2003 - YEAR OF THE BLUES...

In recognition of The Blues ongoing impact on music and cultural history, both in America and around the world, the United States Congress has proclaimed the year 2003 as the "Year of the Blues". For more information, visit: www.yearoftheblues.org on the web.

WIN FRONT ROW TICKETS TO SEE "THE KING OF THE BLUES"...

True Blue and QC Online will be awarding one lucky winner 2 front row tickets to B. B. King's concert at the Adler Theatre on May 20! To register online, go to www.qconline.com/win/bbk/ on the web now. Limit one entry per email; multiple entries will be automatically disqualified.

March 2003

MVBS ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY PROGRAMS.

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society welcomes Doktu Rhute Muuzic (formerly known as Roy Hytower), for it's artist-in-residency program in March. The Coffeeville, Alabama native taught himself early to master the classic blues of Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. Doktu Rhute's Quad-Cities residency will run Mar. 3 - 8, and will feature two Open to the Public performances. A Friday, Mar. 7 performance is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Borders Books in Davenport, and a Saturday., Mar. 8 performance is set for 7:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bettendorf. Workshops are also scheduled at ten elementary and middle schools, the Davenport Boys and Girls Club, the East Moline Correctional Center and Pine Knoll Residency Facility. Additional upcoming workshop programs and appearances slated for April will feature Hawkeye Herman and Eric Noden. For more information, visit the MississippiValley Blues Society web site at www.mvbs.org.

NEW BLUES FER YOUZ.

"Roadhouse Research," Joe Kubek and Bnois King (Blind Pig Records) A proven, dynamic blend of two premier guitarists, combining a mix of jazz, blues and smoldering houserockin'.

"Blues at Midnight," Bobby Blue Bland (Malaco) Smooth blues from a true blues legend, featuring eleven tracks drippin' with the signature soul of one of the blues most venerated elder statesman. Bobby Blue Bland takes each song and makes it his own.

"Guitar," Jimmy Thackery (Blind Pig Records) A collection of some of the finest guitar instrumental tracks out there today. Duke Robillard guests on a guitar duet with the fiery guitar wiz Jimmy Thackery.

FURTHER ON UP THE ROAD.

West coast harmonica master Mark Hummel will be visiting the Quad Cities for a one-nighter on Wednesday, Mar. 26 at Jimmy B'z in Davenport. Hummel's tasty originals and interpretations of both jazz and blues classics have distinguished him as one of the most dynamic players in the business today. Performance starts at 9 p.m., and you'll want to make sure you're there early for this one - as seating is limited.

Keepin' it short and sweet this round, we'll be headin' on down the blues highway again for another month. Until we meet again at this crossroads, peace, love and blessings to all, and.

Blues to 'ya!