSE, CA) — If you loved the sound and soul of Sinners, the 2026 Fountain Blues & Brews Festival held June 27-28, is your must-attend event of the summer from 11am-8pm. This year’s Main Stage lineup at Plaza Park in the heart of downtown San Jose, brings that same electrifying energy to life, featuring powerhouse performers connected to the film’s buzzworthy soundtrack— including Eric Gales, Ruthie Foster, and Tierinii Jackson of Grammy nominated Southern Avenue.
Headlining the festival is guitar virtuoso Eric Gales, fresh off his Sinners Academy Awards performance, bringing his blues-rock firepower to a line-up packed with award-winning talent. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ruthie Foster and Southern Avenue’s dynamic Tierinii Jackson will bring the gospel-infused blues that helped shape the Sinners soundtrack’s unmistakable sound. International flair comes from guitarist/vocalist, British blues-rock powerhouse Joanne Shaw Taylor. Marc Broussard will deliver his signature, soul-drenched vocal blend of R&B and blues on the Main Stage. Closing out the weekend is Chicago blues powerhouse, Ronnie Baker Brooks.
The festival kicks off Saturday with Bay Area blues royalty Miss Faye Carol, Lady Bianca, Alvon Johnson, and Fillmore Slim celebrating the region’s deep blues roots. On Sunday, the Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle set the tone with a horn-driven, dancefloor-ready opening set.
“As we were inspired by the spirit of Sinners, we wanted to bring that juke-joint energy to San Jose,” said Suzanne St. John-Crane, Board President of the Fountain Blues Foundation.
Regional artists will perform between main stage acts on the Poor House Stage with blues veterans Chrome Deluxe and Terry Hiatt headlining.
Enjoy a craft beer garden, food vendors, artist booths, family games and a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo courtesy of Keith Holland Guitars.
Details and tickets here for “California’s Longest Running Blues Festival.”
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$100k Ultimate Music Experience Getaway
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 Get ready to turn up the volume on your dreams with the $100,000 Ultimate Music Experience Giveaway — a rare opportunity to step into a world where music meets luxury. This isn’t just another sweepstakes. It’s your chance to transform your love of live music into an unforgettable, first-class adventure designed for true fans who want more than just a seat in the crowd.
Imagine this: you and three guests heading to a major concert anywhere in the United States, not through crowded terminals, but aboard a private aircraft. From the moment you depart to the final encore, every detail is elevated. You’ll enjoy luxury ground transportation to and from your destination, ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish. Once you arrive, you’ll settle into two luxury hotel suites for four nights each — giving you and your guests the space to relax, celebrate, and fully immerse yourselves in the energy of the experience.
And the excitement doesn’t end when the music fades. The grand prize also includes $25,000 in cash, giving you the flexibility to enhance your trip, extend your stay, or create even more unforgettable moments beyond the concert itself.
Best of all, no purchase is necessary to enter or win — making this an accessible opportunity for anyone ready to dream big and experience something extraordinary. You can also shop and receive bonus entries with your purchase, increasing your chances to win this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This is more than a concert — it’s a complete VIP journey built around music, freedom, and unforgettable memories. Enter now for your chance to experience it all. The Promotion ends at 11:59:59pm PT on December 31, 2026.
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Delta Blues Museum is a Blue Star Museum
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 (CLARKSDALE, MS) - This summer, Clarksdale, Mississippi's Delta Blues Museum is once again participating in the Blue Star Museum program, benefitting active duty military and their families.
In appreciation of these men and women, the Museum is offering free admission to those currently serving and up to five family members, now through Labor Day!
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and participating museums across America. Free admission is available for those currently serving in the United States Military–Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.
Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance. Get your museum tickets today by calling 662-627-6820 or or by visiting the website for more information.
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Tampa Bay Blues Fest just announced their 2027 dates!
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(ST. PETERSBURG, FL) - Hot on the heels of their 30th anniversary 2026 event, The Tampa Bay Blues Fest has just announced their 2027 dates! April 9, 10, 11, 2027 at the same wonderful venue: Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida.
