New Message from President’s Desk for October 2026
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Trinity River Blues Society | October 2026
New Opportunities, Stronger Connections, and a Future Full of Possibilities!
As we enter the final months of 2026, I can’t help but feel excited about the direction Trinity River Blues Society is heading.
Everywhere I look, our North Texas music community is making things happen. Musicians are finding new audiences, venues are opening their doors to incredible talent, and organizations are coming together to support causes that matter.
For me, leading Trinity River Blues Society has always been about more than putting on events. It’s about recognizing talent, creating opportunities, building relationships, and helping musicians take that next step in their careers.
We’ve had some wonderful moments recently, and there are even more exciting things ahead!
Granbury Rock-N-Blues Bash: Five Years of Music and Giving Back!
On Saturday, October 10, the Granbury Rock-N-Blues Bash celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Langdon Center in Granbury, Texas.
Trinity River Blues Society was proud to be one of this year’s sponsors!
Presented by the Mysterious Scoundrels, the festival combined great live music with a meaningful mission, raising funds to benefit TexasRescue.org.
I love seeing our music community come together for a purpose beyond the stage. Events like this demonstrate the difference that musicians, organizers, sponsors, and supporters can make when they work together.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this fifth-anniversary celebration. We’re grateful to have been part of an event that supports both live music and the community.
The Road to Memphis: Our Winners Are Getting Ready!
The International Blues Challenge in Memphis is approaching quickly, and our Trinity River Blues Society representatives are preparing to make North Texas proud in January 2027.
I’m excited to recognize our 2026 winners:
Band Winner: The Drive
Solo/Duo Winner: Andrea Dawson
Youth Winner: Trenton Page & The Helm of Awe
These talented artists have earned the opportunity to represent our organization on an international stage.
The IBC is more than a competition. It’s a chance to connect with other musicians, perform before industry professionals, and gain exposure that could open doors to future opportunities.
But preparing for Memphis takes more than rehearsals. Travel, accommodations, and other expenses can become a significant financial commitment.
That’s why our Road to Memphis fundraising efforts is so important.
Our artists are doing their part to prepare. Now it’s our turn to help them get there!
November 14: Blues Challenge Winners Fundraiser Concert!
Mark your calendars because this is one event you won’t want to miss!
On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Trinity River Blues Society will present our Blues Challenge Winners Fundraiser Concert at Three Wide Brewing Co.
We’ve put together an outstanding afternoon and evening of live music, featuring our competition winners and special guest performers.
Special Guest Performances
- 1:00–2:00 PM: Killing Pearce
- 2:30–3:30 PM: The Shattered Bones Band
TRBS Blues Challenge Winners
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Trenton Page & The Helm of Awe
- 5:30–6:30 PM: Andrea Dawson
- 7:00–8:00 PM: The Drive
Admission is FREE, and all ages are welcome!
We’ll also have a raffle and silent auction, with donations accepted to help cover our winners’ expenses for Memphis.
I want to personally encourage our members, musicians, friends, and supporters to come spend the day with us.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy some outstanding live blues while supporting a wonderful cause.
Every donation, every shared announcement, and every person who comes out makes a difference.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Three Wide Brewing Co.
1:00 PM–8:00 PM
Free Admission | All Ages Welcome
Let’s give our winners the support they deserve as they prepare to represent North Texas at the International Blues Challenge!
From the IBC Stage to Delmark Records: EJ Mathews’ Success Story
Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity at the right moment to change the course of a musician’s career.
EJ Mathews knows that firsthand.
A two-time Trinity River Blues Society Solo/Duo Blues Challenge winner, EJ represented our organization at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
During his time at the IBC, EJ caught the attention of the legendary Delmark Records, and that exposure led to him signing with the record label.
What an accomplishment!
Stories like EJ’s are a reminder of why our Blues Challenge and the International Blues Challenge are so important.
We never know who might be in the audience listening, watching, or searching for the next great artist.
When TRBS helps musicians reach larger stages, we’re doing more than giving them a performance opportunity. We’re helping position them for possibilities that can extend far beyond the competition.
Congratulations to EJ on his continued success. We’re proud to have been part of his journey!
