Attention Iowa Blues Bands

Here is your chance to be a star. The Iowa blues societies are looking for a few good people to send to Memphis to represent Iowa. Here is the official press release from the Central Iowa Blues Society.

ATTENTION BLUES BANDS We are now accepting applications for the 2010 IOWA BLUES CHALLENGE!!! Play for a prize package that includes cash, recording time and performance opportunities at Mississippi Valley Blues Fest and other paid gigs, PLUS INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE In Memphis, TN. ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE? DON’T DELAY!!! Information and applications are available from the Central Iowa Blues Society at (515) 225-6638 and our website www.cibs.org The deadline is March 6th, 2010. The 2010 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, KGGO/98.3 WOW., Junior’s Motel, Cityview, Rieman Musi

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CIBS Winter Blues Fest

The Des Moines Register has the latest on the big blues fest this weekend in Des Moines Iowa (Click HERE). The Central Iowa Blues Society is putting on its annual winter blues fest. This is always a great show with a lot of local, regional, and national talent. It is being held this year at Marriot Hotel in Downtown Des Moines, since its old home, the Hotel Fort Des Moines is under reconstruction. Here is a partial list from the Register of the bands appearing this year.



• Midnight Dogs (Bob Pace and Steve George), 2009 Iowa Blues Society’s Blues Challenge Solo/Duo Winner

• Avey Brothers, 2009 Iowa Blues Society’s Blues Challenge Band Winner from Davenport. The group was a Top-10 finisher at last weekend’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

• The Side Effects, 2009 Blues Society of Omaha Blues Challenge Band Winner

• Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat, big as Texas guitar-driven blues-rock

• Everett Smithson Band, an eclectic mix of swamp rock, country, blues and rockabilly

• Delta Highway, Memphis-based rootsy but very electric blues.

• Levee Town, 2009 Kansas City Blues Society Blues Challenge Band Winner

• Brandon Scott Sellner, 2009 Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society Blues Challenge Band Winner

• Trouble No More, a solid all-around blues band and host of the After Hours Jam

Central Iowa Blues Society Winter Blues Fest

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: Winter Blues Fest

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010

Place: Downtown Marriott, Des Moines, IA

Starting Time: 7 PM

Presented By: The Central Iowa Blues Society

For Immediate Release

It may be cold outside, but the Downtown Marriott Ballrooms and Rock River Lounge will have temperatures rising Saturday, January 30th when the Central Iowa Blues Society welcomes 9 acts on 5 different stages. This multi-band event will culminate with an After Hours Jam in the Des Moines Ballroom in the Downtown Marriott.

Wristbands for the event are only $12.00 in advance and will give you admission to all of the Ballrooms on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors, as well as Rock River Lounge on the second level. Tickets are available at Blues on Grand or online at www.cibs.org now. Price will be $15 on January 30.

This year’s Winter Blues Fest has a little bit of everything to satisfy the soul; be it, Texas blues/rock, incredible Blues harmonica, fabulous guitar, zydeco (swamp rock), or howlin’-at the-moon blues!

Check out The Midnight Dogs, the 2009 Iowa Blues Societies Solo/Duo Challenge Winner, at Rock River Lounge from 7:00-10 p.m.

The sounds of The Avey Brothers, the 2009 IA Blues Challenge band winner, will fill the air in the Salon D Ballroom starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by Delta Highway, the 2009 nominee for the Blues Music Awards for Best New Debut Artist at 10:30 p.m.

The Salon E Ballroom will fire up with the 2009 Blues Society of Omaha’s Blues Challenge band winner, The Side Effects at 7:45 p.m., followed by the 2009 Kansas City Blues Society’s Blues Challenge winner, Levee Town at 10:45 p.m.

Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat, nominee for Best Blues/Rock Album in the 2010 Blues Music Awards, are sure to get things heated up in the Dubuque Ballroom at 8:00 p.m., followed by the 2009 Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society’s Blues Challenge band winner, Brandon Scott Sellner Band at 11:00 p.m.

Everett Smithson Band will get things jumping in the Des Moines Ballroom starting at 8:30 p.m.

The After Hours Jam kicks off at midnight in the Des Moines Ballroom with a set from Trouble No More, who will be this year's host band, with the Jam starting at 1 a.m. The Jam, which will last well into the wee hours, has the potential for some interesting combinations of musicians. All musicians are welcome to sign up and join in.

