The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise steamed back into port yesterday. It was a week filled with blues ....and more blues. It was a week where 3000 fans gathered to share the music. New friendships were made and old friendships were rekindled....all through the music. Did we get enough blues????  

Many are now making their way to Memphis...or as Tommy Castro sings, "Working our way back to Memphis one more time." Many blues fans from Western PA are getting ready to head South to Memphis for four days of amazing music. Acts from around the world are enroute to Beale Street in Memphis, TN for the 2012 International Blues Challenge.

The representatives for the Blues Society of Western PA have worked very hard to hone their acts...and are worthy of the stiff competition that they will face in Memphis. Jill West and Blues Attack is the band entry and Chris Yakopcic is our solo/duo entry. We wish them well. Jimmy Adler's CD, Midnight Rooster, is our entry in the CD competition in Memphis. We wish them well.

What's at stake....their best 20 minutes of original music that represents what we do here in Western Pennyslvania. They have a chance to be seen, heard and savored by fans from around the world and by producers, agents, CD producers, festival operators, etc. It is a tremendous opportunity for our entries and to showcase the music from our area. Good luck to all.

We, the BSWPA, are also thrilled that all of our slots are now filled for the 2012 Blues Challenge that will be held on April 14, 2012 at the Clarion Hotel in Pittsburgh. It will be an amazing day filled with blues played by fifteen different acts. Join us while we once again have a panel of judges select our entries for the 2013 International Blues Challenge.

We are currently working to host a Youth Challenge ....if the youth in Western PA can be convinced to participate. The winner will be given a slot in the 2013 Youth Showcase at the 2013 International Blues Challenge and a cash prize to get them to Memphis. What an amazing opportunity...to be seen and heard by blues fans from around the world and to work with many blues icons in jams and workshops.

Kilborn Alley Blues Band has agreed to work our next Christmas party...a date is being agreed upon.

Plans are in the works currently for next New Year's Eve...we are currently talking with the....NIGHTHAWKS.

Stay tuned for more blues news.

Yours in blues,

Jonnye Weber

President

 

Ringing in 2012........
 
The New Year's Eve Blues Blast turned out to be a great party. The event was well attended. The music was sensational. The crowd was very appreciative of the blues that was brought their way for New Year's Eve. Thanks to Ms. Freddy and Blue Faze with their special guest, Andrea Iglar, and to Chicago bluesman, Studebaker John.
 
Looking ahead...2012.... We are trying something new....

in our efforts to keep the blues alive. We are attempting to host a YOUTH BLUES CHALLENGE. It is our opportunity as a Blues Society to encourage young people to play the blues. Each solo or duo entry must submit a video or recording of their music to be considered for the challenge. The winner will be given a cash prize and afforded a slot in the 2013 International Blues Youth Showcase on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. More details will follow. A copy of the application can be downloaded from our website at: bswpa.org. Help us to spread the word and make this project a "go."
 
The 8th Annual Blues Challenge will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Clarion Hotel, 401 Holiday Drive, Pittsburgh, PA from 2 pm to 10 pm.

       The slots are filling up fast for the challenge. If you know a blues band or a solo/duo act that wants to compete or should compete in the competition, please urge them to visit our site for more details: bswpa.org. Why is the competition important? Each entry will showcase what they do best at the competition and hopefully attract more fans. The winning band and solo or duo will win a cash prize the day of the competition and will also have a guaranteed slot in Memphis, TN at the 2013 International Blues Challenge. There will be an amazing amount of talent that day. Come out and join us!

Blues Challenge information: Room reservations for those wanting to stay over (Blues rate of $89 is good until March 31, 2012) can be made by calling the Clarion at: 412-922-8100. Tickets for the Blues Challenge will be available at the door for $12 to the public and $10 to BSWPA members.
 
A Memphis Send Off party will be held on Saturday, January 14 at Moondog's in Blawnox, PA. The evening will start at 8 pm with Chris Yakopcic....the BSWPA's 2012 Solo/duo entry for the 2012 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Jill West and Blues Attack, our 2012 Band entry, will follow at 9 pm. Jill West will be hosting a live CD recording that evening. Come out and help us support and encourage our entries as they prepare themselves for their trip to Memphis. The BSWPA has been honored for the last seven years to showcase some of the tremendous talent that oozes from Western PA at that very prestigious competition on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. Come out and join the fun!

Blues from the Burg 3 is in the works...stay tuned....it is shaping up to be a spectacular CD.

What we need in 2012 to move ahead and do more things that would be worthwhile for the blues community.....We are in need of grant writers and those that can secure sponsors and advertising for our events. If you are affiliated with a school district in need of music presentations, let us know. We have many amazing musicians that are ready to share the history and the music with the younger generation.

If you would like to volunteer for future projects or have ideas that you would like to share with us, please contact us: bswpa.org or 724-888-6183

Yours in blues,
Jonnye Weber
President, BSWPA

 

 

Recently I offered my  nephew a seat (Heritage Fest chairs) in my flood ravaged kitchen. Laughing, I suggested that perhaps I should call Tab Benoit to come North for a Flood Relief Concert. It would have been a great excuse to have a concert!! My nephew just laughed and shook his head at how everything in my life eventually has something to do with the music. I had to laugh also.  Blues, Blues and more Blues. I was looking back over my year of blues mania. Yes, I did chuckle when I drifted back to various events over the past year.

The Festivals...It was a rain infested year but the music still oozed from every event.  I thought about the insanity that comes with each festival and how when I finish for the weekend, I am looking forward to the next one. At the end of the season....after meeting new friends, catching up with old ones, the music, the energy and the fatigue...I actually go through "fest withdrawal."

