Dear BLUES family,

The festival season is in full swing. It is what we blues fans look forward to all year. The BSWPA steamed into the Pittsburgh Blues Festival once again. It took a lot of organizing and preparing but we made it. The truck pulled up and the tent magically went up. The tables were soon in place. The shirts, the merchandise and the signage soon followed. Added to that mix were many workers who volunteered their time and shared their enthusiasm for the music and for the effort. The group included: Don, Sheila, Rose, George, Tuck, Cisco, Barb, Angelica, Allison, Gabe, Spike, Maria, Jim H., Melanie, John E., Joe, Tom, Dan P., Joyce, Robb and Tracey. Hopefully, I remembered everyone. Each took a task(s) and made the weekend a success. I would like to thank all of them once more for their hard work and comradery. There were many jokes and smiles and genuine thoughtfulness that exuded from everyone. It made the long, steamy days seem effortless. After a long weekend, we often wonder why we do this. It is because it is what we do. Our mission is to keep the blues alive. We meet up with old friends, make new ones, cultivate new fans, visit with the band members, and share a weekend of blues. Yes, we get weary but you, the blues fans, make it all worthwhile. The smiles, the hugs, the handshakes....and the music. It is something that we all share...it is a universal language for all of us. The music is the secret ingredient that keeps us all coming back. It holds us together, soothes the soul and makes everything else in life drift away for a short while.

We are now resting up for the next "gig"....the Heritage Music Festival in Wheeling, West Virginia on August 13, 14, 15. Wheeling was rated among the best in the world for blues shows. Check out the lineup. The setting on the river with the bridge in the background is a wonderful backdrop for the music. The after jams are some of the best that I have attended.

Don't miss the Blues Picnic on August 29 at the Boston Waterfront in McKeesport. In case of rain, we will move the show indoors. The price is right...it is free. Blues members will get a 25% discount on their food purchases.

Have a safe and happy August.

Yours in blues,

Jonnye Weber
President
 

Happy Fourth of July!

While celebrating the birth of our country this year, I began thinking about the birth of the blues. Yes, the birth of the blues. There were no rocket blasts or fireworks but it slowly began and evolved. Today, many are working very hard to keep the blues genre music alive. How do we do that? That has been the question that many performers and many music companies have been asking.

Many blues bands were performing at street fairs, community days in parks, lounges, etc. over the holiday weekend. Yes, the music was alive. In my travels, I saw many baby boomers enjoying the music. Many had brought the younger members of their families. True, many were there because they had been drug along. However, when the young people recognized strains of blues that were incorporated into their newer versions of music ...something clicked. It was at that moment that they started to tap their toes or started to focus on what was being offered. Sometimes, it was the guitar work or the clapping. Whatever it was, it was great to see our young people letting the music flow into their senses. The sparks were flying and hopefully the younger people will experience the birth of the music into their lives.

Kudos to those that shared the music with their families. It was a sign that the blues was alive. It is wonderful to have the hope that the younger people will begin to embrace the blues and to further it.

Recently, I was at Buddy Guy's in Chicago. He had a thirteen year old up on stage and performing. The young man was so exuberant that at times he was a foot off the floor trying to reach the notes and to achieve the intensity in the songs that he played. Again, kudos to those that introduce the blues to their children and enable them to pursue the music.

The message, quite simply, thanks to those that keep the music alive. Thanks to those that introduce and share the music with the up and coming generation.

Yours in blues,
Jonnye Weber
President

 

Dear Blues Family,

I am very proud to say that the Blues Society of Western PA had the honor of taking the Blues is a Healer Tour to the Aspinwall veterans' home on May 30. The Rich Harper Band and The Real Deal Band did us proud. The veterans were appreciative for an afternoon of entertainment. It brought tears to my eyes when the bands stated that they were there to "give back to those that have given for us. The BSWPA sends out a big thank you to John and Melanie Erskine for making the May 30 event a success. "The Blues is a Healer Tour" will be an instrumental part of the Stand Down that is being planned for August 21.