Food will be served starting at 8:00 p.m. and continue during the Jam.

The Downtown Marriott is offering special Blues Fest rates for the night. You can make room reservations by calling 1-800-514-4681 or 515-245-5500. Be sure to mention that you are going to be there for the Blues Fest to receive your special rate.

Sponsors for this event are the Central Iowa Blues Society, Budweiser, 95KGGO/98.3, Cityview and Downtown Marriott.

For more information on the Winter BluesFest, you can call (515) 225-6638, (515) 830-4213. Listen to KGGO (94.9) and 98.3 WOW for wristband giveaways. Do not miss this sure-fire cure for cabin fever!

Serena James

Marketing Coordinator

Central Iowa Blues Society

CIBS Has The Blues. SUNDAY OCTOBER 25th BENIFIT AT BLUES ON GRAND

The Central Iowa Blues Society has the blues. Due to low attendance at the Living History Blues Fest, our beloved local blues society needs a major transfusion of cash. (click here to read an online story from the Des Moines Register.) Of course your local friendly neighborhood blues bands are riding to the rescue. On Sunday, at Blues on Grand, starting at 5pm, Sumpin Doo, Bob Pace, featuring Steve George, and Matt Woods And The Thunderbolts, will perform. Also a sumptuous feast will be supplied by the Machine Shed!!! Trust me anyone who lives here in the heartland knows how good the food is from the Machine Shed. The price for show and food is only 25 dollars! That is a great deal, three great bands, and food! Plus with all the money you save you can donate even more to CIBS! Furthermore, every dollar donated will be matched up to 3,500 bucks!

This is an important gig so get your face in the place! Help save the blues in Des Moines.

Heart Of America Living History Blues Fest. Urbandale Iowa

The Central Iowa Blues Society, and Living History Farms present a huge blues festival September 5-6th in Urbandale Iowa. Urbandale is a western suburb of Des Moines. The Living History Farms is right off of the Hickman Avenue exit on I35/80. I have been to some large shows at the Living History Farm. They had a Chautauqua there in the 80s, with multiple stages, very cool show, and I met Pete Seeger there. Also Pope John Paul II said mass to 300,000 people back in the early 80s. So they can handle large crowds! This promises to be a great show so be sure to get your face in the place.

Sooooooooo, I wonder if they got a waver to allow dancing in Urbandale:-) Click HERE to read about Iowa's own Footloose.

Congrats to Steve George, And Bob Pace!!!

From CIBS

Press Release-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge-Solo/Duo Acts Finals

Congratulations to Midnight Dogs, consisting of Bob Pace and Iowa Blues Hall of Fame member Steve George, winners of the 2009 Iowa Blues Solo/Duo Challenge held August 16th at Blues on Grand. Midnight Dogs received $250 cash plus $300 travel expenses to Memphis as our state representative at the International Blues Challenge to be held January 20th – 23rd, 2010.
They were one of nine acts from across Iowa to participate in this event.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge has been proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW

.

Central Iowa Blues Society Solo and Duo Blues Challenge Finals

Press Release-2009 Iowa Solo/Duo Blues Challenge Finals

Congratulations to Midnight Dogs, Brad McCloud & His Case of the Blues, Dewey Cantrell and Dan Peart for advancing from the preliminary rounds of the 2009 Iowa Solo/ Duo Blues Challenge. The Finals will be held this Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the world famous Blues on Grand. Doors open at 4 PM with music starting at 5 PM. Each act will perform a 30-minute set in the order listed above.

For the fifth year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues Solo/Duo contest. The acts competing for the top spot earn the opportunity to travel to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge, January 21-23, 2010. (Go to www.blues.org for all of the details on the International Blues Challenge.).

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW.

2009 Iowa Blues Challenge Solo Duo

Press Release-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge-Solo/Duo Acts

For the fifth year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues Solo/Duo contest.

The 2009 Solo/Duo Iowa Blues Challenge features competition between 9 acts in two rounds this year on the same day. Each act will perform a 20-minute set at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand, Des Moines, IA, on August 9, 2009. Two acts from each round will advance to a final round on August 16, 2009 at Blues on Grand. Each act will perform a 30-minute set. The acts competing for the top spot earn the opportunity to travel to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge, January 21-23, 2010. (Go to www.blues.org for all of the details on the International Blues Challenge.)