Some of the manic thoughts and happenings:

1. Slepping bins of shirts to and from the storage unit and into and out of the car...the question each time....how many boxes can I fit into a Hyundai...I think that it is about nine without a passenger.  At one point, getting ready to leave for a weekend of blues, I threatened to tie my friend, Lori, to the roof as I tried to "load in" the blues stuff, the luggage, the cooler, the chairs and us.

2. Setting up a tent with the ladies at Sharon and having to ask the band roadies to come over to lend us a hand...or we would still be there trying to get it hoisted...and still laughing. It looked so simple. They guys made it simpler.

3. The annual...How do I get all of the blues stuff to a festival mania-the stuff that does not fit into the car...the tent(s), tables, bins, merchandising containers, etc.  My girlfriend was worried when I called and said that I was obsessing over trucks.....??? The trucks were looking better and better... and then I remembered to look and see who was driving. Yes, manic moments happen when you are in a bind.

4. At the Pittsburgh blues fest: Day one..setting up in blazing hot weather, the workers were dropping like flies in the heat and then a storm ripped through. We blues fans were sopping wet, huddled under the food tent, trading stories, laughing, waiting for the storm to pass and hoping that the show would still a go.

5. At Heritage, getting a call that we had lost our tent...and sending out a call for help to sop up, mop up and move on for the day....and still laugh about what had happened...no one got hurt, the merchandise dried out and people stopped often to see if we needed help.

6. After struggling to set up a tent at the Sharon blues festival, the clouds opened and the rain gushed down in torrents.  We had left home before sunrise and were wondering...how much fun are you really going to have when you leave home for a fest in the dark.  The workers  congregated in an outdoor, covered cabana...eating and drinking....it was a lucky break for us.  As the first band began (Eugene Morgan)...and on the first note...the rain stopped. The yell that went up was supercharged...the show was going on as scheduled. The crowds started trickling in....and it shaped into a formidable fest.

7.  Working on the annual festival  shirt is a challenge. We all have ideas....it is amazing how the process flows and is so productive. Thanks, Angelica for not killing me over my tweaks...."Move the player over, add one, change the color, change the font" ....yes, manic moments over creating  the most marketable shirt possible does happen.

8.  Finding out that duct tape does solve a lot of issues....my colleagues are thinking about wrapping me up in it to keep me in one place and out of the way. I jump when they ask, "Who has the tape?"

9.  Carrying around a guitar at a festival and huckstering tickets is more fun than most people would believe. I am an expert at carrying it. I just need to learn to play it. Thanks to all those that buy those tickets. It is always fun when I am somewhere else at a fest, a cruise or in another town and someone calls out..."Did I win that guitar yet?"

10.  Seeing "the other blonde" in Wheeling each year....our annual "blues family" reunion is outrageous fun.

11.  Going to a press conference in Sharon to announce their festival and being treated to a youth performance that topped off my day.

12. The usual mantra....as we check off the list in preparation...do we have the tickets, the flyers, the shirts, the supplies, the signage, the coolers, etc. It is a massive operation. I need a "personal assistant" and a driver.

13. Being the travel concierge for blues fans from places far and near. It is a pleasure to help people to get to a blues event and enabling them to enjoy the music, the people and the city.

 

Blue Society Events:

 

Blues Picnic

1. Telling bands at our picnic that the "check was in the mail" when their checks failed to arrive before the concert. They understood but we shared an afternoon of kidding about "the old...check is in the mail routine."

2. Having a picnic and moving everything indoors due to the weather  was a test for the blues fans...again the year of rain. The  fury of the music indoors rivaled the storm outside.

3.  Watching young players take the stage at the picnic and watching the crowd go crazy....the sound of success ....and satisfaction was overwhelming.

 

Blues Challenge

1.Being relieved at this year's blues challenge when the sound people showed up, set up and actually stayed for the entire day. Okay, how many times can you hug a guy who showed up and just did his job...and did it well. Thanks Big Cat Productions.

2. Feeling the joy when you walk through the room and hear the approval of the blues fans for the event and for the quality and quantity of music that was offered.

 

Divas Show

1. Being the pinkest girl in town at the Blues Goes Pink Show for Breast cancer. Not the greatest look...sitting there in your car in a shocking pink wig...when you try to tell the officer  your story about why he should grant you a reprieve for all that you have done wrong.

 

International Blues Challenge in Memphis

1. Going to Memphis and herding people in ahead of a storm via the airlines. Who's on first, who is on second, and whoever that last band or the last fan into Memphis is....bring Pittsburgh's flag with you.

2. Waiting for that last band to arrive in Memphis and feeling everyone's  compassion as they waited for updates on their situation. No, they were not one of our bands at the event but they were members of our tribe.

3.  Having Pittsburgh girl and Queen of Beale Street, Barbara Blue yell, "Pittsburgh, y'all  going to play that guitar or are y'all gonna sing" on the second day that I helped Gary Prisby "load in" at  Silky's during the Blues Challenge. I laughed and shrugged but I think she startled Gary. (He had not met Barbara yet and was not familiar with her zesty exuberance.)

4. On the second night of the competition....watching the bass player in Ron Yarosz's band (our entry) jump a foot in the air on the first note. You just knew to "fasten your seat belts" because it was going to be one H...... of a ride.

5. Meeting with all of the blues fans from past visits and past festivals.

6. Sitting side by side in clubs with performers and contestants...everyone just wanting to hear the music.

7. Getting off the blues cruise one week and heading to Memphis the next ...and people were still calling me PINK from wig night when the pink hair had surfaced.

