Whew! No Time to Rest!

Yes, another blues challenge is now under our belts. Kudos to the blues fans, the musicians and the many volunteers who made this event a success. Many new faces and new dimensions were added to an already great formulated event. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was amazing effort by all involved!

The winners

Jimmy Adler Band….the winning band
Charlie Barath…the winning solo/duo
The 2016 Blues guitarist of the year: Jimmy Adler

It was great being back at the Cornerstone (under new management). Their hospitality was top notch! The Cornerstone likes the BLUES!!!! We’ve already scheduled the 2017 BSWPA’s Blues Challenge….Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Cornerstone at Tonidale.

Lots of events are in the works for 2016:

Sunday, April 24….The Young Guns Guitar Showcase and Jam with special guest, Shari Richards…Moondog’s, 378 Freeport Road, Blawnox, PA. 4 pm – 8 pm. Public welcome.
Saturday, May 14…Youth Blues Jam hosted by Tuck Majeran at the James Street Gastropub. FREE event open to public. The 2016 Blues Youth Showcase representatives will be the host band and share the stage. The BSWPA’s mission: to play the blues forward. All young players over the age of 12 are invited to join in.
Sunday, May 15…Blues election of officers/annual meeting. More details: bswpa.org. Members only. Meeting will be in the ‘green room’.
Sunday, May 15…Blues Music Trail…and event honoring the many voices and styles of the past. Annie Sutton has gathered an amazing group of people to serve up a great portion of blues from 4 pm – 8 pm. Open to the public.
Plans for the September picnic are in full motion. The Hopewell Parks have signed Bill Toms and Stevee Wellons. More acts will be announced soon.

If you would like to volunteer your time at an upcoming event, please contact us on our website, www.bswpa.org. If you would like to write for the newsletter or write grants for upcoming projects, please get in touch. As always, the BSWPA is seeking sponsors to enable more events in the future.

Thank all of you for supporting the blues. Spread the word….great things are accomplished as we work to keep the Blues alive and keep LIVE music alive.

Yours in Blues, Jonnye Weber President, Blues Society of Western PA