Springing ahead...
Dear Blues Family,
Ahhhh….Spring is about to break loose in a big, big BLUES way.
Need some late winter relief????
Introducing the FIRST of its kind ever in Western PA.
Yes, FIRST TIME EVER!!!!
Rocket 88 Keyboard Extravaganza
Here is the scoop….
Many genres will be joining together to raise funds to enable the Music Smiles program (Sonny Pugar Memorial) that will take live music to many area medical facilities in Western PA. The healing power of music and its benefits are not to be underestimated.
Rocket 88 Keyboard Extravaganza
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Cornerstone at Tonidale
Doors will open at 2:30 pm
3 pm - 7 pm
$12 public, $10 blues members, $7 students
***Proceeds will benefit the Music Smiles program (Sonny Pugar Foundation). Help us to take live music to many medical facilities in Western PA.
Here is the scoop....
Outstanding house band...oh yeah, we got it!
Horns...they will bring it.
Vocals....they will be both scorching and uplifting.
Keyboardists....many outstanding keyboardists will gather to tilt that room upside down.
Boogie Woogie...we will have it.
Rock and Roll.... let us rock with the beat.
Barrel house.......seat belts will be issued.
Rockabilly...........oh yeah, it's on the way.
R&B....................you will be living the dream.
Soul....................it will tear into your inner soul.
Rock...................it will have your rocking.
Blues..................coming at you in a big, big way.
The set lists are exciting. Extra keyboards will be on stage to bring the best dimensions to each set...whew....be prepared to be Wowed. Be prepared for an experience of a life time!!!
*****Just a word of advice…be there early. Do not miss the opening act.
Stevee Wellons, Cheryl Rinovato, John Vento, the Matt Barranti Band, Marky Suhy on sax promise to break out of the ‘starting gate’ in a big, big way!!!!!!!
And folks…that is just the beginning of a spectacular day!!!!!!!
It is humbling to see so many musicians from near and far 'throwing in', sharing their time and their talent.
A pottery kiosk courtesy of Ian Arthur will be there for your browsing and purchasing needs.
Visit with the Hyundai representative and see what they have to offer this spring for a new ride.
Affordable food and drinks will be available for purchase. Please, no outside food or beverages.
Looking ahead…
Blues Bash Weekend …. April 20, 21
Kicking off a great weekend….
Blues Nite Out …Friday, April 20 with Charlie Barath and the Jimmy Adler Band will be featured at Live Club 565, 565 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue, PA. 7 pm – 11 pm. Open to the public. Discounted cover for blues members. Just show your card.
*****(Become a card carrying member today at bswpa.org)
14th Annual Blues Challenge…Saturday, April 21
Cornerstone at Tonidale
Oakdale, PA.
$12 public, $10 blues members, $7 students
Doors will open at noon….The competition starts at 1 pm.
The BSWPA is thrilled to have so many acts thrilled to share ‘our/their’ day. So many different dimensions/ so much music….we are a very fortunate lot.
Fourteen acts (solo/duos and bands) will each give their best 20 minutes. The show rolls throughout the day. A dinner hour will be observed to give the judges a chance to catch their breath and relax.
Affordable food and beverages will be available throughout the day. Please…no outside food or beverages will be permitted.
We will finish around 10 pm.
One solo/duo and one band will be chosen by a panel of judges. Those judges all with music experience will follow the judging criteria set by the Blues Foundation, Memphis, TN.
Each act winner will win a much-coveted slot at the 2019 International Blues Challenge. Each will win a cash prize to help defray their expenses in their quest to that global event in Memphis, TN.
Each will receive a $500 recording session courtesy of Jeree Recording, New Brighton, PA.
An after party is planned to begin at 10 pm at the Pub at Tonidale (adjacent to the Cornerstone). No cover.
The 2018 Band winner, The Matt Barranti Band, will deliver an award-winning show and then will hopefully share the stage with those that competed throughout the day.
Affordable food and beverages will be made available.
Many rooming options are available close by. Ubers and hotel shuttles help make the day a better for your listening enjoyment.
WE, the Blues Society of Western Pa, hope to see you out at these events. Both offer spectacular choices.
**An after note…
At a recent meeting, it was determined that Youth memberships will be made available to those that are between 14 years old until 21 years of age.
***Music scholarships are still available at bluesfoundation.com. The deadline for applying is fast approaching.
Follow us as we travel to the following fests:
*The Franklin Blues Fest….June 16, 17 in Franklin, PA. Free event.
*The 2nd Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Fest…July 21, 22. The lineup is about to be announced. Ticketed event.
*Heritage Music Fest…August 10, 11, 12 in Wheeling, WV. Ticketed event.
*Blues and BBQ…Saturday, September 15 at Hopewell Park, Laird Avenue, Aliquippa, PA. Free event. BBQ and beer will be available. Family friendly. Walking trails, small lake for fishing, playground, handicapped accessible. FREE event.
Blues on
Jonnye Weber
President, Blues Society of Western PA
