Lets all take a moment today and remember those who lost their lives on this day in 2001. Peace through Blues.
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Well, I need a replay from last week! I got this newsletter all set up to send and perhaps it was operator error but the send never happened. Last week's edition WAS posted to Facebook and the OBS website so if you read it there you are going to see reruns this week. Perhaps some of you are catching on to me. I have decided to run each piece a minimum of two weeks. What do I mean by a "minimum?" Well...most articles and announcements will be in for two editions but some things are going to run longer because they have a very specific date and/or are higher profile. Anyway, I will generally place new articles at the top but if you miss a week and want to catch up read on. Also, I have added a new feature to the weekly calendar listing. At the bottom you will find a "Mark Your Calendar" listing. In this area you will find listings for upcoming events and artists who come in from outside the local area. Local bands will continue to be listed in just the weekly format unless they are part of a larger event.
Finally, this week you will find a submission from one of our readers, Buddy Shute. He composed a biography on Robert Johnson. I think you will enjoy it. His is the last reader submission I have in que so it's time for me to
put out the call for more submissions!
Let me know your thoughts.
You know the deal, e-mail me anytime at smccann7@sbcglobal.net
~Sandy McCann
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CALLING ALL BLUES MUSICIANS!
Ozark Blues Society
2015 Blues Challenge
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Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas is
hosting their annual “BLUES CHALLENGE”
What: Blues Challenge, a competition sponsored by the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas in affiliation with the International Blues Challenge presented each year by the Blues Foundation
When: Wednesday, October 14, 2015; 6:00 pm -11:30 pm
Where: Fayetteville, Arkansas at George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson Street
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: EXTENDED to September 30, 2015
On October 14, 2016, the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas will host its Annual Blues Challenge at George’s Majestic Lounge on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The society is seeking submissions from Blues bands and solo/duo artists to compete in this event.
The acts entered in the challenge will each perform a 20-minute set in a randomly chosen order, which will be announced just prior to the start of the competition. There will be two winners announced on the night of the competition -- one band and one solo/duo act. Winners will then be eligible to compete at the four-day 32nd International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis on January 26 through January 30, 2016.
The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas will sponsor and reserve the following IBC lodging accommodations for our Blues Challenge winners (no cash value):
- Solo/Duo Act: 1 Hotel room (4 nights) located near the Beale Street Entertainment District
- Band Act: 2 Hotel rooms (4 nights) located near the Beale Street Entertainment District
The October 14th competition will be judged by professionals in the blues music business, such as professional musicians, music media writers, music promoters, blues radio show hosts, and/or officers from other blues societies surrounding Northwest Arkansas.
Important Criteria: Registration for the Blues Challenge is open to all members of The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas. At least one member of each act entering the challenge needs to be a current member of the society. Not a member? Register from this website's home page before submitting your blues challenge application.
Application fees to enter the Blues Challenge are $25 for a solo/duo act and $50 for a band. Blues Challenge Submissions must be received by Wednesday, September 16, 2015.
Questions about the blues challenge can also be sent by email to: lrs100676@gmail.com.
More information about the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas’ Blues Challenge can be found at http://www.ozarkbluessociety.org/Blues_Challenge.html. Information about the Blues Foundation and the 2015 International Blues Challenge information can be found at the Blues Foundation’s website http://www.blues.org.
Contact: Leah R. Spears-Blackmon, Event Coordinator / Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas
Lrs100676@gmail.com 479.871.5212
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Coco Montoya in Bentonville!
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The excitement is rising in Downtown Bentonville. You are invited to join the fun on Monday, September 21 when Coco Montoya plays at one of the regions newest venues, Meteor Guitar Gallery. Doors open at 6 with music starting around 7:30pm.
The new Downtown Bentonville website makes buying tickets a breeze. Check it out here: downtown-bentonville tickets There are VIP and General Admission tickets available at the site.
This is a don't miss show because it will be the first time Earl Cate has been on stage with Coco in over 3 years. Earl is very excited. He and Ernie performed on Coco’s last album, so it should be a rare, emotional, guitar-drenched night of awesomeness!
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Robert Johnson
By Buddy Shute
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Sixty years ago fewer than a hundred people in the world knew anything of substance about the life of bluesman Robert Johnson. He died penniless and virtually unknown outside the Mississippi Delta. Concerning his life there are very few confirmed hard facts.