 

Blues Nite Out

1. Worrying about how long the Bob Seger concert was going to last, hustling up a cab and racing to Blues Nite Out ...too much blues and so little time. We were zooming at a feverish pace to get to hear the band, share the music and meet up with our blues friends. Thanks to Gary Hodel and the Rumpshakers for making the trek worthwhile. Thanks Robb for getting us back to our hotel. Thanks Bob for putting on a sensational show and understanding our sudden departure.

 

Music Therapy

1. Arriving at Children's hospital for a live segment about the blues (and our participation in their music therapy program) on WDVE and being humbled by children being wheeled around attached to IVs. It was a reminder to be thankful for all of the good things that come our way and that the music is so badly needed as part of their healing process.

2.  Working with Sean McDowell...his patience with my exuberance about the blues and the good that the blues does...and my  phobia of speaking in public.... Who am I kidding, you cannot shut me up when I talk about the blues.

3. Meeting , talking and  joining with Annie Pugar and her music therapy program....similar stories with similar interests...I thought I was melding with a long lost twin.

 

Travels

1. Working my way to the Blues Cruise....and wondering how little to pack and how much music to expect. I was wondering if I would have the stamina for the upcoming marathon week of blues...who was I kidding...you can sleep when you get back home. It's just part of the blues adventure.

2. While trying to avoid getting stuck on Hunter mountain in the aftermath of a hurricane,  a kind road worker gingerly led  my car over a roadway that looked like jaws ate a major portion of it. Whew...a little dicey but we tiptoed over the precipice.... probably not the wisest decision to make.

3. Spending hours in the darkness on that same mountain was another chapter of the blues adventure. It was a heartwarming experience...  being a part of a great group of people who shared their music, their friendship and their love of the music.

4. Crawling along the New York Interstate...it took an hour to go between two exits due to the aftermath of the Irene. Blues fans were out of their cars, roaming the highway , trading CDs and giving CDs to fellow travelers...what a great way to keep the blood pressure down on such a slow journey.

4.  While sitting at a Sunday brunch in a resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, the tremendous amount of clapping and cheering that resulted when the jazz trio was asked to play blues...was music to our ears.

5.  Hanging out on street corners in different cities late at night listening to buskers play the blues.

6.  Rescuing Matt Hill from the cougar at Blues stock. He looked relieved after her devouring his attention for almost an hour. We sat and talked for even longer....and he was safe the entire time.

 

Blues in the Schools

1. Experiencing the enthusiasm from our Blues in the Schools program..watching faces come to life as that music bug clicks inside.

2. Watching young fingers glide over a new instrument that will be shared by several in one class...it is a site to rival the wonders of the world.

 

Miscellaneous

1. Meeting up with Devon Allman once again and totally not recognizing him...was it a senior moment or was it that he had hair this time. I am liking the new look ...with hair.

2.  Having to tell someone I was late because I was on the phone with Kenny Wayne Shepherd. (They had no idea who he was...are they kidding?)

3. My blues girlfriend asking, "How many gigs are we going to tonight" and seeing the look of terror on her face at the many miles...the long hellos and goodbyes at each club....whew...on the road again.

4.  Getting a call from Lionel Young at the crack of dawn...8:30 am...and running at full tilt like we were lifelong friends. The interview for the newsletter was sensational. He will always have a home in Pittsburgh.

5.  Trying to explain why I was four minutes late to put money in the meter at the Intermission...she  did not care that Bubs Mckeg was playing one of my favorite songs or that Helen Milan was getting ready to take the stage

6. Having Charlie Musselwhite, Kenny Neal, Bob Margolin, Mac Arnold and Matt Hill play at Wheeling for my birthday.....just kidding but it was a good excuse. Thanks Bruce Wheeler...you throw a good party.

7. Visiting Sloppy Joe's and being reminded how fun and exciting things can get while watching blues.

8. Selling blues shirts to the carpet cleaner who came to my house and indoctrinating my remodeling crew into the blues. My workers, ZZ Top and Brad Pitt lookalikes, have to listen to some of my music as they work after I listen to theirs for awhile. I won over ZZ at the start but the "kid" is still a hold out.

9. Handing a "Blues from the Burg 2" CD to a turnpike toll booth worker while on my way to the Cleveland Blues Challenge. He commented on how cool the music was. His sister  later posted on Face book that someone had given him a CD and that it was very good.

10. Listening to a player in a small, upscale place, asking him to play blues and ....then rocking the house with the blues. Lori went up and sang vocals. Soon there was a long line of women wanting for a turn at singing the blues. There was dancing everywhere....a big dose of blues was dished out that evening. Many of our blues members had surfaced and made it a fun night. Long live the blues.

10. The pleasure of discovering a new blues destination, a new blues act, and a new blues friend.

11. The sharing of the stories among the fans locally and from around the world is awesome and amazing.

 

Yes, my year immersed in the blues may  not be impressive to most,  but these small episodes  are a part of my blues life. At times the "blues experience"  makes me smile, brings tears to my eyes, creates unbelievable pride and gives pleasure in ways that are immeasurable. It is all part of the adventure of being a blues person.

 

Merry Christmas to all of you! Wishing you many blessings and a joyous holiday season.

Yours in Blues,

Jonnye Weber

President, Blues Society of Western PA

 

 

I was recently asked to explain my blues addiction.  I laughed when I thought about my plight... "the blues addiction." Yes, the music is enthralling, the ambiance of the clubs enticing, the closeness of a concert intoxicating, the excitement of a festival thrilling, the friendliness of the blues fans welcoming, the sharing of the blues news enlightening, and the wonder of what the music does for each individual exhilarating.