The summer activities are heating up:

• A Blues Night Out is planned for June 12 at the Grove. Bobby Hawkins and Blues Train will be playing. It is a great chance to meet old friends, make new ones and hear some blues.
• Plans are on track for the Pittsburgh Blues Festival at Hartwood Acres on July 23,24 and 25.
• The Heritage Music Fest will be on August 13, 14 and 15.
• The plans for the 3rd Annual Blues Day Out will be held at the Boston Waterfront on August 29. Miss Freddye and Blue Faze and Mahajibee will be the featured entertainment.

We are in need of volunteers to help at the festivals with set up, tear down and manning the booth. It is a great time and fun to share the day with so many blues lovers. If you are interested, please call...724-378-8926 or email...2golfers2@comcast.net

Breaking News:
Plans have been finalized for the New Year's Eve Blues Blast that will be held on December 31 at the Ramada Inn in Greentree. The Craig King Band will open the evening. Mikey, Jr. will headline the event. The package will be $69 for two bands, a dinner buffet, a midnight buffet and five hours of open bar. For those who would like to stay over, the "Blues Society rate" for rooms will be $89 with a full breakfast.

Have a great, fun and safe summer. Hopefully, we will see you out at the various events. Stop at our booths at the festivals and say hello.

Yours in blues,
Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA
 

Dear Members and Blues Fans,

It is hard to believe that a year has almost passed since the last BSWPA election took place. I am proud to say that the BSWPA has accomplished many things in the past year. We, as a group, have maintained the vision and the purpose of the BSWPA. The officers and the board members have worked tirelessly to fulfill the mission statement on behalf of all of the members....to keep the music alive and to create an awareness of the blues genre of music.

Wondering what has been done? The BSWPA now has approximately 270 members. More bands are working and more venues are supporting the blues. The Blues Night Out program has taken us to various parts of Western PA and has introduced many to new bands and new venues. The Blues in the Schools program is moving along. We also gave instruments to musically inclined children who were financially challenged. We are currently booking school projects for the fall of 2010 and the winter of 2011. The New Year's Eve party was very successful and created a buzz around town. Plans are in the works for the 2010 New Year's Eve Blues Blast. The CD release party for Blues from the Burg 2 proved to be very successful. The CD project was a magnificent showcase for the music and talent that our area has to offer. Our 6th Annual Blues Challenge had the highest attendance to date. Our 2nd Annual picnic (Blues Day Out) was well received. Plans are in the works for the 3rd Annual Blues Day Out on August 29. Charities, Adiago Health, Circle C and the Greater Pittsburgh Area Foodbank, have benefited from the efforts of the BSWPA. Yes, a lot of work has gone into each project.

While adhering to the mission that the BSWPA has promised its members, we have tried to make each and every one happy with our efforts. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes not. Come out to the general membership meeting on May 15 and share your ideas and opinions. We need to know what you think to progress and improve. If you would like to volunteer for an activity, let us know that also. If you would like to run for a position on the board or as an officer, let us know. Bring your nominations to the meeting. Music will follow. Yes we mix business with pleasure. Everything goes better with a little or a lot of music.
Yours in blues,

Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA
724-378-8926
 

Yes, the Blues Blast Weekend on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 was an amazing two days of music. Sixteen entries, twelve bands and four solo/duo entries in one day and over three hundred and fifty people in one room...wow, what a day! The doors opened shortly after noon. The numbers of fans swelled throughout the day. People were there from New York State, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and from areas throughout Pennsylvania. We even had one new member drive straight from Marco Island on Friday when he learned that there were no flights to be had....so that he and his wife did not miss the competition.

 The compliments continued throughout the day: great music and "lots of it," great venue that was easily accessible, attractive and accommodating, friendly people/blues fans everywhere, the professionalism that surrounded the all-day event, great pricing,  etc.