They are celebrating their 31st year with a huge lineup of incredible blues and roots music! The stellar artist roster includes: JJ Grey & Mofro, Trombone Shorty, Tab Benoit, Los Lonely Boys, St Paul and The Broken Bones, Eric Gales, Shemekia Copeland, Ruthie Foster, Blood Brothers, Bywater Call, Jon Cleary, Dylan Triplett, Mr Sipp, JT Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters, and Piper & The Hard Times
America's finest waterfront blues festival, with great food vendors, full liquor bars, craft beers and wines. Recipient of the International Blues Foundation's "Keeping The Blues Alive" award as one of the nation's top blues festivals.
Please order your tickets and VIP passes now to join up in St Petersburg, Florida for three great days of blues by the bay! Tickets are available now at the website.
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John Hiatt & The Mavericks Added to Sandy Beaches!
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 Don’t Miss this Americana and Roots Fest at Sea. Sailing January 9-16, 2027 from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Cozumel & Costa Maya aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam.
The 2027 Sandy Beaches Cruise is 90% sold and selling fast – plus, they just announced some stellar artist additions! John Hiatt, The Mavericks, Sue Foley, Anson Funderburgh, and musical host Max Abrams join the already stacked lineup which also includes Keb’ Mo’, JJ Grey & Mofro, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The California Honeydrops, The Band of Heathens, Paul Thorn, Marc Broussard, Shinyribs, Mike Zito, Lee Roy Parnell, Carolyn Wonderland and so many more.
Cabins are almost gone so be sure to book yours soon!
Book with code BLUESGUIDE to save!
Every show, event, and artist experience is included in the cost of your trip. Enjoy intimate jam sessions, artist Q&As, meet & greets, and so much more, all while sailing to the sun-soaked Caribbean.
Book now using code BLUESGUIDE to lock in savings.
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Buddy Shute :: HEADIN' BACK TO MEMPHIS
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 “Headin’ Back To Memphis is a journey… wandering the back roads… returning to where you began after seeing what is out there… picking up things along the way… leaving some behind…”
Buddy Shute’s new release, Headin’ Back To Memphis, is made up of 14 songs he picked up along the way. The title track is one of 11 original blues-based tunes. Two tracks are co-written with Brenda Baskin who is featured on the topical tune, “I Told You So.” There is a Cajun-inspired version of the traditional “This Train,” and two covers, “Way Down In The Hole” by Tom Waits, and a “backdoor” version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You.”
Born and raised in the Bluff City a couple of blocks from Sun Studios, playing the bar scene at a young age, the Memphis influence is obvious in Buddy’s vocals and guitar work, as are the arrangements created in the studio.
Harmonica ace Mark McGee and Keith Hubbard on keyboards head the list of respected musicians… Steve Baskin, Jason Patrick Young (bass), Darren Novotny, Matthew Beach, Kevin Carl Bonner (drums), Keith Grimwood (fiddle), Brenda Baskin, Lori Holyfield (vocals).
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Moore at East Hall Recording and produced by Buddy Shute and Moore, Headin’ Back To Memphis was inspired when Buddy recently played Beale Street, returning to where it all began.
Come share this journey back to Memphis.
Website
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• Central Iowa Blues Society Concerts & Elections
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 (DES MOINES, IA) - The Central Iowa Blues Society (CIBS) and xBk Live present Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials on June 21 as part of the "Blues on Grand Rewind Series." xBk Live is located at 1159 24th St., Des Moines, Iowa. Doors 5pm and show 6pm.
For nearly 40 years together, Blues Hall Of Famers Lil’ Ed Williams and The Blues Imperials—bassist (and Ed’s half brother) James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton—have been delivering gloriously riotous, intensely emotional, wickedly playful Chicago blues. Tix here.
Also, at the June 8th CIBS Membership Meeting, nominations will be taken for their Board of Directors. The elections will then be held at the CIBS July 13 Membership Meeting. Here is a link to CIBS Bylaws if you're interested in more information. Both meetings will be held at Confluence Brewing, 1285 Thomas Beck Rd., Des Moines, Iowa. ________________________
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Which Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Hits Your Groove?
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#45 Mexican Riviera Oct 2026
#46 Eastern Caribbean Jan 2027
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 #45 MEXICAN RIVIERA
Legendary Rhythm
& Blues Cruise
Oct 31 ~ Nov 7, 2026
San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta & Mazatlan on the Holland America Koningsdam
SOLD OUT, JOIN WAITLIST!