I had just left a Blues in the Schools program at Dilworth Elementary.  I was still smiling from the good feeling that the blues had just given me. The children oozed with interest and excitement.  As a blues enthusiast, it was wonderful to witness how the music transformed the children. As the series of harp lessons progressed, the harp instructor  and the students melded together. One young student was coaching his fellow students in the art of playing harp. It was rewarding...to know that those students could walk away with a musical instrument that would allow them to play wherever and whenever possible and enabling them to focus on positive things in life. Rewarding and satisfying, yes... it would be hard to find anything to compete with that feeling. Yes, I owe that to the blues. (Thank you Chris Nacy for your ability to connect with the children and give them the gift of music.) (Thank you Rupert Oysler and Seydel for your assistance in this project.)

The recent  Annual Blues Goes Pink was an outstanding success. The cheerful volunteers swarmed into the venue in the early hours of a very sunny Saturday.  They set to work to make an entire day of music  possible. The hugs, the smiles and the music made for a wonderful day . Everyone was a winner that day:  Adagio Health garnered funds to provide  cervical and breast cancer screenings in Western PA, the bands shared their amazing talents  and the blues fans received eight hours of "women singing the blues."   Yes, the event fed my blues addiction once more. ( Thanks to Don Vecchio, project chair and VP of the BSWPA, who did a tremendous job.)(Thanks to Lou Ann Jermenko, Adagio, for her hard working staff and their patience.)

The  exuberance of a  female bass playing teenager, (Katelin Deutsch) that I first met at the Sharon Blues Festival's Release Party is infectious. Our talks over the last few months have been encouraging... her family is dedicated to her playing the blues. Understanding the need to get instruments into the children's hands, Katelin has also chosen to  donate an instrument to our PITCH program. Witnessing  Bryan Schwab, our youngest blues member, and his family showing up at events as often as possible to see and hear the seasoned blues players is encouraging. Hearing Jonathon Vallecorsa play a guitar that makes the veteran players smile and experiencing his mannerly, quiet style is a treat  for a blues enthusiast. It is a reward for those who support the blues to see the younger people take up the gauntlet and to unleash their young enthusiasm in our genre of music.  Yes, it makes me all the more a blues addict. (Thank you Max Schang, performer and instructor, for introducing the blues to your music students.)

Visiting with Sean McDowell at Children's Hospital during their last Telethon was a humbling experience. The visit was to promote the Blues Society pairing  with the Sonny Pugar Foundation to provide music therapy there and at Mercy Hospital. Seeing the young patients and their families was heavy on my heart. I talked with some who raved about the music and how much they appreciated the much needed distraction during days that are longer than most will ever want to experience. Yes, if the blues can help someone in distress for a few moments, then sign me up for more. (Thanks Sean for your hard work, dedication to those in need, and your love of the blues.) ( Thanks  to Annie Pugar  who has experienced the need for music therapy and uses her time and efforts to make it happen.)

Our Blues is a Healer Tour takes the blues to the veterans' homes in the Pittsburgh area. The response is always overwhelming. One patient, "walked" me to the door in his wheelchair, and thanked us for bringing the music to him for the afternoon...his parting words..."You don't know how long a day is. Thank you all." Yes, give me another dose of the blues. (Thanks John Erskine, BSWPA treasurer , for heading the Veterans project.)

I  got word in the wee hours of the morning at a festival that the BSWPA's  blues tent was the one that was caught in the downwind of a storm.  I scurried down to see what was going on. My heart skipped a beat. We had been fortunate to have missed the "hit" many other times, unfortunately it was out turn this time. I witnessed the hard work of a family who braved the elements to salvage what they could of our merchandise. The blues team turned out early when called in the morning to help clean up and mop up. The BSWPA team is always resilient, working long hours and getting the job done...no matter what. The blues fans turned out to help with what they could and to offer assistance the  rest of the day. The outpouring of thoughtfulness was overwhelming. Yes, bring on some more of those blues. (Thanks to the Blues Society of Western PA -their board members and their fans- who make things possible in the blues community.)(Thanks to Bruce Wheeler and his family whose patience I stretched at the Heritage Blues Festival and whose energies were tireless in providing assistance.)

These are just a few of many things that came to mind. Yes, give me those blues. Give me even more of those blues. Things may not happen as we hope in the world but if the music and the blues fans make things a little better...even for a short while....give me another dose.  Give me a big dose!

The Blues Addict,

Jonnye Weber

President, BSWPA

 

End of summer blues....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Blues Family,

Spread the word....The Blues Blowout Weekend is just two days away! Yes, fifteen acts in one day....the most blues for your buck in town. The lineup is exciting and a lot of amazing talent is coming our way! On April 9, the musicians and the fans will fill the Clarion Hotel at 401 Holiday Drive in the Greentree area of Pittsburgh. Each band will have 20 minutes to do their best. At the end of the day...a winning band and a winning solo/duo will be chosen to represent the Pittsburgh area and the Blues Society of Western PA at the 2012 International Blues Challenge. Each band will be given a cash prize to use towards their getting to Memphis. The day (Saturday) will start at 1:00 pm sharp and will last until around 11:00 pm at the earliest. An after jam is planned. Come out and enjoy! The prices for food and beverage have been negotiated to be reasonable. A dinner buffet will be served from 6 pm - 7:00 pm. (additional charge). The music will resume at 7:15. Hold onto your hats. You will be blown away with the energy that will fill the air.

The workers have put a lot of effort into making this day a success. Each year the competition gets better.

Hope to see all of you there!!!!!   .....and dancing is allowed!!!

Yours in Blues,

Jonnye Weber

President

 

 

 

 

Ahh, it is sad to say that everthing is winding down. I always find it exhilerating to watch a "festival" come to life but find it very sad to see it come to a close.