Creating Opportunities for Our Young Musicians
One of the things that brings me the greatest satisfaction is seeing young musicians receive opportunities to develop their talent.
Our Youth Blues Challenge winners, Trenton Page & The Helm of Awe, have something exciting to look forward to.
Through the generosity of the Transylvanian Symphony Foundation, the group has been awarded an eight-hour recording session at Nine-Six Recording Studio in Oklahoma City.
This will give these young musicians the chance to experience a professional recording environment, develop their skills, and learn more about the creative process behind producing music.
A special thank-you goes to Nik Healer and the Transylvanian Symphony Foundation for helping make this opportunity possible.
We often talk about preserving the future of the blues, but that future depends on what we’re willing to do for young artists today.
I’m excited to see where their musical journey takes them!
Best Self-Produced CD Competition: Final Call!
Our Second Regional Best Self-Produced CD Competition is nearing its submission deadline.
Deadline: October 16, 2026
Eligible recordings must have been released between November 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026.
This competition gives independent recording artists another opportunity to showcase their work and receive recognition for their creativity and dedication.
If you have an eligible recording, don’t miss your chance to participate.
For complete submission information, email angela@trinityriverblues.org.
Introducing Our New TRBS Volunteer Spotlight Series!
There’s something I have wanted to do for a while, and I’m excited that we’re making it happen.
Trinity River Blues Society is introducing our new Volunteer Spotlight Series!
Every successful event has people working behind the scenes who rarely receive the recognition they deserve.
They’re the ones arriving early, staying late, greeting guests, helping musicians, organizing materials, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Our volunteers give their time because they believe in what we’re doing.
With this new series, we’ll feature one of our phenomenal volunteers and give our community an opportunity to learn more about the individuals who help make TRBS successful.
I want our supporters to see the faces, hear the stories, and understand the dedication behind our organization.
To every volunteer who has ever given your time to Trinity River Blues Society, thank you.
Your contributions matter, and we appreciate you more than words can express.
Stay tuned as we celebrate the people who help make the music happen!
Growing Our Reach and Strengthening Our Partnerships
Looking toward the future, I see tremendous opportunities for Trinity River Blues Society to expand its presence throughout North Texas.
We want to continue developing relationships with venues, festivals, businesses, sponsors, and community organizations that share our commitment to supporting live music.
Our goal is to create more opportunities for musicians to perform, connect with new audiences, and develop their careers.
But we also want to make it easier for people who love the blues to become involved.
Whether you’re a musician, volunteer, sponsor, business owner, or simply someone who enjoys great live music, there’s a place for you at TRBS.
Strong organizations grow when people work together, share ideas, and support a common purpose.
That’s the kind of organization we’re continuing to build.
Stay Connected with Trinity River Blues Society!
There’s always something happening in our blues community, and I want you to stay informed.
Our monthly newsletter features upcoming performances, artist accomplishments, fundraising activities, volunteer recognition, and other important TRBS announcements.
If you’re not receiving our newsletter, send me an email at angela@trinityriverblues.org, and I’ll personally make sure you’re added.
You can also visit www.trinityriverblues.org to learn more about our organization, membership, events, and opportunities to get involved.
And please continue sharing our announcements with your friends and fellow music lovers.
Your support helps us reach more people and create even more opportunities for our artists.
From My Heart to Yours
Before I close, I want to share something that has become increasingly important to me.
I believe the true measure of leadership isn’t found in a title or position. It’s found in the difference you make in the lives of others.
When I see one of our artists receive an opportunity they worked hard to earn, when I watch a young musician gain confidence, or when I see our volunteers working together to make an event successful, I’m reminded of why this organization matters.
Every accomplishment represents the efforts of many people who believe in the same mission.
And I never want us to lose sight of that.
To our board members, volunteers, sponsors, musicians, and everyone who continues to support Trinity River Blues Society, thank you for being part of this journey.
We’re making progress, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact.
The blues has a remarkable history, but its future is being shaped by what we do today.
I’m proud of the work we’re doing, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead.
Until next time, support your local musicians, attend a live performance, introduce someone new to the blues, and remember that every little bit of support makes a difference.
I’ll see you out there!
Angela R Buffington
President & CEO
Trinity River Blues Society
www.trinityriverblues.org
angela@trinityriverblues.org