On behalf of the BSWPA, I would like to thank everyone who came out to support this event and to make it a successful "adventure."  A special thanks to all of the entries that participated. The fans savored the outstanding quality of all the music that each entry offered. Each entry proved workable and willing to make the event a great experience.

A special thanks goes out to the fans for coming out. Your participation, support and enthusiasm made "our day." It was thrilling to see and feel the happiness and the appreciation that was showered on the Blues Crew and the bands throughout the day.

The BSWPA extends our gratitude to Bubs Mckeg and Dr. Blue for their gift of music. Some people "sing for their breakfast." This duo sang for "our breakfast" the next morning. Despite sleep deprivation, many blues fans enjoyed a "plateful" of blues to start their day.

Personally, I thank the Blues Crew for helping to make all of this possible. Many hours went into making this production happen. The preparations seemed endless at times during the planning: securing, picking up and delivering, packing and unpacking, setting up and tearing down...and the many other duties that seemed to continually crop up. Yes, the Blues Crew was relentless and determined to make this happen. Kudos to the officers and board members who worked tirelessly, each doing what they do, to make this event an overwhelming success.

What did they do?

• Don Vecchio .... Judge Coordinator and Scoring Supervisor (Don also shouldered many of the duties to make this event happen.)
• Judy McKeg...Assistant to the Judging Coordinator
• Maria Kovacs...Webmaster extraordinaire...designing the flyers, assisting with the programs, managing the e-blasts of our event, signage and videos
• Jim Hamel...Stage manager/emcee/Jam coordinator for Challenge and Brunch (Jim secured the equipment, maintained the stage and made the music happen. He was the first one there and the last one to leave.)
• John Erskine, Tuck Majeran and Joe Kosmal...Stage manager assistants and staging room coordinators
• Sheila Vecchio...Program designer, photographer and sales
• Barbara Gangone...Sales and signage
• Melanie Erskine....Sales
• Joyce Clark...50/50 raffles
• Dave Devine, Diane Devine, Robert Patterson and Bill Gabriel...Door/ticket sales
• Dave Hasch and Toni Martelli - Timers
• Sean McDowell, Pat Tevis and Jim Hamel - Emcees
• Tom Martin - Photographer

The Blues Fan of the Day Award goes to Diane Devine who checked out of the hospital after a three day stay and headed straight to the Blues Challenge. Diane insisted on working at the event once she had arrived. Blues fans are definitely a hardy bunch.

Thanks to each and every one of you for "keeping the blues alive."

Yours in Blues,
Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA

 

Yes, the Blues Society of Western PA will be showering the 'burg with an entire day of blues on April 10 and a blues brunch/breakfast on April 11. It will definately be a Blues Blowout Weekend!

Everyone has been working very hard to make the 6th Annual Blues Challenge a great experience for the blues fans and for the bands. Sixteen bands in one day giving their best twenty minutes...wow, does it get any better? Being able to witness the energy and the talent that a Challenge brings will be amazing and at times overwhelming.

Many hours have gone into making this event happen. Sixteen entries signed up long before the due date. That factor, filling the slots early and having a waiting list, was encouraging and thrilling!

I would like to thank the BSWPA officers and board members in advance for their tenacity at getting this event rolling and making it happen. I would like to thank the blues fans for their interest and support. We have been getting many inquiries about the Blues Challenge...many from fans who will be travelling great distances to attend as well as from many local fans. I would like to thank the bands for their interest and their support.

Come out and enjoy an entire day of blues on April 10. Come back out and listen to the blues of Bubs Mckeg and Dr. Blue on Sunday. Yes, it will be a Blues Blow Out Weekend!

The next Blues Nite Out will feature Zack Tyler and Blu Razor at the Baltimore House.

There has been a general membership meeting/ nomination of officers and board members scheduled for May 15. It will also be a Blues Day Out and will feature Ms. Freddye and Blue Faze at the Freeport Pizza Kitchen and Bar. Yes, even we have to have a day to get old and new business out of the way. It will be a day where you can come and share your ideas and hear what is being planned for the rest of the year.