The winners of the solo/duo competition were:

1st Place: George Schroeter & Marc Breitfelder, from Germany, sponsored by Baltic Blues.

2nd Place: Harrison Kennedy, representing Canal Bank Shuffle in Ontario, Canada.

Everyone is quietly saying goodbye. The energy at the beginning of the week has dwindled. Many were laughing today stating that ....their batteries would be definitely recharged when they heard the mention of the "next gig." They agreed that they would  be in full swing to get to that "gig" and be totally revved for the experience.

On a humorous note: as many of the South Florida fans were leaving...they commented on the trip that they took to the Heritage Music fest when J.P. Soars was a featured artist. They remembered the blonde that was working her way through the crowd selling raffle tickets. They thought that it was a great idea for merchandising and a friendly way to talk about what the Society does. .....I wonder did they remember the blonde or that shiny, autographed guitar.

On a sad note...after the competition last night, many of the newer clubs started playing a lot of alternative music. The crowd was already changing much to our chagrin. The heels of my boots were not high enough, my pants were not tight enough, my everything did not fit the criteria of the surging young crowd that was starting to take over Beale.

Some of the die hard Blues clubs were still having blues jams and that was a good thing for the blues fans that were still searching for more blues. Bob Margolin was hosting his afterjam that is ever so famous ....and for good reasons. Matt Hill and John Cotton helped to man the stage. If you have not seen Matt Hill, you have to see this overly energetic young man. Wow! what energy! He certainly wowed the women....what happened in Memphis stays in Memphis. His antics are certainly pleasing to the female sector.  Norma Jean (Brusso) Watkins packed a whallop with her below the belt soulful tunes. Lee Oscar was an added treat...his harp skills turned the crowd up side down. Nick from Trampled Under Foot gave a bone chilling guitar solo that left the guitar loving audience in awe. Lionel Young, the winning band entry from the competition, took to the stage and hammed it up. Yes, it was a good evening for a jam. Kate Moss jumped on stage with a quiet elegance that was very much appreciated by her fellow blues musicians. ....and the lineup changed up continuously with more attractions. Many had their eyes on their watches....knowing that in a few short hours that they would be getting a wake up call for their trip to the airport. However, those fleeting glimpses gave way to the music. The club was packed until closing time.

And.....another chapter of the International Blues Challenge has finally come to an end.

Jonnye Weber

(your humble reporter ...that was graced with a lot of music, a lot of talent and being surrounded with fellow blues enthusiasts.)

 

 

 

The evening was kicked off with a Youth showcase. The talent that those young players exhibited was totally, flat out amazing. They are a sign of what is to come...and that is a good thing.

The semi-finals started at approximately 5:20 pm. Many of the blues fans had to plan their route once more, many having to find other bands to support. It was exciting to hear everyone talk of the bands that they thought interesting. Many of the times overlapped so getting to a lot of the venues was difficult...but everyone managed to make the rounds.

Chris and Izzy, representing West Virginia, were chosen to go on to the finals tomorrow evening. Their selections  and banter wowed the crowd at their venue. The finals will start tomorrow at 2 pm. Ten bands will compete through out the afternoon. The ten solo/duos will compete in the evening.

Roaming up and down Beale Street and jumping in and out of the many venues, many blues fans from all over the world renewed old friendships. Bruce of Aligator Records and Michael of Yellow Dog records were present at the many music offerings.

The after jam that was held at the New Daisy was action packed. Sean Carney and Karen Lovely, past IBC winners, hosted the well run jam. Zac Harmon, Shikara S'Aida and Trampled Underfoot, all past IBC winners, also took to the stage. Kate Moss of Bella Records and the wife of Nick Moss showed the audience her brand of blues. Rick Delgrosso added his flavor of blues with his mandolin. Bands from Croatia, Israel, some of the youth showcase, and many of  the contestants added to the unique mix. What a show and what a great variety of music.

Did I mention the Memphis BBQ or the Elvis french toast....you have no idea what you are missing.

Tomorrow....on to the finals at the ornate, historical Orpheum Theater. Eden Brent will be playing her grand piano as the blues fans swarm into the event.

Ahhh,,,, another day of blues, blues and more blues.

 

Yes, the lyrics from the Tommy Castro song are still reeling around in my thoughts.

Just stopped in from my voyage back from the Opheum Theater. Swarms of blues fans are filling Beale and the clubs for their last chance for this year's Beale Street Blues that surround the International Blues Challenge. Tomorrow most of us head back to our homes and to reality.

We spent the afternoon listening to the top ten finalists in the band competition. The ten were so very different yet oozing with talent. The Lionel Young Band from the Colorado Blues Society took first place. Lionel had placed first in the solo competition in the past and had brought his full band to Memphis this year. Dusty Blues told us that Lionel had attended Carnegie Mellon and had played with the city's orchestra. His band had a horn section, a drummer, a keyboard/organ player and a bass. Lionel played a small electric guitar and an electric violin. He was certainly the show man. His band ended their set with an accoppello song and brought the house down with a standing ovation. The Mary Bridget Davies Group from the Kansas City Blues Society took second. Her big voice and enthusiasm made her a crowd favorite in the preliminary  rounds. The Windy City Blues Society's Rob Blane's Big Otis Bluest took third place. His guitar solos were amazing. Rob took home the Albert King Award for being considered the best guitar player on Beale.

Lee Oscar  made an appearance to present a gold plated harp to the player from France that had an Italian last name. His entrepretor  stated that the recipient was accepting  in honor of his grandmother and his band AWECK.

