The OBS fundraiser is in the rear view mirror and Jeff Horton Band and friends are in Memphis, walking on Beale! Arriving later than planned due to dodging rain on the drive over, I personally
haven't made it to Beale St.yet! But, today I will as plunge into my 13th year volunteering at IBC. My day will start with helping at the act registration and end later as the venue coordinator at Tin Roof. My last 11 years at Hard Rock and Rum Boogie are a hard act to follow, but as always I desire to support the event wherever I am needed most, so off I go
to a different venue this year.
We have one new article this week. A new NWA transplant, RD Olsen, is starting a series of blues concerts called, "Shades of Blue". His first presentation on May 15th will feature internationally acclaimed blues and soul artist, Johnny Rawls. Read on below for more information.
Returning articles this week include the information about the cool new exhibit -A Cast of Blues- now open at the CACHE Art Gallery at 214 S. Main Street in Springdale. Also, the article with ideas for musicians continues. If you are a musician looking for tips, these links will likely give you some helpful insight.
Always remember, this is YOUR newsletter! Please send feedback or suggestions our way. You can reach me by email at the address below. We appreciate our readers and want
to see your ideas included!
~Sandy McCann
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Shades of Blue Series
Featuring Johnny Rawls
Premiers in Bentonville
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Press release shared with OBS:
"Singer/songwriter/band leader and Arizona Blues Hall Of Fame inductee, R.D. Olson, is the REAL DEAL. His on-stage charisma and showmanship absolutely command the audience’s attention from start to finish at every show. And his band, The Ozark Allstars (featuring guitarist Gary Hutchinson) are top notch national level performers who always “bring it.” R.d. also has big plans for NWA with his new multi-media enterprise, producing a series called “Ozark Shades Of Blue” initially for Roku and public access programming, along the lines of Austin City Limits. He’ll be bringing in national artists once a month, kicking off the first live show of the series May 15th, 7-9pm, at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville. R.d. and the Ozark Allstars will open the show with a set from his latest album, “Born in the Country,” and then they’ll back up national blues artist, Johnny Rawls. Johnny Rawls, an internationally recognized recording artist, music producer, and songwriter who tours extensively throughout North America and overseas, is simply a “Blues Legend.” The Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, Living Blues Awards, and the W. C. Handy Awards have all acknowledged Johnny with multiple awards and nominations, including Soul Blues Album of the Year and Soul Blues Artist of the Year.
This is one show not to be missed!"
For tickets: www.meteorguitargallery.com 128 Central Ave, Bentonville, Arkansas 479-286-1500
Table Seating $35 General Admission $25
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The Music Education Initiative
A CAST OF BLUES
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The Music Education Initiative OPENS A CAST OF BLUES
Blues music was born in Mississippi, came of age in Chicago, and went on to inspire generations of rock and rollers, ranging from the British invasion of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to contemporary groups, such as The Black Keys. As one of America’s contributions to the world of music, the blues took root in the fertile soil of the Mississippi Delta, a floodplain covering 7,000 square miles between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. Early blues greats in the Delta pioneered the strong rhythmic style of music, accenting the raw emotions of the lyrics by squeezing chords out of a guitar with a bottleneck or metal slide.
A celebration of Mississippi’s rich musical heritage, The exhibition A Cast of Blues features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends created by artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson, as well as 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by acclaimed photographer Ken Murphy. This is the first time that this exhibit has been in NW Arkansas. Now, visitors to the CACHE Art Gallery at 214 S. Main Street in Springdale, can experience the exhibition, A Cast of Blues, opening April 15, 2022.
During this seven week exhibit, The Music Education Initiative will offer in addition to the gallery viewing, educational programming, community outreach, lectures, guest artists and performances. The exhibition's compilation of casts and photos create a compelling portrait of the men and women who defined—and continue to shape—the tradition of Mississippi blues. Gallery hours are: Mon. – Sat. 10:00AM – 5:00PM. This exhibit is made possible by the generous support of the Tyson Family Foundation, CACHE, WhyteSpyder, MTI Consulting Group, LLC and John and Yvonne Lee, and is free to the public.
A Cast of Blues artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson has said, “a life cast is like a 3-D photograph to someone who is blind.” McConnell-Dickerson, who is visually impaired, continues, “It captures the flesh, muscle, bone, hair, and subtle expressions of emotion. I wanted
to discover the faces behind the
music I love, so I went to Mississippi to map out the visages of the real Delta blues men and women.”
Ken Murphy’s photographs are selected from the groundbreaking book Mississippi: State of Blues (published 2010 by Proteus/Ken Murphy Publishing). A longtime Mississippi resident, Murphy captures the essence of the blues through highly detailed, panoramic color pictures. The exhibition’s compilation of casts and photos create a compelling portrait of the men and women who defined—and continue to shape—the tradition of Mississippi blues.