Robert Leroy Johnson was born in Hazelhurst, MS in 1911, or thereabouts. No birth certificate is known to exist. To further confuse matters, it isn't certain what name would have been given to Robert Johnson if such a document did exist. His legal father, Charles Dodds, moved to Memphis, in 1909 to avoid a lynching. His mother, Julia Dodds stayed behind and had an affair with a farmhand, Noah Johnson. Later she moved to Memphis with her 11 children. Charles Dodds changed his name to C.D. Spencer and young Robert was known as Robert Spencer while attending school. He changed his name to Robert Johnson when in his teens. His mother moved to Robinsonville, MS and married a field hand named Willie Willis. Robert went to live with them in 1918. At the age of 18 Johnson married Virginia Travis who was still in her early teens. In April,1930, one year after their marriage, Virginia died giving birth. The child died as well.
Robert Johnson’s first instruments were the diddly bow and the Jews harp. The diddly bow is basically a wire strung between two nails on a wood wall. He was also quite accomplished at playing the harmonica. Robert Johnson would go to the juke joints where his mentor Son House was playing and ask to play guitar on the bands breaks. Son House said his guitar playing was so bad they would ask him to stop. Johnson disappeared for a couple of years. When he returned he asked to play on their break and Son House said, "…and that boy started off playing... and when he got through all our mouths were standing open. All! He was gone!" The legend says he made a pact with the devil at the crossroads.
Robert Johnson had two recording sessions with Don Law. One in San Antonio in 1936 and one in Houston in 1937. This was before recording tape. Songs were recorded onto an “acetate” which was a big chunky piece of lacquer-coated flat metal. Only 42 of his recordings have been found.
Robert Johnson died August 16, 1938 at the age of 27. The tale most often told says a jealous husband mixed strychnine into his whiskey, some say the devil came to collect. There are three graves with his name on the marker. Nobody really knows where he lies.
In 1961 Columbia released a collection his Robert Johnson's recordings. The British picked it up right away. Eric Clapton /Cream recorded “Crossroads” originally know as "Cross Road Blues" and the Rolling Stones did "Love In Vain" originally "Love In Vain Blues". There was a problem as to who was entitled to the royalties.
There was a truck driver, Claud Johnson who made deliveries to The Jim Kitchens family for 30 years so they knew each other. One day Claud walked into Jim Kitchens law office and said, "Jim, do you know
who Robert Johnson was?"
Jim: "Sure I do"
Claud: "How do you know that?"
Jim: "I listen to public radio"
Claud: "That was my daddy"
Jim: "What?"
Claud: "That was my daddy"
Jim: "Who else knows this?"
Claud: "Well, there's my momma."
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On behalf of the Ozark Blues Society board of directors we want to share the following message.
The Ozark Blues Society wishes the all the best for Roger Plourde and his wife Mary as they prepare to move to New Hampshire. Roger has been a tremendous leader of OBS during his time here in northwest Arkansas. Having joined the Ozark Blues Society (OBS) in 2009, he was elected to the Board in 2010. Based on his vision for growing the impact of the society throughout the region, Roger was elected President for a first term in 2011-2012 and then re-elected for a second term serving 2013-2014. During this time, Roger raised the profile of OBS and increased the operating budget 10-fold through sponsorships and organizing fund raising events. His passion for the blues and his leadership is what made the success of the Blues in the Natural State festivals possible during his time as president. With Roger as president, OBS sponsored a second place International Blues Challenge winner (Lucious Spiller 2014) and a first place winner (Ray Bonneville 2012). Roger has been dependable and a tireless leader in the pursuit of “keeping the blues alive.” Although we’ll miss having Roger in Arkansas, we look forward to seeing him in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge. Well done Roger and best wishes for you and your family in New Hampshire! ~Roy McCann
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Eureka Springs Blues Event
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 When you are out on Bikes Blues and BBQ weekend getting your blues on, don't miss the ALL Blues Weekend event at the Pine Mountain Theater in Eureka Springs! |
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Ozark Blues Society
Partners with the
International Songwriting Competition
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Song writing friends of Ozark Blues Society, here is some information for you! Ozark Blues Society has partnered with the International Songwriting Competition to have the opportunity to share this with our members and friends. If you are a songwriter looking for a chance to get some notice the list of winners (and prizes) is pretty impressive. The early entry deadline is fast approaching. Check it out HERE |
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Levon Helm
Downhome Jubilee
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Thank you S usan Porter for sharing the information on this upcoming event.
