Heading to Memphis…
There are very many folks from the Kalamazoo area headed down to Memphis for the fun and to lend support to KVBA entry Crossroads Resurrection. We know that a great many more will be left behind in the great white north as we head to balmy 50 degree temps and sprinkles.
KVBA TV will be making the journey south, and will endeavor to upload band videos, interviews, observations, and other such stuff to the IBC-2012 page. Keep your eyes, ears, and mouse-clicking hand on this link for the latest we have.
Mardi Gras Fundraiser in Three Rivers
The KVBA will be holding a fundraiser in Three Rivers on Feb. 26, 2012. Three great bands with an old-fashioned jam session to wrap it all up. Lots of great food, too.
If you are interested in donating to the event (food, supplies, time and talents) please contact us at kvba@kvba.org for more information.
Fundraiser for Crossroads the Resurrection this Sunday (Jan. 22)
By now you know that Crossroads the Resurrection is representing the KVBA at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. You have one more chance to help them get down there. Come see them, listen to them, and wish them well at a fundraiser this Sunday at The Union downtown.
If you can’t make it to the fundraiser, you can still help. The band has a donation form on their website – www.crossroadstheresurrection.com.
WHAT: Crossroads the Resurrection Memphis fundraiser
WHEN: Sunday, January 22, 4 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Union Cabaret and Grill, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall
VIP Seating available for $75 donation.
Includes food, signed photo and more!
Cash donation at the door.
How Trivial…
Team KVBA (who play TeamTrivia in Kalamazoo most Monday nights) finished 5th in the state in the last season. On Saturday, they will be competing in the state wide tournament – show them some love and send them some encouraging thoughts as they compete for cash and prizes….
2011-2012 Second Sunday Series
Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association presents the 2011-2012 Sunday Series fundraisers for the 2012 Kalamazoo Blues Festival at Kalamazoo’s 411 Club.
- 5 dates – 10 bands
- Doors open at 4 p.m.
- Music starts at 5 p.m.
December 4, 2011 – Jim Klein Band & Marci Linn Band
January 8, 2012 – Frog and the Beeftones & Bosco Gee Band
February 12, 2012 – Steve Hilger Band & Bryan Michael Fischer Band
March 11, 2012 – Thirsty Perch & Seventh Son
April 15, 2012 – Stan Budzynski and the 3rd Degree & BluesTime Band
Holiday Blues Relief – 2012 Bud Blues Series Kickoff Show
It’s that time of year again…time to announce the kickoff for the 2012 Budweiser Blues Series at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo.
On Friday, December 9, Kalamazoo’s own Out of Favor Boys will set the stage, hosting the traditional kickoff Blues Jam. Following the jam, the Kinsey Report will bring their funky blues-rock to the stage. In the middle of all that music, of course, the 2012 Bud Blues Series lineup will be announced.
If you purchase Series tickets during the “buy it blind” period (December 2-9), you will receive two free tickets to the Kinsey Report show on Dec. 9.
More information is available on the State Theatre website.
Blues on the Radio
Also known as blues you don’t have leave home for! Tomorrow 11-22-11 @8pm EST on WIDR 89.1 FM and via WIDR.org on the web, Mike Irelan is hosting a LIVE and LARGE Acoustic Blues Jam. KVBA beat photographer Sue Weaver will be taking pics for our newsletter. Mike has invited people from many styles of Blues, so it should be fun!
Your Blues Challenge Winner
Hey folks, it’s time to get our Blues Challenge winner set up to get to Memphis for the BIG SHOW. The very talented Crossroads Blues Band will be performing at The 411 Club on Friday night, and the KVBA crew will be there to support the band by doing a 50/50 drawing and in any way else we can. We count on our members, and all of the blues fans to help get these cats down to Beale Street. The 411 Club is a great venue, with great staff, and the performance is sure to please. Come on out and show your winners your support…live music is what it is about, and the blues celebration will leave no doubt. See you then.
Please send a good thought…
We’ve learned that Barb Hunt, long time member, blues supporter, festival volunteer, and wife of Seventh Son front-man, Dave Hunt, has passed away. We hope you will join us in sending out good thoughts to Dave and their close friends and family over their loss. Family and friends will be gathering this coming Saturday at Gordens Funeral Home in Allegan from noon until 2pm. Following, there will be an open house in her honor held at The 411 Club in Kalamazoo beginning at 3pm.
And the Winner is….
It was an awesome afternoon/evening of very entertaining blues acts. Judging was not easy, and it all came down voting on the final act. We’re proud to announce that first place went to Kalamazoo’s own Crossroads Blues Band and second place went to Stan Budzynski and 3rd Degree. Kudos to our good friends at The 411 Club for being gracious hosts and supporters of this fine, genuine, American art form. Thanks to those who came out to support the show, and huge thanks to the volunteers who helped work the show.
Crossroads has been a participant in the competition in Memphis before and is acutely aware of the next round of challenges they will face. We are sure proud of and happy for the fellas in the band.