Thinking spring...summer will soon follow. We have just scheduled the 3rd Annual Blues Day Out Picnic at the Boston Waterfront. The plans are shaping up and details will be soon announced.

Come out and help us to support live blues. Our events are designed to move around the city to get you, the blues fan, out to see new venues and to hear new bands while meeting others with a simiilar interest, the blues.

Yours in blues,
Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA

 

and the Blues Society of Western PA is rolling out their new CD, Blues from the Burg, on Sunday, March 7. Wow! If you liked the first one, this one will blow you away! It was a wonderful project. So many artists stepped up to offer a selection to the project. Many went back into the studio to record a new selection or to redo a favorite for the compilation. The cooperation and generosity from our area's musicians were once again overwhelming. The Western PA has a tremendous amount of talent to offer ....and it shows. Thanks to everyone who participated. The BSWPA is proud to be able to bring this project to life for our members, the bands and to blues fans everywhere. It was a part of our mission..."to keep the blues alive." Many CDs are now in the mail to blues fans in different areas of the USA and to different continents...Austrailia, Germany, England and Italy.

We are in full swing finalizing preparations for the upcoming 6th Annual Blues Challenge. The slots filled early. Wow! Sixteen bands in one day. Prepare yourselves, blues fans, for a great day of blues. There will be a blues breakfast/brunch the next morning. Breakfast will go from 8:30 am until 11:00 am. The music will start at 9:30 and may end at 10:30. However, the music may go on a lot longer...stay tuned.

Yes, March and April,2010 are milestones for the BSWPA. Things are fast and furious and ...EXCITING!!!

We, the BSWPA, are thrilled to be able to bring this to the Western PA area.

I would like to thank all of the officers and board members that have worked so hard to make this happen. A lot of hours are put in behind the scenes to make things happen. Join me in thanking everyone involved for such a tremendous effort.

Come out to the events and enjoy!

Yours in blues,
Jonnye Weber
President 

 You can read a complete report of the 25th IBCs here.

 

Dear Blues Family,

I have just returned from a brief trip to Memphis to see Bubs Mckeg and Dr. Blue and Felix and the Hurricanes represent the BSWPA at the 2010 International Blues Challenge. This global competition hosted 212 bands from around the world. Our entries left a solid mark on the Memphis music scene. Both Bubs and Dr. Blue and Felix and the Hurricanes did us proud!!

I left there and caught up with the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. It was an amazing week of blues, blues and guess what...more blues.

During my travels, I was constantly hearing wonderful comments about the BSWPA. (Who knew anyone was paying attention.) We have been praised for our work and for our efforts to help the community. Our newsletter received many rave reviews for our uniqueness and not being a "run of the mill" publication. Our membership efforts were praised due to our tenacity to keep our membership roles active. Many commented that we had hit the mark with our Blues Nite Out...that we covered a large territory by mixiing up the venues and the bands to encourage the blues fans to come out and support live music. Many were amazed that we fulfilled our mission as a society while helping so many causes in our area. (The music has done so much to help others in need...it has been a tremendous effort by all involved.) It was also noted that we had stuck gold by having meetings at various venues and then staying to hear a band. Wow! Who would have thought that word travels that fast and that far and that people were watching...and talking! It was wonderful to be rewarded with such comments after so many hours of hard work. It is wonderful to be part of a group that has come together with the soul purpose of "keeping the music alive." All involved: the officers, the board, the musicians, the volunteers, the venues, the members and the fans....way to go!

Eventhough the Ground Hog predicted six more weeks of winter, the BSWPA will be "heating" up the music scene for all of the blues fans in Western PA.

First, the BWSPA was invited to provide an informational booth at the Blues for Food Benefit in Wexford on February 21. We were thrilled to be included at such a worthy event. Once again, the blues musicians will be generously donating their time to raise much needed funds to support the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank. It will be an amazing effort to help those less fortunate in our area.