When: Oct. 24 7pm
Where: Downtown Marvell AR
What: The Levon Helm Downhome Jubilee
Music from The Band's songbook by the Lockhouse Orchestra. A benefit to restore and convert Levon's boyhood home into a museum. Free admission.
More information can be found at the
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It's That Time Already!
Bookings For IBC Hotels Have Begun
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The 32nd (2016) International Blues Challenge will be held January 26-30, 2016 in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee in the Beale Street Historic District.
To book your rooms at the special IBC rates visit The Blues Foundation website: Blues.org.
Remember, Rates apply until deadlines stated by each participating Hotel or until rooms are sold out. Rates may or may not be available after deadline.
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Music Calendar
09/11-09/19
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9.11
- Full House and Charlie Horse for Happy Hour at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Matt Smith Jazz at Greenhouse Grille in Fayetteville
- The Odds at JJs in Fayetteville
- Got It Covered at The Big Chill in Rogers
- Tightrope at The Rowdy Beaver in Eureka Springs
9.12
- Lil' Hoojin and Dawn Cate and the Rhythm Kings at Kingfish in Fayetteville
- Old Ties: Allison Williams and Willi Goehring at Arsagas at the Depot in Fayetteville
- JAB at The Big Chill in Rogers
- Keith Nicholson Trio at JJ's in Bella Vista
- Brick Fields and The Chosen Ones at The Mini Amp at Pine Village in Eureka Springs
- Tightrope at Rowdy Beaver in Eureka Springs
9.13
- Duane Evans Memorial Jam featuring Lil' Hoojin at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Claudia Burson Trio at Copelands Famous New Orleans Restaurant in Rogers
9.15
- Jed Clampit at Pesto Cafe in Fayetteville
- "R&P" (Richard and Paul) and friends at the Chancellor in Fayetteville
- NWA Blues Jam at The Big Chill in Rogers
9.16
- Blues Therapy with Brick Fields and Friends at Bear's Place in Fayetteville
- Open Mic at Foghorns in Fayetteville
9.17
- "R&P" (Richard and Paul) and friends at the Chancellor in Fayetteville
- Charliehorse at Kingfish in Fayetteville
- Isayah Warford at Foghorns in Springdale
- Keith Nicholson Trio at The Big Chill in Rogers
- Roger Thomas at Ramo d' Olivo in Bentonville
9.18
- The Bel Airs and The Odds for Happy Hour at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Alex Lewis Jazz at Greenhouse Grille in Fayetteville
- Leah Spears Trio at Foghorns in Fayetteville
- Dawn Cate and the BPK Rhythm Kings at Jose's Southwest in Springdale
- Shari Bales Band at The Big Chill in Rogers
- Coco Montoya at Warren's Rec Room in Alma
9.19
- Leon Russell at at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Keith Nicholson at Kingfish in Fayetteville
- Shari Bales Band at The Big Chill in Rogers
- Jeff Horton Band at The Pig Pen in Rogers
- R. J. Mischo at The Walmart World Room in the Walmart Museum in Rogers
Mark Your Calendar
- 9.21 Coco Montoya at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- 9.23 - 9.26 Bikes Blues and BBQ
- 9.25-9.26 ALL Blues Weekend at The Pine Mountain Theater in Eureka Springs
- 10.9 Ruthie Foster at The Founders Room in Alma
- 10.14 Ozark Blues Society Blues Challenge at Georges in Fayetteville
- 10.24 Levon Helm Downhome Jubilee Fundraiser in Marvell AR
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In this issue: 09/11/2015
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On this day
in Blues History
September 11
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Today’s show features music performed by Lonnie Johnson and Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup
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" The Blues are the true facts of life expressed in words and song, inspiration, feeling, and understanding."
Willie Dixon
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Check Out these regular local radio programs
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"The Generic Blues Show" hosted by Paul Kelso airs every Friday night at 9pm on KUAF 91.3FM
Rockin' Hog Radio presents "Sunday Morning Blues" from 8am to 10am every Sunday
LINK
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Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society
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Annual membership levels begin at $15 and give you so much in return, including meeting new friends while enjoying the best blues artists in the area.
By being a member of The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas, you are helping to support the Arts and to preserve the Original American Art Form known as The Blues.
Membership Benefits Include:
Weekly E-newsletter
Opportunities to win tickets to events
VIP seating at events (when available)
Discounts on OBS merchandise
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! Ozarkbluessociety.org
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