View as Web Page Subscribe Unsubscribe Send to a Friend
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Share Options
Blues News You Can Use!
They Say....
...that no news is good news. I am going to trust that is true since this week there is not a lot of new content in this newsletter other than the updates to the calendar at the end. It definitely feels like fall in the air and so more and more your favorite music is moving from patios to indoor venues.  Kind of a sad time because
there are just less places to go.  That doesn't mean you should just stick on your jammies
after work and stay home though.  Why not head out and check out a venue you are less familiar with?  In addition to the favorites like George's Happy Hour in Fayetteville, The Big Chill in Rogers for example has consistently been hosting awesome local and regional blues bands. Anyway, why not take a risk and try a new spot.  You might find a new favorite! 
 As always...if you don't see your favorite band or venue listed, let me know! I harvest information from a variety of local listings and a few venues websites but I would love to add the ones you, the reader, wants to see listed. You know the deal, e-mail me anytime at smccann7@sbcglobal.net 
~Sandy McCann

Coming Soon to Alma!
Eli Cook
Eli Cook has just been named one of the top three solo blues artists in the world by Blues Matters Magazine, and he will perform at The Founder’s Room of Alma ,  7503 Robinswood Rd, Alma, AR  on Saturday,  November 7.  The evening begins at 6PM and dinner is available.  For reservations call 479-221-5737 or purchase tickets online at  www.thefoundersroomofalma.com. 
The legendary Son House was known to say “Blues is a feelin’…” Eli Cook’s music echoes that same raw honesty--and it’s driving him to the forefront of modern Blues.  With his super slick slide guitar sound and a husky voice that is sexy and heartfelt, this Virginia bluesman shines brightest in concert.  His distinctive blend of contemporary and old-school styles has been called by John Mayall “mystifying and unique.”

Eli took up the guitar as a teenager in the Blue Ridge foothills of Virginia.  Following the tradition of the great blues men, he performed in churches and late-night gospel revivals with only his acoustic and deep baritone voice.  Eli recorded and released his first two albums between 2004 and 2007: the all-acoustic, original-roots album “Miss Blues’ Child” on the Sledgehammer Blues label, and a heavy blues-rock release “ElectricHolyFireWater”. During this time he was invited to open for B.B. King on King's east coast tour.  Since then, Eli has shared the stage with Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, Parliament-Funkadellic, Gary Clark JR, Taj Mahal, John Mayal, and many others. In 2011 Eli released “Ace Jack & King", a return to roots-blues and heavy guitars.  All Music Guide proclaimed that Eli could be “the best blues singer of his generation.”

Eli signed with LA-based label Cleopatra Records in 2013 to begin work on his 5th studio album, featuring guest appearances by Tinsley Ellis,  Reese Wynans of Double Trouble, rock legend Leslie West of Mountain,  and Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The album, “Primitive Son”, was released in Spring 2014.

Eli Cook has been featured in Vintage Guitar, Guitar Player, and Guitar Edge magazines.

Video:  https://youtu.be/wteGvwVNWlU
            https://youtu.be/vAhu5p1EW9k
Music:  https://soundcloud.com/user2607055/highway-song
 
For interviews contact  vangotangoprokofiev@yahoo.com For more information about Eli Cook, visit www.elicook.com
This Weekend!
Levon Helm 
Downhome Jubilee
Thank you Susan Porter for sharing the information on this upcoming event.

 
When: Oct. 24th at 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
 
Deadline Extended
International Songwriters Competition
Are you a songwriter? The deadline to enter the International Songwriters Competiton has been extended to November 5, 2015. Enter your songs now for a chance to win cash & prizes, be heard by artists such as Tom Waits, Lorde, Hardwell, Kesha, Sara Evans, Pat Metheny, Bill Withers, as well as Presidents from Warner Bros., Atlantic, Epic, Sony, Elektra and more? Join the ranks of past winners that include Vance Joy, Bastille, The Band Perry, Goyte, Passenger, and Kimbra. #ISC2015.
 
For more information:
2015 Ozark Blues Society Blues Challenge
Winners have been announced:
 
Solo/Duo Winner:
 
Jimmy Wayne Garrett


 
Arkansas born singer/songwriter and blues guitar player with a passion for blues music from the American Art form's beginning, to it's current evolutionary status. Always growing up with music as a staple of life either from the radio, old records and tapes, or church, Garrett was drawn in to the piano at a young age. Tinkering around on a family members keyboard caused a fire to be lit. The black and white of the piano made sense, and it sounded good. It felt good. But, it wasn't until he began playing a century-old folk guitar at 13 that his grandfather bought for him at an auction, that the flame really started to do more than just flicker. A short time later, after discovering the Pentatonic Scale, a musical seed of blues feeling was delivered into another young soul. It has not been an easily acceptable way to go in choosing the guitar over some other career, as family, friends, teachers, and mentors have advised throughout the years. Different jobs have came and went in all the meantime. Same with friends. Still, Garrett believes in remaining true to one's genuine self and living through artistic expressions to make the world a better place.
 