____________
#46 EASTERN CARIBBEAN
Legendary Rhythm
& Blues Cruise
Jan 31 ~ Feb 7, 2027
Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), San Juan (Puerto Rico) & Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam
LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES CRUISE
Our Headliners Stay & Play... They Don’t Hit & Run!
Best Blues Experience on the Planet! |
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T-Bone Walker w/Jazz At The Philharmonic (1966)
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Birthdays & Just In Case...
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Upcoming Holidays & Blues Birthdays
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 MAY 2026• Int'l Drum Month
• Photography Month
• Heritage Month
• Amnesty Day Int'l May 28
• JUNE: Black Music Month & National Soul Food Month
Birthdays: May 28 T-Bone Walker aka Aaron Thibeaux Walker (1910-1975), Gladys Knight (1944), Kaati (BFG Owner -Publisher), Papa John Creech (1917-1989); John Fogarty (1945); May 29-Ron Levy (1951); Jun 1-Ronnie Wood (1947); Jun 3-Jimmy Rogers (1924-1997), Memphis Minnie aka Lizzie Douglas (1897-1973), Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999), Heather Penrod-Rudd (BFG family); Jun 4-Tinsley Ellis (1957); Jun 6-Sugar Ray Norcia (1954), Gary US Bonds (1939); Jun 9-Jackie Wilson (1934–1984), Fiona Boyes; Jun 10-Howlin' Wolf aka Chester Arthur Burnett (1910-1976); Jun 11- Monster Mike Welch (1979); Jun 12-Kenny Wayne Shepherd (1977); Jun 13-James Carr (1942-2001)
(Jimi Bott photo © Marilyn Stringer)
 JUST IN CASE: May 30 is "National Creativity Day!"... unleash your imagination!! Many things in our lives have been spawned from someone’s imagination ...artists, musicians, writers, sculptors, filmmakers, chefs, landscapers, architects, and many more.
May 31 is "National Smile Day." No one needs an excuse to smile. It's contagious, and most times, a spontaneous thing to do. Relax, turn it on and watch what happens. People step out of their deep thought, empty space, or funk and smile back. It's good medicine and they will thank you with a smile. It does wonders, believe me! Smiles and yes, music... good medicine.
Above is Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Johnny Winter. That makes me smile!
 May 31 is also "World No Tobacco Day!" The World Health Organization (WHO) goal is to spread awareness about the risks of tobacco use and how we can help make the world tobacco free. Use "World No Tobacco Day" as a launching pad to a brighter and less smoky future, not only for your health, but the size of your wallets. And don't let tobacco takes yours or a loved ones breath away!
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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 ads.
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2nd Son House
Tribute FestivalMay-28-2026 - May-30-2026 Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Eureka Springs Blues PartyMay-28-2026 - May-31-2026 Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
Ojai Blues FestMay-29-2026 - May-30-2026 Ojai, California, USA
Michael Arnone's
Crawfish FestMay-29-2026 - May-31-2026 Augusta, New Jersey, USA
Between the Lakes Blues FestivalMay-30-2026 Morristown, Tennessee, USA
Dust Bowl Blues BashMay-30-2026 Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Chicago Blues FestivalJun-04-2026 - Jun-07-2026 Chicago, Illinois, USA
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events, plus tons of links,
please check out our website
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4th Burnside Music FestivalJun-06-2026 Ripley, Mississippi, USA
Arkansas River Delta
Blues Trail DedicationJun-06-2026 Sherrill, Arkansas, USA
Ladies Sing The Blues -
Blues Queen Jam NightJun-06-2026 Los Angeles, California, USA
4th Kentucky Blues Music FestivalJun-06-2026 Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, USA
Cape Fear Blues Festival
Jun-12-2026 - Jun-14-2026 Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
13th Annual Stomp The Blues
Out of Homelessness
Jun-13-2026
Springfield, Missouri USA
5th East Village Blues FestivalJun-13-2026 San Diego, California, USA
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Are you missing us at times?
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 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 thankful weekend ahead.
Yours in the blues,
Team BFG
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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
2150 Western Ave.,
Arcata, CA 95521775-846-8238
We welcome 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 1995, is a boutique, music-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. 50,000 weekly subscribers, we have been blues industry leaders since 2003. Please contact us at 775-846-8238 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 simply share and report it.
To ensure delivery please set up your spam filters to allow mail from
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Fair Use Act statement and disclaimer
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Hey blues lovers! Got 
