Summer Time Blues....and more

Dear Blues Family,

The Blues Society of Western PA (BSWPA) was privileged to host ‘our’ 13th Annual Blues Challenge. The talented musicians and the ever supportive fans made for an impressive day.

The Blues Challenge is one of many undertakings over the years that ‘our’ team has undertaken to fulfill ‘our’ mission: to preserve and promote the Blues in Western PA and borders beyond.

• A big thank you to Tas Cru and Sonny who shared your talent with the young students at Dilworth Academy on May 15. Thank you to Ruby Red for your efforts in making this project a ‘go’. Thank you to Lori Russo, Dilworth’s music director, who encourages young players to embrace the music as well as their academics.

• The next task: Saturday, June 3...the Annual General Blues Society meeting and election.

The place: Starlight Lounge, Blawnox, PA

The time: 6:30 pm

All blues members are invited to attend.

• Also on June 3

The Harpalalooza Show

8:00 pm

June 3

Moondog’s, 378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, PA

• Synopsis:

Three (3) sizzling harp players, armed with amazing vocals, Charlie Barath, Clint Hoover and Ron Yarosz, will each dazzle us with their own set, each backed by the Jimmy Adler Band. All will join together for a finale that will rock the burgh!!!

***Yes, the hockey game will be televised at the venue during the show for those that need to follow that sporting event.

Some have asked where we will be this summer. Here goes.....

• The BSWPA has been asked to join the Franklin Blues fest on June 17 and 18. This is a free, family oriented fest that raises funds for music programs in the local schools. The Nighthawks will headline the event.

• The BSWPA has also been asked to join the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots fest....a new fest, a new location, a good cause, great music...July 22 and July 23.

• Two days of music that includes: award winning Kenny Neal, Tinsley Ellis, Anthony Gomes, Matt Barranti Band, Bill Toms....and more TBA.

• The cause: Band Together will be raising funds to create awareness and enable vocational training for autistic youths that are aging out of the system.

• This new fest, on its maiden voyage, will be smaller than what we have experienced in the past but it is a new day and has a new look.

• WE invite you to join us to help the cause and to keep live music in the burgh! Kudos to Jim Steward and his team for bringing this musical venture back to the burgh.

• Heritage Blues Fest, Wheeling, WV ... August 11, 12, 13

• Tickets are available for daily or weekend passes.

• Always a great lineup with the river setting as a backdrop.

• Matt Barranti will represent the Blues Society of Western PA at Children’s Hospital on August 15.

Matt has been invited to be a part of their arts program on behalf of the Music Smiles Program. Thank you to Annie Pugar for your ongoing efforts to provide live music at many medical facilities in the area.

• The BBQ Cook-off and Blues Fest that is hosted by the Hopewell Parks, Laird Avenue, Aliquippa, PA will be on Saturday, September 16 from noon until 8 pm.

• This is a FREE, family oriented event. Hiking trails, a small fishing lake, a play area are available. Handicapped accessible.

• BBQ and beer will be available for purchase.

• The lineup: Jukehouse Bombers, Somethin’s Cookin’ Blues Band, Ms. Freddye’s Blues Band, Dan Bubien Band.

• Looking ahead...the team is busy finalizing the plans for the 2018 New Year’s Eve Blues Bash on December 31.

• Hilton Doubltree, 8402 University Boulevard, Moon Township, PA 15108. 412.329.1400

• The opening band has been confirmed: Somethin’s Cookin’ Blues Band. (9:15 pm)

• The headliner: The Santini-Jensen Project (Brandon Santini and Jeff Jensen plus the Jeff Jensen Band). (10:30 pm – 2 am).

• Doors will open at 7 pm. Dinner buffet 8 pm – 9 pm. Open bar from 8 pm- 1 am (5 hours). Late Night Buffet (12:15 am).

• Price: $99 per person. Early bird pricing per person until November 1....$95. Groups of six or more that pay at the same time ($95 each). Must be purchased at the same time. Eventbrite will be available for online party ticket purchases.

****By check: Please make checks payable to BSWPA

Mailing address:

BSWPA

79 Linmar Homes

Aliquippa, PA 15001. (Checks must be received by December 20) If you have a large party, please include payment for each person and please list names of those in your party). Please list a phone number or email for contact purposes.

****There will be no refunds.

• Purchase your tickets early...The NYE Blues Bash is a sell out every year!!! It is a bluesin’ good time.

• The Hilton Doubletree has a Blues rate: $95 until November 30 or until the supply is exhausted.

• Call and reserve early. Rooms sell out fast. There are many hotels close by that will be available also.

• Please check with your hotel for shuttle service to and from the event. Also, Uber and taxis will be in the area.

• If you have any questions about this event: bswpa.org or call: 724.888.6183

Thank you to the board members and the volunteers who make these events possible.

That is a wrap at the moment.

Yours in Blues,

Jonnye Weber

President, Blues Society of Western PA