B l u e s N e w s
The SABS 2011 Robert Johnson SA Sessions Celebration stars Rory Block, unquestionably one of the true aficionados of Robert Johnson's music. Opening the show will be the stringed blues of Rich DelGrosso and Jonn Del Torro Richardson from Houston. This Celebration is a special one with this year being the 100th anniversary of Robert Johnson's birth. With her unending dedication to preserving Delta Blues, Rory Block appropriately was invited to headline the show. SABS Member Artist Rich DelGrosso also does his part on preserving and promoting the blues with his impressive Blues in the Schools endeavors. Rich combines his mandolin playing with the guitar of friend Jonn Del Torro Richardson to produce a special and unique deep-blues acoustic show. This night is a true dedication to Robert Johnson and the Delta Blues.
3rd ANNUAL SUMMER SOUNDS AT HISTORIC SUNSET STATION It's time again for our local bands to compete for a grand prize of $2,500! ... Sunset Station's 2011 competition is just around the corner so sign-up time is NOW! ... more
2011 SAM BAIRD SCHOALARSHIP WINNERS AWARDED The San Antonio Blues Society is proud to award Steven Sellers, Mitch Moser, and Julia Masters this year's Sam Baird Scholarships ... All three high school seniors received their awards on stage at the 2011 Fiesta Blues Heritage Series ... Steven graduates from Robert E. Lee High School, Mitch Moser from Wheatland Academy, and Julia from Health Careers High School ...
(l-r) Mitch Moser, Steven Sellers Jr., Julia Masters
VP/Education Johnny Cockerell in the background
Candy Baird addresses the winners and audience,
appreciating the annual scholarships awarded in honor
of her late husband, Sam Baird
PINETOP PERKINS Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins July 17, 1913 - March 21, 2011 ... Pinetop will be laid to rest on Saturday April 2 in Clarksdale, Mississippi ... He was born about 90 miles from there in Belzini ... His life of music started early with guitar and travel - from honky tonks to house parties to juke joints, he would play them all ... He traveled the Delta in the 30's and 40's ... eventually having to switch to the piano ... In the years that followed, Pinetop played with B.B. King, Earl Hooker, Sam Phillips, and an extended run of 12 years with Muddy Waters ... And then - Pinetop went on to be the headliner of the show! ... Although he was in his 80's by this time, Pinetop was up to the challenge of his new found and long deserved recognition ... His performances were remarkable and his recordings highly acclaimed ... Fittingly, before he left us, Pinetop and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith won the Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album, Joined at the Hip ... We were fortunate to see Pinetop and Willie and Crew on stage at Sam's Burger Joint and Luckenbach ... It was a treat to hit Austin on a Tuesday and visit with Pinetop at Antone's ...
Rest In Peace Pinetop ... You will always be with us
PLEASE VISIT THESE SITES, ESPECIALLY THE BIOGRAPHY PAGE ON PINETOP'S WEBSITE
01-27-11 Pinetop & Willie at Sam's Burger Joint Music Hall
07-30-10 Pinetop & Willie at Sam's Burger Joint Music Hall
01-14-10 Pinetop & Willie at Sam's Burger Joint Music Hall
Austin City Limits - Bettye LaVette and PinetopPerkins
FIESTA BLUES HERITAGE SERIES 2011 This year's headliner is Tab Benoit ... Sam Baird Scholarship awarded to three area high school seniors ... RAIN OR SHINE!!!! - This is a covered venue! ... Sunday April 17th at Sunset Station, 12 noon downbeat ... [ PURCHASE TICKETS NOW ] more
2011 SAM BAIRD SCHOLARSHIP This year's award will be a $1,000 scholarships and 2 $500 scholarships ... All San Antonio area High School Seniors are eligible ... Applications are available on line more
THE S.A. BLUE CATS AWARDED "2009 BEST R&B ARTIST" Congratulations to S.A.B.S. Member Band The S.A. Blue Cats, honored as "2009 Best R&B Artist" at the Second Annual Rammy Awards. The award ceremony was held at the Limelight November 20th, highlighting San Antonio's best bands and musicians. The readers of the SA Current voted for the winners. SA Current Article
S.A.B.S. COMING UP ON 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Started back in 1990, the San Antonio Blues Society has established itself in the community and the music life of our city. We have much to be proud of: the Education program encompassing Blues in the Schools and the Sam Baird Scholarship, many many events, jam sessions, and a Member Band roster that is as strong as they come. We are also very proud of our growing list of Corporate Members and Partners. And as always, we are grateful to our Membership for their dontations and other contributions to help S.A.B.S. in our Mission.