Doors open at 1 PM with the first round starting at 2 PM and the second round at 5 PM on August 9. Doors will open at 4 PM on August 16 with acts starting at 5 PM. Cover will be $6 for members w/card and $7 for non members both days.

The Acts, in this order, performing in the first preliminary round of the Challenge this year are: Another Silver Dollar, Dewey Cantrell, Freight Train Frank and Brad McCloud & His Case of the Blues.

The Acts, in this order, performing in the second preliminary round of the Challenge this year are: The Most Handsome Duo in the World, Thunderbird Kingsley, The Jacob Lee Band, Midnight Dogs and Dan Peart.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/95KGGO & 98.3WOW.

More information is available at www.cibs.org or 515-225-6638.

2009 Iowa Solo Duo Blues Challenge

From CIBS

For Immediate Release-June 26, 2009

The Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society are seeking applicants for the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge Solo/Duo competition. A one round competition will be held in Des Moines, Iowa at Blues on Grand on Sunday, August 9, starting at 5 PM. The winner of the Challenge will receive a cash prize along with travel expenses and will represent the Blues Societies of Iowa at the International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo competition in Memphis early next year.

The competition is open to any solo or duo act from the state of Iowa. “Solo/Duo” is defined as any act with one or two musicians. Vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this competition. Both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed. Participants will be judged by the same criteria that are used in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge. Each band is judged based on Blues Content, Talent, Originality and Stage Presence.

Any artist whose name has appeared on a final Handy/Blues Music Award ballot is ineligible. No other entry restrictions apply. This means that management contracts, booking agent contracts, recording contracts, performance contracts (even those that include regular television or radio broadcast) and nationally distributed recordings have no bearing on eligibility.

Applications may be downloaded www.cibs.org. Entries must be postmarked by July 15, 2009.
For more information, call 515-225-6638.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW.

Heart Of America Living History Blues Fest

Press Release

Heart Of America Living History Blues Fest

Save the Date!!!

September 5-6, 2009

The Central Iowa Blues Society is proud to announce Heart of America Restaurants and Inns as the title sponsor of this year’s Blues Fest to be held at Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa.

The Central Iowa Blues Society has secured a mix of Blues legends, young performers and Iowa acts to perform on two stages for its inaugural Heart of America Living History Blues Fest to be held September 5-6 at Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa. Sept. 5 features the Chicago Blues Legends (Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Margolin and Bob Stroger), Eddie Shaw & the Wolfgang, Hamilton Loomis and the 2008-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge winner The Avey Brothers. Sept. 6 features Ronnie Baker Brooks, Long John Hunter w/ The Bad News Blues Band, Chris Cain and the 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge winner Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts. The second stage will be the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame stage featuring Iowa Blues Hall of Fame members Joe Price, Catfish Keith and George & Gil Davis.

Located just minutes from downtown Des Moines with easy access from I-80 and I-35, the Fest will offer food and beverage vendors on site and a harmonica workshop presented by Frank Freight-Train Strong. Kids under 12 when accompanied by an adult get in free, and your ticket is good for reduced admission to Living History Farms.

Sponsors of the this year’s Fest include Heart of America Restaurants and Inns, Central Iowa Blues Society, Living History Farms, Budweiser, 95KGGO, Cityview, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Blues on Grand, Dahl’s Foods, VividPix & Design.

Visit www.cibs.org for additional ticket and hotel information.

Avey Brothers Win 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge

Congratulations to the Avey Brothers winner of the Iowa Blues Challenge. Here is the press release from the Central Iowa Blues Society.

Press Release-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge Finals

Congratulations to The Avey Brothers, winners of the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge held May 16th at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. This Quad-Cities band received $500 cash plus $1,200 travel expenses to Memphis as our local representative at the International Blues Challenge in January 2010. The Avey Brothers also receive 8 hours of studio time from Junior’s Motel as well as several paid gigs including the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, Simply The Blues Fest and more. Matt Woods & the Thunderbolts placed second, earning them $400 cash. The Blues Explosion placed third, earning them $300 cash. Rounding out the competition was Trouble No More, earning $200 cash.

