For Immediate Release: Arcata, CA
RBA Publishing, Inc has just released the 20th issue of the annual Blues Festival Guide magazine. This free anniversary edition is 84 pages packed full of entertaining blues history, lifestyle, industry news and of course, festivals! The magazine can be picked up for free at select festivals and through blues societies. To order one delivered to you, send $9 (for shipping) to RBA Publishing, Inc, P.O. Box 920, Arcata, CA 95518, or find the link to order on www.BluesFestivalGuide.com.
The first third of the magazine is The Featured Festival section with dozens of festivals and their line-ups. A perfect companion for serious blues festival fans. Additionally, in the back of the magazine is a three and-a-half page calendar of festivals around the world.
Here’s a sneak peek of what editorial that blues fans can expect to find within:
Living Legend: Billy Branch — by Bill Dahl
Once the new kid on the Chicago blues block, Billy Branch is now revered as the city’s premier harmonica master. Author Bill Dahl shares a special interview with Branch about his journey – from his big break onto the blues scene to supporting the next generation of musicians through his Blues in the Schools program. Mentored by original blues giants, Branch carries on the Chicago blues tradition in a style and sound of his very own.
Fueling Musicians Program
The Fueling Musicians Program was put together by Joe Bonamassa during the pandemic. The initiative is designed to support musicians by providing financial assistance for essential living expenses and help touring musicians get back on the road. Read more about their efforts!
WLAC: Blues, Baby Chicks and Stim-U-Aid — by Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz schools us on WLAC – the “clear channel” radio station that was legendary in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s for spreading the blues far and wide across the United States (and beyond!) on its nighttime programming. The DJs spoke in jive and lots of double entendre, and essentially created ground zero for hit songs and the launch of legendary careers. Mix in their reputation for colorful advertisements – from Royal Crown Hair Pomade to baby chicks – and be ready to chuckle!
That Chicago Blues Sound — by Wayne Baker Brooks
The Chicago blues catapulted the blues genre into the mainstream in 1948 when Muddy Waters amplified his sound, but the foundation for this revolution was built decades earlier by established artists like Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Minnie, Tampa Red and Sonny Boy Williamson. Brooks digs deeper into these four predecessors… who all had one common denominator. We’ll pick up their journeys in Chicago.
20 Years of Blues — by Kaati Gaffney, Publisher
The Blues Festival Guide is celebrating its 20th anniversary issue! Learn more about our journey from the gals who started it all, and enjoy reminiscing on our past issues.
What a milestone!
What’s Cookin’ with Shaun Murphy
Blueswoman Shaun Murphy says, “Life’s too short not to make good food.” She shares her authentic Italian family recipe for Pasta all’Amatriciana, and with her tips and tricks, you too can make this delicious soul-filling meal!
Hooked on Blues Docs by Tom Andrews
During the pandemic, Tom Andrews of the Blues Festival Guide team had the opportunity to dig in and enjoy some recent blues documentaries. As he sees it, “documentaries are history lessons and hold great importance, because without knowing the history of the genre, you will never be able to truly understand what the blues is all about.” Check out his recommendations and enjoy!
Trumpet Records – Small but Powerful – Courtesy of the Delta Blues Museum
From 1950 to 1955, the music of Trumpet Records sounded from coast to coast, founded by Lillian and Willard McMurry. From the first blues recordings of Sonny Boy Williamson II, to “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James, to gospel by the Southern Sons and country songs by Lucky Joe Almond and others, Trumpet’s recordings are a testament to Mississippi’s musical gift to the world.
For more information, contact RBA Publishing, Inc at
info@bluesfestivalguide.com; 707-630-3304, or text: 775-846-8238
www.BluesFestivalGuide.com
