Paul Rishell and Annie Raines BITS Nov 1 & 2

Matthew Curry Nominated for Best Self Produced CD by Crossroads Blues Society

The Crossroads Officers and Board decided to endorse and submit the CD by Matthew Curry and the Fury "If I Don't Got You" for consideration as the best self produced CD of the year.  Our nomination will be submitted to the Blues Foundation for consideration of the CD for this award.  We are excited by Normal, Illinois' Matthew Curry and are proud to submit his CD as our nomination.  This teenage guitar player and vocalist has a superb style of playing and singing.   The CD features seven original cuts and two covers.  Curry does not over accentuate and fill every measure with notes; his timing and picking are measured and stylish.  He leaves enough air between the notes to let the music breath and be appreciated.  We wish Matthew and his band the best and hope they win for best self produced CD!

Track list:

1              If I Don't Got You                                            

2              New York Blues                                               

3              Storm's A Brewing                                          

4              Walk Out That Door                                       

5              Hear The Highway                                          

6              Blinded by the Darkness                                              

7              Dancing To The Blues                                    

8              High Water Everywhere                                               

9              Soulshine

2012 BCBF Lineup Taking Shape

We announced our probable 2012 lineup at our volunteer party yesterday.  We have firm commitments for most bands and we are really looking forward to our third annual festival on August 25, 2012.  The lineup is shaping up something like this:

1:30 PM  Aaron Williams and the HooDoo
3:00 PM  Harmonica Workshop
3:30 PM  The Jimmy's
5:30 PM  Cash Box Kings
7:30 PM  Nick Moss and the Fliptops
9:30 PM  Candye Kane

Stay tuned for more info as plans are finalized!

Volunteer Recognition Party Sunday October 9th, 3 to 6 PM at Tailgaters

In recognition of the fine volunteer effort in executing the 2011 BCBF, we have schedule a party from 3 to 6 PM on Sunday, October 9th at Tailgater's in Byron!

There will be snacks provided along with free beer, Mikes Hard Lemonade and soft drinks for all volunteers. 

The Basement Blues Band will also be performing for the party (from start to finish!). Their unique electric and acoustic down home sound has expanded over the years, and the band is much larger than the old trio. The original members, Steve Leigh on guitar and vocals, Rich Gordon on bass and vocals, and Bob Schmitt on drums, harmonica and vocals remain. Added to the band are David Stine (guitar and vocals), Tom Dinwiddie (mandolin, washboard and vocals), and MarkThompson (percussion). They have a big, richer sound and an expanded repertoire, so volunteers are guaranteed to see and hear a great show!


Basement Blues Band Link 

Please wear your ash grey 2012 BCBF volunteer shirts if you can and certainly come out for this great event! We hope to see a great turnout! We will also sneak in a few door prizes!

2011-2012 Officers and Board Elected and Meeting Minutes 9/30/11

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by President Mark Thompson at the Adriatic Cafe and Bar.  All officers and board members were present with exception of David Stine.

Steve Jones gave a review of the minutes from the last meeting 8/19/11.  Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis moved to accept them, second by Bob Haendler.  Minutes approved unanimously.

Al McNary reported that $5231.83 was in the checking account after receipts from membership and the festival.  At the meeting, he was also given $222 in tee shirt profits, $170 in fest new and renewed members, $40 from Joe Filisko, and another $50 in membership and donations. $5713.83 are our total financial holdings.

Steve gave a detailed review of the festival.  We were very successful and no problems occurred.  The bar owners preferred 4 gates to 2 and having beer tickets sales at each beer booth which Mark and Steve agreed will be done.  Cleanup went very well and people were satisfied with the efforts.  There will be a volunteer recognition party on Sunday, October 9th at Tailgaters 3 to 6 PM with teh Basement Blues Band playing. The large PA is needed and is $80 to rent.  Steve will pay out of fest funds.

Discussion occurred that we should get our own PA.  The board agreed we should research this.

The new officers and executive board for Crossroads was elected at the annual meeting Friday night.

Mark Thompson remains as President as does Karl Dahlin as VP and Al McNary as Secretary.  Steve Jones stepped down as Secretary to run for the board and Bonnie Fox was elected as the new Secretary.

Top vote getters for the five board positions were Harmonica Joe Poluyanksis, Steve Jones, Rick Davis, Denny Barker and Bob Haendler.  Rich Gordon and  Terry Keller were on the ballot and also received votes in a closely contested set of races.

The new officers and board serve for a 12 month term.  Thanks for their service and to off going board members for their service and hard work!

Blues in the Schools (BITS) was discussed. Mark had a discussion with Paul Rischell and Annie Raines and the consensus was to do BITS on Tuesday, November 1st (AM and PM) and an evening show at Just Goods.  The normal fee was agreed to with one night's lodging.  Mark is to check if  Filisko and Noden are also available on the same or next day.

The meeting was closed at 8:45 PM.