We are waiting for the solo/duo acts to  finish. Hopefully, Izzy and Chris will place in that competition.

Mikey, Jr. is playing at the New Daisy tonight. Bob Margolin will be at the Rum Boogie. There will be jams in many of the clubs. Such is the luck...I will have to hit a lot of the clubs to see what is going on.

It has been a week packed full of blues. The friendliness and the compassion has surrounded the love of the blues by many. I have seen many people whom I have seen at many events over the last few years.  It is wonderful to catch up and compare notes ....and to see each other down the road at another blues event.

On a humorous note: many from the Northwest kept thinking that I was a female newscaster from the Oregon/ Washington state area. They kept asking if I had gotten my story. Hmmmmm....we had a lot of fun the last few days as people  stepped up to volunteer their thoughts and takes on the blues acts  that we were seeing.

Yes, those young boys that I had seen several years ago...who are now quite grown...still believe that I am the oldest lady drummer to hit Beale and that  I am just visiting and observing. Back then, someone suggested that they should know that I was famous....I am not musically inclined. We have had a lot of laughs over the years about them "just missing" my "performances" at the jams.

It is sad that another great meeting of the blues people is coming to an end....then again, there is next year.

Thanks to all that support the Blues Society of Western PA. Your help to send bands to the International Blues Challenge is very much appreciated. The 'burg has much talent to offer and it is a good thing to share it with the world.

See you down the road at the next blues gig.

Jonnye

 

The quarter final competitions ended around 11:00 pm last night. the blues fans headed to the after jams. The acts packed up, loaded out and made their way to where ever the music was. John Nemeth roused the masses at the Rum Boogie. People squeezed in and people squeezed out of that tightly packed room. Everyone compared notes on the bands that they had seen over the last two days. Meanwhile, at the Old Daisy, Zac Harmon was leading the jam of all jams. Players took to the stage ten or more at a time. They changed up regularly and the crowd was exuberant.

Finally, at 1:30 A.M., the long awaited results were announced. It was difficult to watch the unhappy faces of those that were not moving on to the semi finals. It was wonderful to see those that had received the nod that they had made the "cut." It was definitely a mixed bag of emotions for the fans and the bands. The bands all behaved like professionals when the results were announced.

Despite working harder than hard and giving their best, our entries from the BSWPA did not make the semi-finals. They did do us proud...both Gary Prisby and Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle gave the performances of their lives...and should be proud of their efforts. I was ready to burst with pride watching each act. There were approximately 220 bands from around the world and many judges deciding what the outcome would be. It was tough duty for both the bands and for the judges.

Today, Gary and Ron are able to join the festivities as spectators but both know that they are big winners...just getting to play on Beale Street in the infamous Memphis, TN. There is a comradery among all of the players. Each cheers one another on.

This afternoon, we are awaiting the news about what venues would be hosting which semi-finalists. The Blues Foundation promised that that news would be posted at noon. People are roaming around trying to get those results to plan their route for the evening.

Blind Raccoon will be hosting two jams this afternoon starting at 12:30 pm. One will be at the Rum Boogie; the other at the King's Palace.

There is a Youth Showcase today at 4:00 PM on Beale Street. Young musicians from around the world have come to Memphis to show the blues fans what they have to offer and....what is up and coming in the blues world. Wow! It is always amazing to see those young people playing for a large crowd, yet intent on what they are doing.

The semi- finals will start this evening at 6 pm. Then on to the jams...Bob Margolin will be hosting one at the Rum Boogie. Many others will be revealed later this afternoon to the fans.

Sightings last night included Bob Corritore and Eden Brent.

Good news: Chris and Izzy who are representing the Blues Society of West Virginia are semi finalists tonight's competition.

~See you down the road. The music is starting and I have to get started for the day.

 

 

 

Day 2 ...Memphis, TN...The  2011 International Blues Challenge

Reports as of yesterday at 4 pm were that only three bands were still trying to make it  to the challenge and all three were in route despite the odds...weather, cancelled planes and great distances. I talked to one group who had traveled a solid 24 hours from Phoneix to get to Memphis. The stories are many....and the end line is....they are here and revved to compete.

Gary Prisby, our soloist, signed in at his venue, Silkys. (Barbara Blue had performed there earlier in the afternoon and said to tell you all a big hello!) I was truely amazed by Gary's set. I sat in awe of what this quiet man with the big smile had developed. His writing skills and his guitar playing are a formidable match for the other acts to contend with. People approached the stage afterwards to thank Gary for his music. Wow!

Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle took the judges at the 152 club for a ride with their brand of B3 Hammond organ and harp inspired songs. The lead guitar tore it up with his playing. Ron's voice surged through the set with its clarity and purity. Wow! The entire band did a great job!

Both acts did The Blues Society of Pennsylvania proud. They held their own. They will be going back to their respective venues tonight for the second round of the quarterfinals.

In my travels, I ran into Mikey,Jr. who is a contestant at the Red Rooster. He sends a hello back to all of you. That man ignited the stage with his raging harp and vocals.

Chris and Izzy were one of the acts that was  "missing in action." After numerous cancellations, they jumped in the car and drove the twelve hours to Memphis. They went on earlier than expected and I missed their act. Comments from their venue were favorable.

Today, we are headed to BB Kings for a Nashville Showcase of blues. We will then go to Rum Boogie for a showcase of performers with new CD releases. The competition starts again this evening around 5:00...some venues earlier and some later. We  have planned our routes once more. Everyone scurries around talking about what they have heard and sometimes you have to sandwich that act into the route.

The afterjam last night was at the Rum Boogie. There will be jams there afterwards as well as at other places on Beale this evening.

