Superstitious? If you are, today maybe isn't your day! Welcome to the third and last Friday the 13th in 2015. The website www.timeanddate.com lists all the times it occurs each year, and three times in one year is not very common. Next year in 2016 there will be only one occurrence in May.
I looked around and found a great Blues song you may want to give a listen to.  Check out Howlin' Wolf and "I Ain't Superstitious" HERE. Looks like back in 1961 when The Wolf released this song, he had to contend with two Friday the 13th's that year. Guess we really got the blues with three Friday the 13th's in 2015!
Once again the calendar seemed a bit light so 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 could sure use help finding things I am missing. I only have a couple artists that regularly send me their schedules and I would be happy to hear from more! You know the deal, e-mail me anytime at smccann7@sbcglobal.net
~Sandy McCann
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UPDATE!
How to Support Your NWA Representatives on the Road to Memphis!
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Please watch our newsletter and website for information about ways you can help send our winners to Memphis. Details are still coming together but you may want to mark your calendar for an event on January 8, 2016. Ozark Blues Society offers our Blues Challenge winners a handsome support package to help defray the cost of going to Memphis and competing in the International Blues Challenge in January. We will be hosting a fundraiser to assist in this support. Of course you may always share your support by donating through our website directly or via Facebook!
Don't forget to follow our winners on their journeys!
Solo/Duo Winner:
Jimmy
Wayne
Garrett
Band Winner:
Divas On Fire
Perhaps you want to make plans to go cheer them on at the IBC in Memphis! Remember, 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. |
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Did Someone Say Women Have the Blues Too??
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Perhaps we here in Northwest Arkansas are spoiled a bit. After all, we have so many women playing and singing the blues around here that there are enough to form a super-group like Divas on Fire! Even with such an outstanding level of recognition of female blues artists here,
it is enlightening to look into a national/international organization that exists solely to support women blues artists everywhere. The group is called National Women in Blues (WIB.) Their new website is already full of history and information for and about women blues artists.
WIB has hosted a number of women focused festivals, but additionally they partner with The Blues Foundation and sponsor a WIB showcase at IBC. This year our outstanding Women in Blues artists, Divas on Fire, will be one of the featured acts in the showcase! To further
support Northwest Arkansas' claim to fame on Women in Blues, last year's Ozark Blues Society's Blues Challenge winner Amanda Rey has also been selected to be in this year's showcase. If you will be in Memphis for IBC,
this don't miss Showcase will be
Friday, January 29th from noon-4.
In addition to their website noted above, you can easily stay connected to all the exciting Women in Blues events by clicking HERE to connect with the WIB Facebook Page.
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The Big Chill In Rogers Has Closed
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Last week when I was preparing the weekly calendar, the website for The Big Chill was not responding. When the same thing happened this week I went looking for their Facebook page and found the sad news that they held a farewell bash on October 31st. Perhaps many in Rogers and Bentonville already knew but since I had missed the news I thought others may not have heard either. The following message was posted on their Facebook page. Ozark Blues Society wants to thank Gina Parks for her support of the music we all love and wishes her the best for her Hot Springs location.
I would like to say a few words to the many people in the Rogers and Bentonville area who have been a source of great support and energy while The Big Chill NWA has been open.
First, the amazing crew that have stuck by me and continue to support and help me with this business. You are all very appreciated and I will miss you dearly.
Second, the amazing talented musicians I have had the pleasure of working with. You have been the core of the business and I am so proud to have been a venue for you all to showcase your amazing music. I sincerely hope you keep the flow of great music going in other venues.
Third, the regular patrons who have made the Big Chill NWA happen for the last year.
I wish I could have held on and kept it going. It has been a struggle to split myself between two businesses four hours apart.
I appreciate all of you who have helped.
If you are ever in Hot Springs, please come see us at 910 Higdon Ferry Road. We are just a few blocks south of Oaklawn park and will continue the vibe of The Big Chill and the music we present there. Hope we see you soon.
Sincerely,
Gina Parks
Owner
The Big Chill Inc.
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Looking For Input On A Fundraising CD Project
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The following was submitted by
one of our members.
Friends, several weeks ago I volunteered to write a song for the Natural State Burial Association. (www.naturalstateburialassociation.org ) And now somehow I've volunteered to put together a compilation CD of songs about death, burials, and graveyards as a fundraiser for the NSBA.
Which, of course, is why I'm writing to you. What I hope the end product will be is a CD of about 14 songs from different Arkansas musicians in a variety of genres. Songs of lament, celebration, humor, religious impulse, - whatever humans feel about death - with mostly vocals, but I'd like to have a few instrumentals as well. We have several musicians who have already agreed to contribute: Still on the Hill, Jack Williams, Judi O'Neal, Emily Kaitz and myself. I'd really like to get some blues in the mix!
Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to fund the licensing and preparation of a 20-acre green burial cemetery in Washington County.
So, I have three questions for you:
1. Have you got a song or two you think would work? They need to be studio quality, either originals or something you have the rights to include on the CD. It would be perfectly OK to use something you've put on a previous CD. Of if you have access to a studio and want to record something new, that's fine too. Participating will get you: 5 CDs, our thanks and the satisfaction of contributing to a good cause.
2. Can you recommend other Arkansas musicians who might be interested in contributing? I tend to be a little NWA and acoustic-centric so any help in diversifying the mix would be great!
3. Do you have any advice you can share about the project? I've never done one of these and if there are pitfalls I should watch out for, please let me know!
Please contact me at wschmidt1998@yahoo.com or 720-771-4634.
Thanks!
Walter Schmidt
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Music Calendar
11/13-11/21
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11.13
- Earl and Them and Daryl Brooks for Happy Hour at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Keith Nicholson Trio at JJ's Grill and Chill in Fayetteville
11.14
- Left of Center at Warrens Rec Room in Alma
- Earl and Them at Chelseas Cafe in Eureka Springs
11.17
- Buddy Shute and the Motavatas at Bear's Place in Fayetteville
- Jed Clampit at Pesto Cafe in Fayetteville
11.18
- Blues Therapy with Brick Fields at Bears Place in Fayetteville
11.20
- Nace Brothers and Aaron Mullins Band for Happy Hour at Georges Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
11.21
- Smoky and the Mirror for Play It Forward at The Walmart Museum/Museum Room in Bentonville
- Vintage FM at The Founders Room in Alma
Mark Your Calendar
- 12.31 Chris Cameron/New Years Bash at The Founders Room in Alma
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In this issue: 11/13/2015
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On this day
in Blues History
November 13
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Today’s show
features music performed by The Four Vagabonds and John Hammond Jr.
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"But of course
it's different now,
the blues is
no longer blues, it's green now."
Ruth Brown
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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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