The exhibition is fully accessible to all visitors, featuring braille labels and educational materials, as well as a music playlist for gallery use and a closed-captioned film about the Cast of Blues project. In addition, visitors are encouraged to touch the resin-cast masks. Says McConnell-Dickerson, “As a sculptural and visual art experience, feeling the life-made casts of these individuals and their facial expressions transfers their experiences directly to our fingertips.” The exhibition is also accompanied by the 2008 documentary film, M for Mississippi: A Roadtrip through the Birthplace of the Blues (94 minutes).
Organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national part of Mid-America Arts Alliance, the exhibition was curated by Chuck Haddix, music historian, author, radio personality, and director of the Marr Sound Archives at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
About The Music Education Initiative:
Our unique perspective focuses on musical education in the interest of creating new writing, recording, performing artists, entertainers and industry personnel by exposing students and other interested parties to music and entertainment career paths at earlier ages. We engage, educate, elevate and prepare the next generation of professionals in the business of music and entertainment. We share the music and entertainment industry expertise, experience, empathy, relationships, professionalism, and first-class programs of our founding team and advisors, to develop and add value to the community, especially those of underserved communities, and quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.
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Once again, thanks go out to Liz Lottmann for sharing these great links!
The new one is for how to get great PR for your band. Find that link HERE:
And if you haven't checked this one from BANDZOOGLE, be sure and give it a look. This one is focused on "How to Make Money With Music Online."
More from BANDZOOGLE. Promote your band with Smart Links:
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Thanks Liz Lottmann for sharing this Cool Video:
From Steve Huey, All Music Guide
"Singer/guitarist Barbara Lynn was a rare commodity during her heyday. Not only was she a female instrumentalist (one of the very first to hit the charts), but she also played left-handed -- quite well at that -- and even wrote some of her own material. Lynn's music often straddled the line between blues and Southern R&B, and since much of her early work -- including the number one R&B hit "You'll Lose a Good Thing" -- was recorded in New Orleans, it bore the sonic imprint of the Crescent City. Lynn was born Barbara Lynn Ozen in Beaumont, TX, on January 16, 1942; she played the piano as a child before switching to guitar, inspired by Elvis Presley. In junior high, Lynn formed her own band, Bobbie Lynn and the Idols; at this point, her musical role models veered between bluesmen (Guitar Slim, Jimmy Reed) and female pop singers (Brenda Lee, Connie Francis). After winning a few talent shows and playing some teen dances, the still-underage Lynn started working the local clubs and juke joints, risking getting kicked out of school if she had been discovered. Singer Joe Barry caught her live act and recommended her to his friend, producer/impresario Huey P. Meaux, aka the Crazy Cajun. With her parents' consent, Meaux brought Lynn to New Orleans to record at the legendary Cosimo's studio. Lynn cut a few singles for the Jamie label with the understanding that if none hit, she was to attend college instead of pursuing music right off the bat. In 1962, her self-penned ballad "You'll Lose a Good Thing" became a national hit, reaching the pop Top Ten and climbing all the way to number one on the R&B charts. Her first album (of the same name) was also released that year, featuring ten of her originals among its 12 tracks. Lynn continued to record for Jamie up through 1965, producing follow-up R&B hits like "You're Gonna Need Me" and "Oh Baby (We Got a Good Thing Goin')," the latter of which was recorded by the Rolling Stones in 1965. In 1966, Lynn switched over to Meaux's Tribe label and cut "You Left the Water Running," which became something of an R&B standard and was covered by the likes of Otis Redding. In 1967, she signed with Atlantic and had another R&B hit with "This Is the Thanks I Get" early the following year; she also issued another album, Here Is Barbara Lynn, in 1968. Lynn scored one last hit for Atlantic in 1972's "(Until Then) I'll Suffer," but by this point, she had several children to worry about raising; dissatisfied with her promotion anyway, she wound up effectively retiring from the music business for most of the '70s and '80s, though she did play the occasional low-key tour. Lynn returned to music in the mid-'80s, touring Japan for the first time in 1984; she later cut a live album there, called You Don't Have to Go, which was eventually issued in the States by Ichiban. Lynn had managed to retain a cult following among connoisseurs of American soul and blues in several different pockets of the world, and toured internationally during the early '90s. In 1994, Bullseye Blues issued her first full-fledged studio album in over two decades, So Good; Until Then I'll Suffer followed in 1996. Lynn later caught on with the respected blues label Antone's, and in 2000 she cut Hot Night Tonight, which featured a couple of raps by her son Bachelor Wise."