It is amazing to watch the performers scurrying around to their venue with their instruments. Afterwards, you see many scurrying around for the chance to play with their newly found friends/performers.

The excitement has not been dampened by the extreme cold temperatures. It has been a win- win for the fans and for the musicians. The "Thrill is not Gone." The blues are alive in Memphis.

 

 

 

The blues fans down here in Memphis showed their appreciation for the entries from the 'burg.

Gary switched up his set tonight. When he was done, I saw a smile of satisfaction on his face. He had many approach and compliment him once more on his guitar skills, his voice and his songs. His show brought a smile of satisfaction to my face...knowing that the 'burg had made an impression on Beale Street in the heart of Memphis, TN.

Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle made some changes to their set. Ron was smiling when he was setting up for his show tonight. Well, folks....he brought the house down. His base player was even smiling. The guys added some moves and some new twists to the show. It was the absolute best that I have seen them do. Wow!

Well, it has been an exciting day. The newly formed Nashville Blues Society hosted a showcase this afternoon at BB King's. Blind Raccoon hosted a showcase at the Rum Boogie featuring some of their new artists.

Tonight, there will be an after jam at the New Daisey Theater with Zac Harmon...a former IBC winner and a Blues Music Award nominee. John Nemeth will be tending to the jam that will be held at the Rum Boogie.

....Too much blues and not enough time and running low on energy!!!

When meeting up today with Anthony Gomes on Beale, he said .....I need to get back to Pittsburgh ...soon!

Sean Carney joined the extravaganza today.

Many blues societies have journeyed long distances to be here. It is amazing how small the world gets when you have something in common....the blues.

I talked with many players today. They are just winners getting to come to Memphis and be in the competition. As one German harp player said, it is a global community...no egos, no airs...just people getting to be friends, learning to play and appreciate the music as one. Wow....he said it all.

Well, this was just a short break from the activities. I am making my way back to Beale to partake in more of the competition and the afterjams.

 

 

 

 

Despite all the odds....snow, sleet, freezing rain, cancelled planes and freezing  temperatures could not keep the contestants or the fans away from the 2011 International Blues Challenge. It has become a mantra...do or die. The bands have come in from all parts of the country and from around the world. Trickles and then a steady flow of musicians flowed in all through the evening last night. The Pittsburgh fans braved plane cancellations...but they still made it. Ron Yarosz and theVehicle and Gary Prisby drove the many miles to get to play on the infamous Beale Street in Memphis, TN. At times the ride was dicey but they forged on for their chance to compete in the very global blues competition. Both bands checked in with the Blues Foundation today and with their respective venues and are ready to meet the challenge...to challenge and be challenged.

It is exciting to see all of the blues fans bundled to brave the plummeting temperatures and scurrying from place to place to see the best 20 minutes that every band has to offer. There are nineteen venues in all....that is a lot of places and a lot of bands. Everyone was in search of a program this afternoon to find out the lineup of all of the competitors. Many have mapped out their routes to see the bands that they have come to support. In between they will sandwich in  the many others that they have talked with and shared many blues stories. The excitement is "over the top" here.

Having landed late in Memphis last night and missing the opening parties, we headed straight for the Rum Boogie. What a place. It was like going "home" once more. Guitars from many famous musicians hang from the walls and the ceiling. Tas Cru was leading the jam all night. I have to say that it was one of the best jams that I have witnessed. The list of players was long but Tas switched it up constantly. The energy from the players and the music was at full tilt all night.

I have just spotted many blues fans that were on the Blues Cruise last week. We have all been laughing about our "heartiness" to do another week packed full of blues.Many faces are starting to appear from past blues challenges. It is a blues family that is happy to share  the music, the thrill of the competition and a commradery only the blues family can appreciate.

Sightings of people like Bill Wax from XM radio, Kyle from Blues Revue magazine, Jay and Joe from the Blues Foundation, Donna Price and Jack Rice, Dusty and Val Scott and many blues players that show up at the many shows around the country have added an extra zing to the atmosphere.

Well, on to the competition. It is heavy duty for the fans and for the players.

~All is well in Memphis!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Blues family,

The chestnuts are roasting on the fire, the snowflakes are slowly drifting to the ground, there is a chill in the air, the shopping foray has started, the holiday lights are coming to life....ahh,  'tis the season.  The presses will be running soon getting the January newsletter ready for you to kick off your new year's reading. Plans are in the works for projects in the coming months.

In the meantime, wondering what to do....need to relax and to "get away from it all"...for a few short hours?   The Blues for Tots and Toys Christmas party will be held on Saturday, December 4. A short membership meeting will be held at 7:30...just to wrap up the year for the Blues Society and talk briefly about  what is going on. Come in out of the cold and warm up with Billy the Kid and the Regulators and their hot brand of blues (8 pm). We are thrilled that we were given the gift of Studebaker John for our Christmas party...thanks to negotiations with Moondog.  Hmm...I wonder if he will arrive gift wrapped....just kidding. However, Studebaker John is a great bluesman and one you will be glad to share the evening and the season with. Bring a toy or toys and your admission will be reduced. Santa has dropped hints that some cookies and snacks will be available. Come out and share an evening with your fellow blues fans and help a good cause within our community.

Fast approaching is our New Year's Eve Blues Blast at the Clarion. Tickets to the party are still available. Just call the Clarion and make your party reservation. If you have problems, ask for Carla and she will assist you. Rooms, however, are on a very limited basis in the area due to the Winter Classic that will be in town. (Again, ask for Carla, she may have a few rooms held in reserve.) However, the Craig King Band and Mikey, Jr. and his band will fill our night with blues. There will be a dinner buffet, midnight buffet, open bar and a lot of fun....all for one low price. It is a party that you will not want to miss. We will be raffling that beautiful, sapphire blue guitar that evening. Last minute raffle tickets will be available for a short while.