Band Winner:
 
Divas On Fire


 
Divas on Fire is a super-group unlike any other ---a unique collaboration of ten of the most successful women blues artists in their respective region who have come together to create a powerhouse sound. The group's live performances give audiences no relief as their show ignites and burns red hot from first to final note. Their collective history includes a Memphis Sun Studios recording artist, several Northwest Arkansas Music Awards winners, several Arkansas competition winners for the International Blues Competition, an Arkansas Blues Hall of Famer. And yet a few others have more recently started their musical journey while quickly collecting awards, accolades, and fan loyalty. The name Divas on Fire is more of a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that they have all been called musical divas, but in reality each puts the music and each other first.
Blues in the Schools

The "challenge" as I mentioned above in the area of Blues Education is to draw on history but also make it fresh and appealing to today's students.  Ozark Blues Society has had wonderful opportunities to reach out to kids from Pre-school to 8th grade in Fayetteville and Bentonville.  We have worked with local musicians and artists to match our presentation themes and focus to the curriculum.  We have found the students to be interested and even excited as we have invited them to participate in our classroom and school assembly programs!  
Most recently we met with a class at Hass Hall Academy.  Students in Ms Francine Fisher's Fine Arts class learn blues history but also how to compose lyrics.  As we discuss blues music as a form of communication and self-expression we have been excited to have one or more of her students step forward to present their song with the backing of our visiting musicians.  This last program we had Brick Fields as our artists.  They were joined by harp player Ben Sass.
Ozark Blues Society would like to multiply our outreach to local schools and youth organizations.  This is another challenge we face.  We would love your support!  Please consider a donation to support our Blues in the Schools (BITS) programs.  Click HERE to donate.  Additionally if you know of a school, educator, or other youth program that would benefit from learning about the blues through our programs please contact smccann7@sbcglobal.net
 
Need Tickets or Hotel Information for IBC?
Now that the winners have been selected to represent Ozark Blues Society and Northwest Arkansas at the 32nd International Blues Challenge in Memphis perhaps you want to make plans to go cheer them on at the competition!  Special rate rooms are available through the
Tickets can be bought as a pass that includes all the competition events or individually as wristbands on Beale Street and in the participating clubs each night of quarter and semi finals. If available after pass sales, tickets may be bought for Saturday's finals at the Orpheum Theatre. Check out IBC Tickets HERE.
 
Music Calendar 
10/23-10/31
10.23
  • Big Uns and Left of Center for Happy Hour at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
  • Mike Mayberry and the Slow Hands at The Big Chill in Rogers
  • Justin Moore Colleg Town Throw Down MOVED to the AMP in Rogers
  • Jim Mills at JJ's Grill and Chill in Fort Smith
10.24
  • Old Ties at Arsagas Expresso Cafe in Fayetteville
  • The Odds at JJ's in Fayetteville
  • Levon Helm Downhome Jubilee Fundraiser in Marvell AR
10.27
  • Jed Clampit at Pesto Cafe in Fayetteville
  • "R&P" (Richard and Paul) and friends at the Chancellor in Fayetteville
  • Rocky Horror Picture Show for Movie Night at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
  • NWA Blues Jam at The Big Chill in Rogers
  • Randall Shreve for Backstage Downtown at the Pressroom in Bentonville
10.28
  • Blues Therapy with Brick Fields at Bears Place in Fayetteville
10.29
  • "R&P" (Richard and Paul) and friends at the Chancellor in Fayetteville
10.30
  • Oreo Blues and Ultra Suede for Happy Hour at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
  • Got it Covered at The Big Chill in Rogers
10.31

  • Old Ties at Arsagas Expresso Cafe in Fayetteville
  • Amanda Rey, Jimmy Wayne Garrett, and more at Fayetteville Underground in Fayetteville
  • Costume Party with the Marshall Wallace Band at The Big Chill in Rogers
  • Rocky Horror Bash at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
  • Halloween Bash with The Eric Matthews band at Warrens Rec Room in Alma
Mark Your Calendar
  • 11.01 Benefit for Ralph Odom at George's Majestic Lounge featuring: Dawn Cate and the Rhythm Kings, Oreo Blue, Leah and the Mojo Doctors, Nace Brothers, and thte Cate Brothers Band.
  • 11.07 Eli Cook at The Founders Room in Alma
  • 11.21 Vintage FM at The Founders Room in Alma
In this issue:  10/23/2015
They Say....
Coming Soon to Alma!Eli Cook
This Weekend!Levon Helm Downhome Jubilee
Deadline ExtendedInternational Songwriters Competition
2015 Ozark Blues Society Blues Challenge Winners have been announced:
Blues in the Schools
Need Tickets or Hotel Information for IBC?
Music Calendar 10/23-10/31
On this day in Blues HistoryOctober 23
This Week's Quote
Check Out these regular local radio programs
Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society

Links You Can Use

On this day
in Blues History
October 23


Fats Domino

Today’s show features music performed by Johnny Shines and Little Walter
 
 
This Week's Quote
 


"Blues ain't never going anywhere. It can get slow, but it ain't going nowhere."
 
David Edwards

Check Out these regular local radio programs
 
 


 
"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
 
Get Involved with the Ozark Blues Society


 
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
 
 


 


 
Links You
Can Use
 
Arkansas Music Pavillion
 
Arkansas Music Works
 
American Blues News
 
The Big Chill NWA
 
The Blues Foundation
 
Blues For A Cause
 
Blues Festivals Guide
 
Blues Guitar News
 
Crystal Bridges
 
Downtown Bentonville
 
Free Weekly
 
George’s Majestic Lounge
 
Guitar Center
 
J L Sound & Lighting Productions
 
National Blues Museum
 
North AR Jazz Society
 
NWA Tunedin
 
Rockin' Hog Radio
 
Sherry L Speer Photography
 
The Founders Room
 
The Walmart Museum
 
Tom Mowry Photography
 
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com./
 


 
 

Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas  |  P O Box 2004  |  Bentonville, AR 72712  | 

Subscribe  •  Preferences  •  Send to a Friend  •  Unsubscribe  •  Report Spam
Powered by MyNewsletterBuilder
Share on Facebook Bookmark and Share