Page 5 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2024 Digital Edition

Dear Blues Family,

One of my favorite things about a blues festival is going to his wife Anne-Marie founded Maison du Blues, a blues club
see a headliner and discovering new (or new to me) musicians and café, which subsequently came to encompass the Blues
that become instant favorites. It’s like finding hidden gems. Preservation Association and the European Blues Museum,
Every year when I go to The Blues Foundation’s International and is currently creating a blues music education center.
Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, I find these gems – not only
in the form of musicians, but also in other members of the John Hall has been involved in many endeavors
blues community. within the blues community. Owner and operator of Rhythm
Room Records and Rhythm Room Entertainment, Hall has
I always make sure to book a reservation for the Keeping
the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards ceremony that is held during IBC produced and promoted some of the leading blues festivals
week in the host hotel. KBA Awards are bestowed by a select in Massachusetts. He also founded the Green Harbor Roots
panel of blues professionals to non-performers, strictly on the Festival, the North River Blues Festival and the South Shore
basis of merit for their significant contributions to the blues. Hurricane Relief Festival. Additionally, he served as music
Every professional sector in the blues industry is considered: director for WATD 95.9 in Marshfield, MA, was the director
journalists, publishers, venue owners, photographers, record of advertising and special events for the Boston Blues Society
labels, radio hosts, nonprofits, festivals, etc. The Blues Festival and more.
Guide received the KBA Award in 2006 for media.
Lee Oskar, renowned harmonica virtuoso and founder
It is fascinating to me to hear their stories. The time, energy, of Lee Oskar Harmonicas, has earned global recognition for
money and passion these KBA recipients put into their craft – innovation and consistent excellence in his contributions to the
all in the name of blues – is inspiring. harmonica industry and the music community at large.

Allow me to present 2024’s KBA recipients: Goksenin Tuncali has been a prominent figure
Laura Carbone is a prolific photographer who in Turkey’s music community, not only as a female blues
captures the essence of the blues and contributes to leading songwriter, performer and music producer, but also as the
blues publications – supporting, promoting and expanding founding president of Turkey’s first and only blues society, the
awareness of the genre. Beyond her photography skills, Blues Association of Turkey. The Association strives to
Carbone wears numerous other hats within the blues industry, provide blues education to the youth, increase the visibility of
including event promoter, Blues in the School organizer, Kids female musicians, introduce Turkish audiences to traditional
Rock The Nation supporter and philanthropist. American blues and creatively reinterpret traditional Anatolian
folk music through the lens of the blues. Through these
Larry Chambers has enjoyed a diverse and enduring initiatives, the Blues Association of Turkey is vital in shaping
career in the music industry as a songwriter, engineer, promoter the country’s blues landscape.
and an influential figure in the soul blues genre. Today, he
maintains an integral role in Ecko Records, continuing to Radio broadcaster Mark Stenzler is widely recognized
promote and shape the careers of talented artists. as the host of Blues Zeppelin – dedicating his time and talent to
creating a blues program offering the finest blues music, news
The Columbus Blues Alliance stands as a vibrant and and engaging interviews. Stenzler also collaborates with
dedicated force in preserving, promoting and advancing
the blues in Ohio. The Alliance encourages a lively regional festival organizers, music promoters, venues and blues artists.
blues community by serving as a statewide hub for the genre, He has played a pivotal role in supporting and nurturing the
maintaining strong connections with blues venues, supporting growth of blues musicians and bringing them to the attention
regional festivals, facilitating youth programs, fostering all- of the global blues community.
ages live blues shows and more.
I hope these KBA recipients inspire you as much as they
Jacques Garcia has cultivated a thriving blues community have me! Mark your calendar for next January! Learn more at
in France. Most notably, he has been a driving force behind blues.org/keeping-the-blues-alive-award
the Salaise Blues Festival, Rhésus Blues Productions, the Black
Jack Blues Association, a blues club and festival in Ampuis, Peace, love and blues!
the Robert Johnson 100 Anniversary Celebration in Ste
th
Colombe, and a blues history/culture conference. Garcia and Kaati, Publisher

3 Blues Festival Guide 2024