"Cool Breeze"
Benefit & Celebration
@ Famous Dave's,
Wednesday, May 15

Volunteers Needed To Help With The Event
Contact Julia Schroeder:
julia@bluesfestproductions.com

Persons willing to help out with the Silent Auction contributions and setup as well as day-of-event loading, unloading and working tables are kindly asked to contact Julia Schroeder: julia@bluesfestproductions.com

(04/22/13)

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Charles "Chako" Andre
November 29, 1936 - March 18, 2013

Memorial Service
Wednesday, May 15, 11:30 am.
@ Capri Theater

A memorial service will be held for Twin Cities blues and jazz vocalist, Charles "Chako" Andre, at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis at 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 15. Chako served as a U.S. Marine and his interment at Fort Snelling will immediately follow the service. Since 2007, Chako has performed as a member of the Capri Big Band. Chako was known for his renditions of standards "Georgia On My Mind" and "Route 66" among others. For more information please call 651-983-8348. — from Marilyn Parker

(05/08/13)

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Northwoods Blues Festival
May 25 & 26
@ Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat, Trego, WI

Howard "Guitar" Luedtke, Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys, Chris Beard, Joe Louis Walker, The Rhythm Roosters, Mojo Lemon, Kenny Neal, Ana Popovic

www.northwoodsbluesfestival.com

(05/12/13)

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And
the Winners Are …

Annie Mack Band (Band)
Tampa Spatz (Solo)
2013 Road To Memphis Challenge

Actually, there were a lot of winners in Sunday's Road To Memphis Challenge competition at O'Gara's Pub in St Paul. The Annie Mack Band was judged best out of the nine acts in the Band category with first runner-up, Soulmates and second runner-up, Ken Valdez. The honors for the Solo/Duo category went to Tampa Spatz followed by Mark Cameron & Bill Keyes and Nigel Egg. It was a joy to see veteran bands like Inside Straight Blues Band and the Soulmates in the competition. All of the acts were top-notch and the competition was very close.

Kudos to Jim Pinckney, Chairman of the Road To Memphis Committee, and to MnBS President, Richard Schaefer, along with Christina Hoglund, Volunteer Coordinator and the many volunteers including the judges, time-keepers, scorekeeper, merchandise-handlers and door-donation-collectors who pitched in to make this event a success. Thanks to O'Gara's Bar & Grill and their staff for hosting the event. Special thanks to American Guitar & Band and Tim O'Brien for providing and transporting the back-line equipment. Also, thanks to Roger Kozel for supplying and running the PA system for the Solo/Duo room. Likewise, thanks to Ken Zieska and Ted Wilebski for keeping things moving as emcees in each room. To all the acts who played their hearts out, thank you so much. And finally, thank you to all of the blues fans who showed up to support the music on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon. — Jake Jacobson

(04/30/13)

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Help Send Annie Mack
& Tampa Spatz To Memphis

You can show your support for the two acts that have been selected to represent Minnesota at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN by making a tax-deductible donation to the funds to help offset their travel expenses. Participating acts are not compensated for their performances at the IBC. — Road To Memphis Committee

Click Button To Make A Tax-Deductible Donation