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Support Options
For Local Artists
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Please check this section of the newsletter weekly for ideas of how to support local musicians and venues. Submissions are being reduced to contact information this week as we restart the Live Music Calendar.
*****
Jimmy Wayne Garrett
For more information about Jimmy Wayne Garrett, his schedule, recent interviews, or buy the latest album, visit: JimmyWayneGarrett.com
His music may also be found HERE:
YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAj6BYVglL4&list=OLAK5uy_la2zCm6zUphqeNMMe4j9I2jxiI2YT1AkU *****
Buddy Shute and the Motivators
Buddy Shute and the Motivators live at the Eureka Springs Auditorium on YouTube: LiveAtTheAud
***
Buddy's latest project is a duo with Mark McGee. They will be representing the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society at the 2022 International Blues Challenge. Their recently released CD/EP is now available.
To learn more about the band, and Buddy's duo with Mark McGee, visit:
Facebook: Buddy Shute and the Motivators
******
Brick Fields
We have released a single from the upcoming album. Here is a link to the video "Take Me To the Riverside"
We also have two stores on our website one for music merchandise and another for Blues Therapy handmade items such as essential oil blends, Jewelry, tie dyes, bath salts, body butters and more.
Thank you for your support.
I pray that each of you and your families are all doing okay through this.
Brick Fields
Booking Call: The Brick House 479-846-4668
*****
The Jeff Horton Band
**Read on for NEW information**
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, the
Jeff Horton Band definitely has 
a passion for the Blues! For the last
10 years Jeff and the guys have done their part in sharing the Blues as much as possible, treating their fans to an enjoyable experience.
Jeff reports he has some exciting gigs coming up at Good Vibrations in Rogers. There will be a new jam every other Monday from 7-9pm, beginning December 27th. Additionally, he and the band will be hosting the New Year's Eve party
at Good Vibrations this year.
Lots of fun times ahead!
For more information on the Jeff Horton Band check out:
Jeff has also put together a Spotify playlist for NWA Blues. It can be found, HERE:
*****
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LIVE MUSIC
Music Calendar
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Please enjoy the following listings comprised of bands, venues, and/or organizations that support Ozark Blues Society. Always check with individual venues for event details and schedule changes. Submit weekly listings by emailing: SANDY
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5.06
- Divas on Fire for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- NWA Jazz Society/Artosphere presents: LosVeleros for Music on the Mountaain at Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville
- The Cate Brothers and Handshake Saints at Railyard Park in Rogers
- Ms Val Harding and the Wall Street Band for Soul Night at The Meteor Guitar Gallery in Rogers
- International Blues Challenge Quarter-Finals on Beale Street in Memphis
5.07
- The Cate Brothers: Lynnard Fest at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Funk Factory and the Chris Cameron Band t Railyard Park in Rogers
- International Blues Challenge Quarter-Finals on Beale Street in Memphis
5.08
- Miranda Lambert/Little Big Town/The Cadillac Three at the AMP in Rogers
- International Blues Challenge Semi-Finals on Beale Street in Memphis
5.09
- Vince Turner at JJ's Grill and Chill in Fort Smith
- International Blues Challenge Finals at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis
5.10
- Adam Collins, Matt Beach and Garrett Jones for Jazz at the Undercroft Bar in Bentonville
5.11
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy at Moranos in Fayetteville
- Ben Harris jazz guitar at Six-Twelve Coffeehouse and Bar in Fayetteville
5.12
- NWA Jazz Society monthly Jazz Jam at Roots HQ in Fayetteville
- Jenna and Friends at JJ's Grill and Chill on Steamboat in Fayetteville
- Old Crow Medicine Show and Brittney Spencer at The Momentary in Bentonville
5.13
- Ultra Suede for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Vince Turner at Sassafras Winery in Springdale
5.14
- Jeff Horton Band at Good Vibrations in Rogers
- Whiskey Myers/Shane Smith and the Saints/Goodbye June at the AMP in Rogers
- Frail State/Lilac Cruise/Patient Eyes at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
Mark Your Calendar
5/15 Johnny Rawls and the RD Olson Blues Band featuring Gary Hutchison at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
5/15 Jazz in Bloom 2022 at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks in Fayetteville
5/23 Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams at Robinson Center Performance Hall in Little Rock
Please Submit Dates for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events HERE |
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On this day
in Blues History
May 6
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Today’s show features music performed by Sippie Wallace and Eddie C. Campbell
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“If I was in the middle of dying, and someone said, ‘Sippie, sing me a song,’ I’d stop dying to sing that song.”
Sippie Wallace
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Blues Education Supporters
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Thanks to the following for their support of blues education.
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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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