Blues In The Schools

 

    Nathan at Ethos has not received any demos for BIS presenter consideration. That means that the rough list of artists I have compiled from past BIS presentations stands. It's not too late for musicians to mail a demo to Ethos, 27 NE Killingsworth, Portland, OR or call 503-241-8824 and ask to speak to Nathan or Charles. We can be sure to have the following artists for BIS school shows next year depending on availability: Terry Robb, Alan Hager, Albert Reda, Kinzel & Hyde, Johnnie Ward, Dave Hoover and Robbie Laws. Other past presenters should contact Nathan at Nathan@ethos-inc.com with "Attn: Blues In Schools" in the subject line, if they want to be considered for any school shows. Ethos also needs bands for benefit concerts — you can contact Charles regarding your band and availability via the Web site at www.ethos-inc.com, and be prepared to send a demo and promotional package.

    Stu and I did a ton of BIS and kiddy shows in July and August. One show we will be making up is the Boardman Community Concert Series, as the horrible wildfires the last week of July made it impossible for us to make the show. We hope to be at the Boardman Marina on August 26^th, but as of this writing it is uncertain. We did the Joan Baez concert as BIS presenters and had a ball. The Salem Arts Fair was also wonderful and the kids and adults there were fab. We are always treated with great love and respect when we do a BIS presentation, and I guess it's because we love and respect this Art called the Blues!

    Some great news regarding the Blues In Schools CD and accompanying booklet is that we have finished the entire project and some of them will be given to the CBA Board for interested educators and venues. These CDs are an exact documentation of the BIS show Stu Kinzel and I perform at each BIS presentation we do. It took us several years to decide upon selections that feature everything from work songs and field hollers to Chicago Blues. Interested parties can contact Del Seitzinger for a copy of the disc and booklet.

    Now that school is coming around, I will be planning my very last BIS Winter Fundraiser. This year, we will not be asking for direct donations to pay the musicians, but only that you attend the event. We hope to apply for a grant from the NEA and the State of Oregon to fund our BIS program in the future and the proceeds from this concert will determine the amount of grant money we can apply for. It is very important we have a strong turnout for this event, or we will have to cut our BIS program dramatically (and Stu Kinzel and I are already donating 1/3 of the performances we do!). The BIS Winter-Blast will be held on an early Sunday evening at a hall or theater, and (as usual!) will feature some of our very best musicians, performers and artists. Charles Lewis from Ethos will be the "head honcho" for this benefit concert. Artists like The Cannonballs, Lily Wilde, and Whit Draper have already shown a desire to perform at this benefit concert and we have a wealth of top-rated talent that will be announced. This is so important to us as musicians and CBA members, as teachers and parents, as Blues lovers and preservationists. Please help us to provide a means to continue our in-school and community presentations. Come December, make sure you show your support of the Blues and Arts at the final BIS Winter-Blast!

Until the next time,

- LynnAnn Hyde
Hohner Harmonicas,
Baldoni Accordions Artist Endorsee