The President’s Downbeat (Sept 2026) – A Message from Angela Buffington, President & CEO
The President’s Downbeat
A Message from Angela Buffington, President & CEO
August was a scorcher – and I’m not just talking about the weather!
Throughout North Texas, outstanding touring and local blues artists could be heard at dozens of venues virtually every night of the week. From packed clubs and neighborhood stages to festivals and special events, our music community continues to remind us just how vibrant the blues is in North Texas.
And from everything I see on the calendar,
September is shaping up to be every bit as hot.
The Road to Memphis Begins
The celebration may be over for our Trinity River Blues Society Blues Challenge category winners, but their real work is just beginning.
Our winners are now focused on preparing for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2027, refining their performances and getting ready to represent the Trinity River Blues Society on the international stage.
I am incredibly proud of our 2026 representatives:
Band Winner — The Drive
Solo/Duo Winner — Andrea Dawson
Youth Winner — Trenton Page & The Helm of Awe
Preparing for Memphis requires more than rehearsals. Our artists must also raise funds to help offset travel, lodging, and other expenses associated with competing at the IBC.
The TRBS team is organizing showcase and fundraising concerts to help them along that journey. Your attendance, donations, and encouragement can make a meaningful difference. Watch our social media channels and newsletter for upcoming Road to Memphis events and opportunities to support these talented artists.
TRBS at the Denton Blues Festival
The Trinity River Blues Society is proud to sponsor the 28th Annual Denton Blues Festival, taking place on September 19 at Denton’s Quakertown Park.
I’m especially excited that two of our Blues Challenge winners, The Drive and Andrea Dawson, are featured in this year’s lineup.
I personally invite you to join me in Denton. Come out, make some noise, and let these artists know that the North Texas blues community is behind them as they prepare for Memphis.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
From September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the generations of Latino musicians and communities whose instruments, rhythms, traditions, and cultural influences have contributed to the rich musical landscape in which the blues continues to grow.
Throughout the celebration, TRBS will highlight some of those connections and the artists who continue bringing these musical traditions together.
Best Self-Produced CD Competition
Submissions for the International Blues Challenge Best Self-Produced CD Competition are coming in, and I must tell you – the level of talent here in North Texas never ceases to amaze me.
Your recording is eligible if its release date is between November 1st, 2025 and October 31st, 2026. The submission deadline is October 16.
I encourage our local artists to take advantage of this opportunity and let us hear what you’ve created.
Stay Connected with TRBS
One of the easiest ways to keep up with everything happening at the Trinity River Blues Society is through our monthly newsletter.
If you’re not already receiving it, you’re missing performances, special events, artist news, TRBS announcements, community programs, and opportunities to get involved.
Send me an email at angela@trinityriverblues.org, and I will personally make sure you’re added to our list.
An Event I’m Looking Forward To
Texas Women in Music Jam
Sunday, September 13 | 3:00–7:00 PM
Charlie’s Lakeside Bar and Grill — Lewisville
Hosted by Lake Rats
These jams welcome musicians from every genre—and both women and men—including solo performers, duos, full bands, singer/songwriters, original music, and covers.
They’re also wonderful opportunities to network, make new friends, and meet some of the nicest and most talented musicians in the DFW music community.
Mark your calendar and come join me as we pack the venue and support local music!
Don’t miss my Back History Podcast on YouTube. Each episode features conversations with artists and personalities from our music community. We talk about their music, of course, but we also go beyond the stage to explore the people, stories, experiences, and history behind it.
One More Thing…
The performers, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and everyone who comes out to support our events continue to build something special here in North Texas.
The strength of the Trinity River Blues Society isn’t measured by any one concert, festival, competition, or program. It’s measured by the community that continues to show up.
You are part of that community.
Every time you attend a performance, support an artist, volunteer at an event, read and share our newsletter, invite a friend, or simply help spread the word, you contribute to the future of this music.
We keep the blues alive not only by honoring its history, but by supporting the artists who are writing its next chapter.
I’m proud to be part of that chapter with each of you.
I’ll see you out there.
Angela Buffington
President & CEO
Trinity River Blues Society