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Prizes are awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the 2009 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA, 2010 Simply The Blues Fest in Ft. Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee in 2010.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior’s Motel and Rieman Music.

Check out www.cibs.org for more information.

Iowa Blues Challenge

From CIBS

Press Release-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge Finals

The Finals for the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge are now set!

Come join the party at the Hotel Fort Des Moines at 10^th & Walnut in Des Moines, Iowa. On Sat., May 16^th, 2009, performances will start at 8:30 PM with The Avey Brothers, Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts, Trouble No More and The Blues Explosion.

Cover will be $9 for Blues Society members and $10 for non-members. Call 515-243-1161 or 1-800-532-1466 and ask for the Blues fan rate to book rooms.

The competition will be stiff as these four great bands square off to determine who is the best Blues band in Iowa and play for the opportunity to advance to the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, TN, among other prizes, so come out and support your favorite band!

For the 16^th year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues band contest. This contest is open to any Iowa Blues band that has not been nominated for the Blues Music Awards (Handy’s).

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Prizes are awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; Simply The Blues Fest in Ft. Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior’s Motel and Rieman Music.

Check out www.cibs.org for more information.

Iowa Blues Challenge

Press release from CIBS

Press Release-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge

Congratulations to Trouble No More and The Blues Explosion for advancing from the first round of the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge held Thursday, April 9th at Zimm’s.

Coming up this Thursday, April 16th at 9pm at the world famous Blues on Grand, is the second round featuring Bob Pace & The Blues Groove, “The Blue Law” featuring Brooke Conner, V.J.J. Groove, Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts and The Avey Brothers.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge features head to head competition culminating in a four band Final round to be held May 16th, 2009 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines, Iowa.

For the 16th year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues band contest. This contest is open to any Iowa Blues band that has not been nominated for the Blues Music Awards (Handy’s).

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Prizes are awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior's Motel and Rieman Music.

Central Iowa Blues Society Blues Challenge

From CIBS

Press Release-2009 Iowa Blues Challenge

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge features head to head competition culminating in a four band Final round to be held Saturday, May 16^th, 2009 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines at 1000 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa.

For the sixteenth year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues band contest. This contest is open to any Iowa Blues band that has not been nominated for the Blues Music Awards (Handy’s).

Rounds will be held in Des Moines. Ten bands from across Iowa will compete in 2 preliminary rounds, each band performing 30-minute sets. The first round of competitors will be Cousins of Blues, The Blues Explosion, Trouble No More, The Mason Newcastle Band and At Large. Bands will start at 8 PM at Zimm's Food & Spirits on Thursday, April 9^th.

The second round will be at Blues On Grand on Thursday, April 16^th starting at 8 PM

with Bob Pace & The Blues Groove, “The Blue Law” featuring Brooke Conner, V.J.J. Groove, Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts and The Avey Brothers. Two bands from each round will advance to the Finals on Saturday, May 16^th at the Hotel Fort Des Moines starting at 8:30 PM.

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Prizes are awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior's Motel and Rieman Music.

Attention Iowa Blues Bands LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR THE BLUES CHALLENGE

Time is running out for getting your blues band in the International Blues Challenge in Iowa. This is open to all Iowa Blues Bands. I also encourage anyone who happens to be in the Des Moines area when this competition starts up, to try to make it there. It is always a great night of a lot of blues! Remember it is your local bluesman who is the future of the blues, because everyone has to start somewhere, and no one is king of the blues with out paying their dues!

From the Central Iowa Blues Society

ATTENTION
BLUES
BANDS


We are now accepting applications for the
2009 IOWA BLUES CHALLENGE!!!

Play for a prize package
that includes cash, recording time
and performance opportunities at
Mississippi Valley Blues Fest,
Simply the Blues Fest and other paid gigs,
PLUS
INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE
In Memphis, TN.


ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE?
DON’T DELAY!!!

Information and applications are available from the
Central Iowa Blues Society at (515) 225-6638
and our website www.cibs.org
The deadline is March 7th, 2009.