Blues Goes to School will be Friday, February 26 at the Dilsworth Elementary School. Eugene Morgan is tuning his guitar to take his historical, cultural and musical presentation on the road to the students.

We, the BSWPA, are thrilled to be able to unleash the "Blues from the Burg 2" CD compilation on all of you, the blues fans. The talent on this CD oozes with just a small portion of what is available within the Western PA area. A CD Release party is planned for Sunday, March 7 at the Palisades in McKeesport. Many bands on the CD are lined up to provide entertainment that day. It will be an exciting event for everyone involved!

The plans for the 2010 BSWPA Blues Challenge scheduled for April 10 are shaping up. We have all sixteen slots filled for the competition. Whew...and way ahead of schedule. The bands are anxious to compete. (The cash prizes to the winning solo/suo and the winning band are attractive. The , the fans, will all be winners after a day of blues with the bands giving their best twenty minutes. Make your room reservations now. There is a blues rate still in effect until March 15 for the Ramada Inn in Greentree. There will be a blues brunch on April 11 with Bubs McKeg and Dr. Blue. This will certainly be a weekend of blues to enjoy and experience. Mark your calendars now.

There may be six weeks of winter left but the BSWPA will be making the days a little sunnier with blues, blues and more blues.

Yours in blues,

Jonnye Weber
President 

Dear Blues Members and Fans,

Happy New Year to all of you!

Those who were able to attend the New Year's Eve Bash found that there was a "whole lotta blues gonin' on" in Western PA. The Jimmy Adler Band and the Kilborn Alley wowed the audience with their music. The fans wowed the bands with their warm and thankful responses. It was a great night for music.

We will be sending our winning band, Felix and the Hurricanes, and our winning duo, Bubs McKeg and Dr. Blue, to Memphis, TN in a few weeks to compete in the 2010 International Blues Challenge. It will be an exciting time in Memphis during the Challenge. There will be nothing but blues, blues and more blues in Memphis for four days. For those of you that are travelling to attend, we wish you safe travels.

Looking ahead, the BSWPA has many things on their list to do this year. More "Blues Nights Out," are in the works. It is our version of Juke Joint Nights which goes on through out the United States as a way to keep the music alive and to acquaint the blues fans with the musicians and with venues. Keep coming out. The bands, the venues and the BSWPA needs your continued support.

We are planning a CD release party. It will feature our 2nd Blues from the Burg compilation.
Details will soon be announced.

We are planning our 2010 Blues Challenge. We have switched things up once again. It will be held at the Ramada Inn in Greentree with the Challenge being held on April 10. An added feature...a Blues Brunch the next day, April 11, at the hotel. Rooms are available at a special Blues rate until March 15. The brunch is free for those staying over night. Those not staying overnight will be charged $10 for the brunch and the music will be tossed in for free. More details will follow. If you know a band that has a lot of original blues music, ask them to apply. It is a great opportunity for us, the fans, and also for the musicians. They will have a chance to win a spot in the 2011 International Blues Challenge that will be held in Memphis, TN. It will be an opportunity for the winning solo/duo and the winning band to be seen by many others throughout the country during their time in Memphis...producers, record labels, venues, fesitvals, etc. The prize packages are not shabby either. Get your friends to register on line at bswpa.org or call for an application.

Thanks to all of you who support the blues. It is a wonderful family to belong to. It is a very good feeling to know that we have accomplished so many good things in the past year.

I wish everyone a very happy 2010.

Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA

 

Dear Blues Family,

It is hard to believe that 2009 is quickly winding down. There have been so many events, new faces and new ideas that have shaped the direction of the BSWPA in this past year. Behind the scenes, each event/task has involved many donated manpower hours from planning to implementation. Everyone has brought such an array of talents to the “BSWPA table.” It has been a very worthwhile adventure. WE, as a group, hope that we stay on tract to do what is good for the society and enable the BSWPA to continue to improve and to flourish in 2010.