The lineup for New Year's Eve will be:

Doors open at 7:00 pm

Cash bar from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Craig King will play from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Open bar will begin at 8:00 pm -1:00 am.

Dinner buffet will be from 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

Mikey, Jr. will play from 10:00 pm - 1:30 am.

Midnight buffet will start approximately 12:15

Cash bar from 1:00 am -2:00 am.

 

On behalf of the Blues Society of Western PA, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your support, your enthusiasm and your belief in making this organization better each year. We share with you the love of the music and the love of helping others....the Blues in the Schools, the Veterans projects, the Food bank benefits, the Diva show that provides funds for breast and cervical cancer screenings for women in Western PA. Have a safe and joyous holiday season.

Yours in blues...Merry Christmas!

Jonnye Weber

President, BSWPA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you believe that it is already September? Alas, the festival season has finally come to an end for 2010. The BSWPA recently hosted a booth at the Carnegie Heritage and Music Festival. Amazingly, we also managed a booth at the Sharon Blues Festival in Sharon, PA. I was thrilled to hear from the Sharon planning committee many months ago. They asked many questions about the music, bands, marketing, etc. They kept in touch and actually booked enough blues bands to maintain two stages. Their efforts were rewarded with a great turnout. It was a sunny afternoon and people had come in from Ohio, New York, Michigan, West Virginia and many parts of Pennsylvania in search of good blues. They were not disappointed. There was a bike rally across the street at Quaker Steak and Lube and guess what...another stage for blues bands. We had a total of three stages going with blues...all types of blues. Way to go Sharon! Hopefully, they will have that next year again. Some of our group stayed overnight to enjoy the many things to do on an autumn weekend in that area of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the little Hyundai journeyed back to Carnegie to help close. Unfortunately, the evening was a washout when the rains came.

I would like to thank all of the workers that helped out with the booths...from picking up the merchandise, to setting up, selling and packing up. Why do we do festivals? We are there to promote the music. Our mission is to introduce the public to the Blues Society which is a fan based organization that enables the music to stay live and alive. We sell merchandise and memberships to help pay the bills and generate funds for what we do....enable the music to help those in our community. We talk, we meet, we share. The people factor and the music make it a fun undertaking. It is an experience that is almost addictive at times. Is it easy?....at times no. It is hard to get the needed manpower to make our presence at these events workable. Many hours are put into planning, coordinating and working the events. There are always marginal blunders and "oops" in every plan. However, everything seems to get done...the ordering, the hauling, the recruitment of workers, the "loading in and the loading out" and the aftermath of recovering from a long weekend. There are many "unsung" heroes/workers in the blues mix. Sometimes, we are confronted with extreme heat and at times the fury of a rain storm. However, it still gets done. It is a commitment that our workers have made and tirelessly have worked to achieve....a blues community that is active. A mere thank you is not enough at times to all of our volunteers who rework their lives to support the blues events. Yes, they have fun but are also very exhausted when they go back to their own lives. Why do they do it? They have made a choice to actively support the cause of "keeping the music alive." When you see them out at events, give them a pat on the back and a big thank you. We hope that more step up to the plate in the future to assist in this effort.

We have a Blues Nite Out planned for this Friday. The 2010 BSWPA Blues Challenge Winner, Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle, will be at Moondog's on Friday, September 17 at 8:30 pm. ($7 public and $5 to members who show their BSWPA card.)

"Helping the Kids Lose the Blues" will be on Saturday, September 18 at 7:00 at the Clarion (formerly the Ramada) in the Greentree area of Pittsburgh. Show your membership card at the door for the membership discounted price of $15 that will include appetizers and the music of the Pamela Bick and the Warehouse Blues Band.

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

 

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

 

The election of officers took place in June. There was a change in officers and additional board members were added.  It is our mission to continue the work that Jim Weber started in Western PA. We will try our best to "keep the music alive."  It is a challenge to all of us, the officers and the board members, to work hard and to forge ahead.

The group is continuing to plan and do exciting things to fulfill the mission..."keeping the blues alive." 

Things that are in motion:

1. The next Blues Nite Out is being planned for July 18 and will feature Pamela Bick and the Warehouse Blues Band at Harvey Wilner's in West Mifflin. We encourage you to come out, meet fellow blues fans and to support live music. Blues Nite Out will be an ongoing venture to acquaint blues fans with new bands and new venues. We will continue to dot the map throughout the Western Pennsylvania area.

2. The Pittsburgh Blues Festival is fast approaching ...July 24, 25, and 26. Stop by our booth and meet the new officers. If I am not in the booth, I will be manning the new, first ever "kids' music tent" at the festival. We invite to visit the booth and to visit the tent. There will be music and historical presentations daily in the children's music tent. Those presentations will be patterned after the Fruteland Jackson Blues in the School program.  This is exciting news. Besides hearing the music, the children will be given the opportunity to "experience" the background of the music from three of our local musicians.

3. The Heritage Music Fest will be held in Wheeling, WV on August 7, 8 and 9. This is an exceptional venue for music and the fun and the music is endless. Stop by and visit our booth and share the "Wheeling experience."

4.  Our next Divas' show will be on August 23 at Cefalo's in Carnegie. The Blues Divas from Pittsburgh will work their musical magic for an afternoon of blues to benefit Adaigo healthcare that will provide much needed breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings for underinsured women in Western PA.

More events are in the works. We will keep you updated. If you have questions or ideas, please share them with us.

Thanks to all of you for your support!

Jonnye Weber, President