Dear Blues Enthusiasts, Supporters, and Members of the Trinity River Blues Society
From the President’s Desk:
Dear Blues Enthusiasts, Supporters, and Members of the Trinity River Blues Society,
I’m excited to share some thrilling updates as we gear up for the “Road to Memphis January 2025”!
As many of you know, the Trinity River Blues Society (TRBS) proudly participates in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) by sending talented bands and solo/duo acts to compete. Over the years, we have seen incredible success, with several of our acts reaching the semifinals. Each competitor performs over the first two nights of the event at different venues, vying for the chance to advance to the finals. The IBC is not just about competition; it also includes a “Best Self-Produced CD” contest and a “Youth Showcase” aimed at nurturing the next generation of blues artists.
I’m thrilled to announce that the winners of TRBS’s “North Texas Blues Challenge,” who will be representing our vibrant community in Memphis, are the Izaiah Forman Trio (Youth), EJ Mathews (Solo/Duo), and The Shake Anderson Band!
Mark your calendars! The IBC will take place from January 7-11, 2025, on the iconic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. You can purchase your 2025 IBC Pass using the following link: Purchase IBC Pass (https://secure.blues.org/np/clients/blues/eventRegistration.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&event=122)
### Support Our Artists!
We invite you to donate to our Travel Fund to help support our artists as they embark on this incredible journey. You can contribute directly through our website by selecting the artist you wish to support. Additionally, we have a generic donation link for those who would like to support all three acts. Don’t miss our “Road to Memphis” fundraising concert at The Cottage on November 17, from 2 PM to 9 PM, featuring a raffle and a silent auction. Come out and show your support!
The International Blues Challenge represents a worldwide search for the best blues bands and solo/duo performers ready for the international stage, and it’s the largest gathering of blues musicians on Beale Street. This three-day event includes not only the music competition but also seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking opportunities, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals alike. For more information, visit International Blues Challenge (https://blues.org/international-blues-challenge/).
### Exciting News!
We’re also ecstatic to share that TRBS has nominated KNON 89.3 The Voice of the People for the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive Award! KNON has been a vital force in our community, passionately supporting local blues artists and enriching the Dallas/Fort Worth area with its unwavering commitment to the genre. We are excited to celebrate this achievement at the IBC!
#### What is the Keeping the Blues Alive Award?
Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the world of blues music. The 2024 KBA Awards will be presented at a recognition brunch during the IBC weekend. Unlike the Blues Music Awards, which recognize the best recordings and performances of the past year, the KBAs honor non-performers based on merit, ensuring that new leaders in the blues community are recognized each year.
If you know of a deserving individual or organization, we encourage you to help them submit a nomination!
Join us in celebrating KNON and the vibrant blues community at the IBC! Let’s keep the spirit of blues alive together!
Purchase IBC Pass (https://secure.blues.org/np/clients/blues/eventRegistration.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&event=132)
### Hashtags to Show Your Support
#TrinityRiverBluesSociety
#InternationalBluesChallenge
#KeepingTheBluesAlive
#KNON893
#BluesMusic
#SupportLocalArtists
#DallasFortWorthBlues
#CelebrateBlues
#BluesCommunity
#BluesFoundation
#MusicAwards
#HonoringExcellence
#InclusivityInMusic
#BluesHeritage
#MusicMatters
#CommunitySupport
#BluesFamily
#MemphisIBC2025
#BluesForever
#EmpowerLocalArtists
#PassionForBlues
#BluesAdvocacy
#CulturalImpact
#LegacyOfBlues
#MusicIsLife
#MusicCulture
#LiveBlues
#BluesArtists
#CelebrateDiversity
#MusicInclusivity
#BluesLegacy
#SupportTheArts
#RadioAndBlues
#CommunityEngagement
#MusicForChange
#KeepTheBluesAlive
#BluesInspiration
#ArtisticCommunity
#EmpoweringVoices
#TogetherWeRise
#MusicAndUnity
#LocalLegends
#TexasBlues
#BluesEvents
#BluesAwareness
#MusicalTraditions
#UpliftLocalArtists
#BluesJourney
#MusicTogether
Let’s demonstrate our support for these gifted winners and the Trinity River Blues Society by using the following hashtags:
#TRBSBluesChallenge
#NorthTexasBlues
#RoadtoMemphis
#BluesFestSuccess
#SupportLocalMusic
#MemphisBound
Congratulations once again to Shake Anderson Band and EJ Mathews! We eagerly anticipate witnessing your brilliance on the international stage in Memphis.
Warmest regards,
Angela Buffington
President, Trinity River Blues Society