Wondering what we did in 2009:

• 2009 Blues Challenge
• Blues Goes to School- (BITS) The Society hosted Fruitland Jackson, a blues man and an award-winning instructor from Chicago who is affiliated with the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Jackson gave his Blues 101 presentations at two area schools. The Society also teemed with Gateway to the Arts to make this project happen.
• The BSWPA helped man the children’s blues tent at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival.
• Eugene Morgan gave a presentation at Avonsworth Middle Schools on behalf of the BSWPA
• The BSWPA created awareness with gatherings during our “Blues Night Out” Tour…The Society provided the opportunity for the venues, fans and the bands to meet and flourish in the Western Pennsylvania area.
• Move! to the Blues for the Fisher House on Sunday, May 31 was held as a cooperative effort with the local Veterans Hospitals to raise funds to build a facility to house disabled veterans' families.
• The BSWPA worked several festivals to increase awareness for the blues genre of music.
• The BSWPA provided music during the 2009 Stand Down for the homeless veterans in Western Pennsylvania.
• Blues Goes Pink was held on August 23. The Blues Divas of Pittsburgh Concert enabled the BSWPA to raise funds for Adagio Health to provide breast and cervical cancer screenings for the many underinsured women in the Western Pennsylvania region.
• The BSWPA hosted the 2nd Annual Blues Day Out picnic
• The BSWPA worked to raise funds for the Greater Pittsburgh Area Foodbank.
• The Blues for Tots and Toys was held in December. The toy drive was a means for the BSWPA to give back to the community.
• The Veterans is a Healer Tour was taken to Aspinwall Veterans Hospital. Many musicians donated their time to cheer our local veterans. The BSWPA provided assistance.

You say that you never have anything to do on New Year’s Eve…same old stuff. That has been changed this year. I hope that you will be able to join us for the New Year’s Eve Blues Bash at the Rhythm House with the Jimmy Adler Band and the Kilborn Alley Band. You do not want to miss this fun event!

I wish everyone a blessed, safe and joyous holiday season.

Merry Christmas,
Jonnye Weber, President



 

The weather was getting chilly but the music at the Bye Week Blues warmed the large crowd. Thanks to everyone that participated and to those that attended. The proceeds will go to the Food Bank to help those who have fallen on difficult times in Western PA. The bands were generous with their time and the fans were generous with their donations. It was a job well done by everyone that was there.

The first Blues Jam Thursday was held on October 29 and was organized through the efforts of Jim Hamel. Jimmy Adler was the guest host for the month. Special guests included: the Rich Harper Band, Katie Simmone and Phil the Knight. The jam was attended by many blues enthusiasts. They were not disappointed.

I am pleased to announce that Eugene Morgan will be giving a Blues in the Schools presentation at Avonsworth on November 19. He has been working with Ken Lockette, the principal, and Jimmy Adler, our BITS (blues in the schools) coordinator to make this possible. Thanks to Eugene for committing to help our young people in the area and to keeping the blues alive.

The BSWPA is making preparations to take the "Blues is a Healer Tour" to the Aspinwall Veterans home in December. There will be several performances throughout the day to allow more patients from the various areas in the compound to attend. John Erskine is the chairperson and is working hard to make this project successful.

Plans are in the works for the coming year. We are currently making preparations for the 2010 Blues Challenge.

The CD compilation, Blues from the Burg 2, is in the works. Its completion and release will soon be announced.

Our Blues Society has been nominated for Blues Society of the Year. Keep your fingers crossed that we might get recognised for all of the hard work and the tremendous outpouring of support that has made the Blues Society of Western PA viable.

Thanks to all of you for making the Society what it is today. Your support is very much appreciated. Thanks to all of you for being a part of "keeping the music alive."

Jonnye Weber
President 

It is really hard to believe that autumn has arrived. October is proving to be another busy month for the Blues Society. Many BSWPA officers and fans traveled many miles to support the Blues Society of West Virginia's Blues 3rd Annual Blues Challenge. Arrangements are currently being made to attend Cleveland, Ohio's first Blues Challenge. The talent that is shared at these events is overwhelming. We ask that you go out and support the societies in our neighboring areas...West Virginia, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinatti, Western New York, Central PA...It is all about the blues. To keep the music alive, we have to go out and support the music.

