Here we are at the end of another week. It's a sunny day (though could be warmer) and my thoughts spun toward the question...can a person have the blues on a sunny day? The most obvious answer is "yes" of course. That said, I don't know about you, but for me, a nice sunny day can act as my "turnaround" if I am feeling blue. As we continue observing Black History Month, perhaps you are listening to more blues and similar Black roots music. As you ponder the development of the American art form known as the blues, always remember the act of empowerment (the turnaround) that is often voiced in the lyrics in that final line of many blues songs. This aspect of the blues has always been fascinating to me.
Again this week, as the Ozark Blues Society Board of Directors moves forward with planning, we still would LOVE to hear your thoughts. Any thoughts on what you would like to see as our focus (education, small events, large events, social gatherings for members, etc) are highly desired. Our annual meeting has been scheduled for April 5, 2023 where we will offer a review of the planning discussions. Please send questions, comments, and especially suggestions by email (HERE) to Vice-President Sandy McCann and help us make OBS the best it can be!
This week we again have a new article.We offer a feature article highlighting a concert at a unique venue we desire to support. Articles returning this week offer information about one of our partner organizations, The Music Education Initiative and an article with information on the upcoming Celebration of Support for Ocie Fisher. Read on below for more information on both of these topics.
Always remember, this is YOUR newsletter! Please consider sharing dates that for your favorite artists that are not included in the community calendars we use. We would also love to have a local live blues music reporter to share stories for the newsletter. Many bands have time challenges in submitting information and this would be a great way for fans to show them some love! Please send questions, information, feedback, and suggestions our way. Just click on Sandy's email address below.
We appreciate our readers and want
to see your ideas included!
~Sandy McCann
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Celebration to Support
Ocie Fisher
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 Divas On Fire is asking for your support for our dear Ocie, who is struggling with extreme health issues. Everyone in Northwest Arkansas and tri-state area have enjoyed her performances for decades and are missing her. Please come and enjoy these
great performances by Divas On Fire and members of Ocie's bands throughout the years, to benefit this outstanding artist.
Purchase you tickets HERE:
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Roots Music Artist
Dylan Earl
In Concert at Subiaco
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As we continue to show support for various unique live music venues,
we once again are sharing a concert offered by Subiaco Academy. 
This time the featured artist is 2008 Subiaco graduate, Dylan Earl.
Dylan has been very successful writing and touring with his original music over the last few years. His roots oriented music ventures into underground country as well as blues. If you love, great original music, try to catch Dylan as he tours in support of the release of his latest album "I saw the Arkansas."
For more information about Dylan, check out his page on Bandcamp.
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Northwest Arkansas Non-profit
The Music Education Initiative
Plays Role at 2023 Folk Alliance
International Conference
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 The Northwest Arkansas music ecosystem was represented well, as The Music Education Initiative's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Orson Weems (a first time conference attendee), was a guest host emcee for one of the 2023 Folk Alliance International Conference’s premiere showcases that featured the Grammy nominated The Milk Carton Kids, 
as well as
Tall Heights, Ron Artist II, Heather Pierson, Rachel Sage, and Dan Navarro. During the conference that concluded yesterday in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Weems also served as a panelist during each of the three days
of the inaugural Black American Music Summit.
The Music Education Initiative aims
to cultivate new writing, recording, performing artists, entertainers
and industry personnel by providing interested parties with exposure
to music and entertainment career paths and opportunities through
its emphasis on musical and entertainment education.
We engage in several distinct,
but related activities:
• Educational & Developmental Training/Content Development
• Artist Development workshops
and accelerator
• Workforce Development Training
for Music, Entertainment and Live Events
• Public Presentations and Performances, Engagements,
Exhibits
Follow the Music Education Initiative on Facebook 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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2.17
- Ultra Suede for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- The Rodney Block Collective for Arkansas Black Music Expo at Fayetteville Town Center in Fayetteville
- Dispositions/Endfall/Gallowalker/Spare the Dead at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- Matt Schofield at The Lyric Theater in Harrison
2.18
- Saturday Afternoon Music Expo for the Arkansas Black Music and Film Expo at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Ying Yang Twins for the Arkansas Black Music and Film Expo at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
2.20
- Fayetteville Jazz Collective at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Vince Turner at JJ's Grill and Chill in Rogers
2.21
- Jazz at the Undercroft Bar in Bentonville
2.22
- Brick Fields Blues Therapy at Moranos in Fayetteville
- Ben Harris at Six-Twelve Coffeehouse and Bar in Fayetteville
- Jenna and Friends at JJ's Grill and Chill in Springdale
2.24
- Full House for Happy Hour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
- Buddy Shute and the Motivators at New Dehli Cafe in Eureka Springs
2.25
- Alex Lopez and Crystal Shawanda at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
- Larkin Poe Blood Harmony Tour at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
Mark Your Calendar
2/26 Benefit for Ocie Fisher at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
3/3 Matumaini-Expressions of Struggles and Freedom at The Juke Joint Project at the Pryor Center in Fayetteville
3/4 Ulysses Owens Jr's Generation Y at WAC in Fayetteville
3/24-3/25 Taj Farrant with Nathan Bryce and Loaded Dice at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville
04/28 Tedeschi/Trucks Band at Simmons Bank Arena in Little Rock
Please Submit Dates for Regional Blues Artists and Group Events HERE |
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On this day
in Blues History
February 17
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Today’s show features music performed by Little Richard, B.B. King, and The Blues Brothers
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"Blues is a tonic for whatever
ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore."
B.B. King
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Thanks to the following for their support of blues education.
Please check back for updates
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Listen and enjoy these weekly radio and streaming blues shows
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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.
Your membership support of Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas helps us pursue our mission to preserve the Original American Art Form known as The Blues, supports live blues performances, and provides educational programs for all ages.
Thank You!
Membership Benefits Include:
Weekly E-newsletter
Opportunities to win tickets to events
VIP seating at events (when available)
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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