Text Box: Keeping the Blues Alive!

Text Box: The Revelator  

Text Box: The West Virginia Blues Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the history and heritage of Blues music as an American art form through education, activities and events.

Text Box: Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2007

Text Box: Other Upcoming Events

Text Box: September, 29 2007 at HUNTINGTON RHYTHM & CRAFT BREW FESTIVAL...CHRIS DUARTE AND BLUESTONE, The Loft, Luke Jive Talker - V Club - corner of 6th and 8th Street, Huntington, WV October 5, 2007 - Nat Reese performs at the Capitol Plaza Theater, Charleston, WV 7 p.m. October 5, 2007 - Keb’ Mo performs at the Clay Center, Charleston, WV - 8 p.m. October  20, 2007 - Blues Guitar Workshop w/William Lee Ellis, Route 60 Music, Barboursville, WV  1:00 p.m.    

Text Box: bkravenhawk@hotmail.com or call 304-389-1439.

Text Box: Help make West Virginia Blues history by attending the first Appalachian Blues Competition which will decide who the WVBS will sponsor to the International Blues Challenge 2008 in Memphis, Tennessee. Blues acts from 9 different states are vying for the prestigious award and cash prizes. The Charleston House Holiday Inn is set to provide the hospitality in its Grand Ballroom with dance floor, cash bar and special Blues, Brews & BBQ menu.  For special rates, mention “Blues Package” when making reservations. With help from our members and our friends, especially the Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society of Marietta, Ohio and The American Federation of Musicians Local 136, this epic event will showcase Appalachia’s blues roots music. Don’t miss this historic event — October 6—Noon to Midnight.

Text Box: West Virginia to Send its First Contestant to the 2008 IBC’s

Text Box: In Pittsburgh, Jeff Kerns, Past President of Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania graciously introduced us to the Burg’s best juke joints.  We endured the customary Mountaineer jokes at Moon Dogs in Blaw Knox which became temporary home to our guitar donated by Gibson. While there,  Ana Popavic, Joey Gilmore, Mem Shannon, Hubert Sumlin and members of the Nighthawks autographed the Society’s Gibson guitar for future fundraiser. In Hurricane, the Front Porch Showcase gave us a plug and pod cast another WVBS member, Blues Crossing. In Charleston, the Friends of the Arts became our friends.  WVBS was represented by its member, The Jimi Vincent Band (who, it is rumored, upstaged Robert Cray) at the Festivall Blues, Brews and BBQ’s concert.  John Nelson of Budget Tapes and Records signs up and becomes an outlet for local blues music.  You can even join the WVBS at Budget. In Fairmont, we met Mrs. Johnnie Johnson (Frances Johnson) who joined as an Advisory Board member.  In Princeton, Nat Reese became a lifetime member and Senior Advisor.  We met up with Jackie of the Court Street Grill and President of the PB&J in Pomeroy. In Clay, we were guest of WYAP Radio’s Blues Night.  Holy Cow and Harold “The Delta Bluesman” Allen w/Terry Lively performed for the community and the radio listening audience. In Wheeling, Rich Delgrosso honored us with his membership and looks forward to working with us on Augusta Heritage Blues Week. Back in Charleston - WVBS accompanied The Jimi Vincent Band at the Appalachian Motorcycle Club’s Annual Fundraiser for the Union Mission.  Somewhere near Harrisonville, Ohio we befriended the Sheets family, promoters of the Foothills Blues and Arts Festival.  In Marietta, Ohio, Steve Wells, Vice President of The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music Society pledged his support.  Up on Snow Shoe Mountain, we found the Blue Notes from Charleston belting out the Blues. And we ran into Dusty Blues at just about every stop… A thousand plus miles, 53 t-shirts, 36 ball caps, 15 harps and several pairs of shades, lots of beads, 64 members, numerous friendship and a multitude of memories. Here’s to Moon Dog, Superman, and time out for big guys.

Text Box: Blues Traveler—Putting WVBS on the Map

Text Box: Charleston Area Ticket Outlets Budget Tapes and Records Vandalia Lounge Cat’s Back Music