Do not miss "Bring a Friend" Blues Night Out...We thank Tinsley Ellis for making this possible. Tinsley offered a free ticket to those who had never been to Moondog's and were accompanied by a Moondog blues patron. (Quantities were limited) What an opportunity to drag a new person to the club and to share the richness of the Tinsley music experience!

We have a general membership meeting scheduled for October 24 at Dante's at 8:00 pm. Come out and meet the officers, board members and your fellow blues fans. We will be sharing the BSWPA's plans for the upcoming months. Afterwards, The Jimmy Adler Band will be featured as part of the Blues Night Out. Blues Night Out is our version of Juke Joint Saturday.

It is my pleasure to announce that the Blues Society of Western PA will be joining forces with Moondog to provide "Blues Jam Thursday." The first one will be held on October 29. Jim Hamel has agreed to host and organize this event one Thursday a month. Jimmy Adler has volunteered to be the first "host" band. Many blues musicians will be stopping by to add their flavor to the blues mix for the evening.

Bubs Mckeg & Dr. Blue will be respresenting the BSWPA and will be providing music during the Mental Health Association's Annual Meeting on October 29. He is enabling their year long mission to bring blues music to each of their regional meetings.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA
724-378-8926 

 

It has been a busy summer for the BSWPA. It is hard to believe that it is already Labor Day. The agenda for this month will include: the Carnegie Blues Festival and The Blues Day Out Picnic. The plans for next month include:  supporting the kids at Circle C, a "Blues Nite Out" with Jimmy Adler, assisting the Cleveland Blues Society with their first annual Blues Challenge, and assisting the Blues Society of West Virginia with their Blues Challenge.  Plans are in the works for a benefit for the Foodbank in November.

Yes, we have worked very hard to keep the Blues alive and to assist those in need. The Divas concert in August was a terrific event. We are pushing on for the rest of the year with activities to further the mission : "keeping the blues alive."  We urge everyone to go out and support live blues.

Make your New Year's reservations now. Do not miss the First Blues Bash in Western Pennsylvania. Things are really shaping up. The bands are excited to get here and put on a great show.

I want to thank all of the workers at each event for their tireless efforts and to the blues fans who make it all worthwhile.

Yours in blues,

Jonnye Weber

President

724-378-8926

 

 

 

It has been a very busy summer and the Blues is alive in Pittsburgh. The Blues Society has been to the Pittsburgh Blues Festival and to the Heritage Blues Fest in Wheeling. We are thrilled that the memebership rolls are increasing. The Blues Society provided music for the Veterans' Stand Down in Pittsburgh on August 15. Our next event will be Blues goes Pink on August 23. This is an exceptional event where many of the Blues Divas in Western PA gather together into a lovely old church that was made into a supper club. Its elegance and beauty coupled with the wonderful voices that will be soaring through its many levels is an overwhelming experience. We, The Blues Society of Western PA, invite all of you to attend and help raise money for uninsured women in Pennsylvania that are in need of breast and cervical cancer screenings. How much better does it get, Western PA women helping other Western PA women. That is what is so great about the blues.

Our travels will next take us to Carnegie Music Festival. There will be three nights of blues on September 10, 11, 12.

The second annual blues picnic, "Blues Day Out," will be on September 20. It is fast approaching. Don't miss the fun...Billy the Kid will play at 1:30 and Jill West and Blues Attack will take the stage at 3:00. It is an absolutely free event unless you order food or drinks. Your membership card will allow you to purchase the $10 pig roast that comes with 2 beer tickets or unlimited soft drinks.

We thank everyone for your support. You have a very hard working group of officers and board members that work to make things happen -keeping the blues alive.

Jonnye Weber

President 724-378-8926