The 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, KGGO/98.3 WOW., Junior’s Motel, Rieman Music

Black History Month Celebration Feb 23 Des Moines Iowa

From CIBS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2009

DES MOINES - Lt. Governor Patty Judge and six members of the Iowa House of Representatives will host the State of Iowa's Black History Month Celebration on Monday, February 23, 2009 at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Lt. Governor Judge will read a proclamation signed by Governor Chet Culver. In addition, blues musician Kevin Burt will perform. The program will include presentations by each of the state's six African American members of the Iowa House of Representatives:

Representative Wayne Ford, District 65- Des Moines Representative Ako Abdul-Samad, District 66- Des Moines Representative Helen Miller, District 49- Fort Dodge Representative Phyllis Thede, District 81- Davenport Representative Deborah Berry, District 22- Waterloo Representative Kerry Burt, District 21- Waterloo

Each representative will present awards to businesses or organizations making a difference to enhance diversity in the State of Iowa.

WHAT: Black History Month Celebration

WHERE: State Capitol Rotunda, 1st floor

1007 East Grand Ave

Des Moines, IA

WHEN: Monday, February 23, 2009

12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.

The Central Iowa Blues Society is proud to be sponsoring Taz Grant's performance at the State Capitol

rotunda on Monday, February 23 as a part of the 2009 Black History Month celebration. Taz and Kevin Burt will share playing between speakers between the hours of 11 AM and 1 PM. Please join us in celebrating Black History Month with a lunchtime of info and Blues.

CIBS Winter Blues Fest

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: Winter Blues Fest

Date: Saturday, February 14^th, 2009

Place: Hotel Fort Des Moines

Starting Time: 7 PM

Presented By: The Central Iowa Blues Society

For Immediate Release

It may be cold outside, but the Hotel Fort Des Moines Ballrooms and Chequers Lounge will have temperatures rising on Valentine’s Day Saturday, February 14^th when the Central Iowa Blues Society welcomes 10 acts on 5 different stages. This multi-band event will culminate with an After Hours Jam in the Independence Hall in the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

Wristbands for the event are only $12.00 in advance and will give you admission to all of the Ballrooms on the 2^nd floor, as well as Chequers Lounge on the first level. Tickets are available at the Hotel Fort Des Moines and Blues on Grand now. Price will be $15 on February 14^th.

This year’s Winter Blues Fest has a little bit of everything to satisfy the soul; be it, incredible blues harmonica, fabulous guitar, Delta and Hill Country Mississippi Style Blues or howlin’-at the-moon blues!

Check out Case of the Blues’ Brad McCloud & John Zantow, the 2008 Iowa Blues Societies Solo/Duo Challenge Winner, at Chequers Lounge at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society Solo/Duo Challenge Winner, Brothers Curtis, at 9:45 p.m.

The sounds of Bill Lupkin & the Workers will fill the air in the Grand Ballroom starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by Jason Ricci & New Blood, the 2008 BluesWax nominee for Artist of the Year and BMA nominee for Instrumentalist-Harmonica at 10:30 p.m.

The State Ballroom will fire up with Iowa’s own 2008 Blues Challenge band winner, Avey Brothers at 8:00 p.m., followed by the Joe Moss Band at 11:00 p.m.

Moreland & Arbuckle, another 2008 BluesWax nominee for Artist of the Year, are sure to get things heated up in the Wedgwood Room at 7:45 p.m., followed by the 2007 Iowa Blues Societies Blues Challenge Winner, Matt Woods & The Thunderbolts, at 10:45 p.m.

King King, the Kansas City Blues Society Blues Challenge Winner, will get things jumping in Independence Hall starting at 8:30 p.m.

The After Hours Jam kicks off at midnight in the Independence Hall Ballroom with a set from Trouble No More, who will be this year's host band, with the Jam starting at 1 a.m. The Jam, which will last well into the wee hours, has the potential for some interesting combinations of musicians. All musicians are welcome to sign up and join in. Food will be served starting at 8:00 p.m. and continue during the Jam.

The Hotel Fort Des Moines is offering special Blues Fest rates for the night. You can make room reservations by calling 1-800-532-1466 or 515-243-1161. Be sure to mention that you are going to be there for the Blues Fest to receive your special rate.

Sponsors for this event are the Central Iowa Blues Society, Budweiser, 95KGGO/98.3WOW, Cityview, and Hotel Fort Des Moines.

For more information on the Winter Blues Fest, you can call (515) 225-6638 or (515) 830-4213 or go to www.cibs.org . Listen to KGGO (94.9) and 98.3 WOW for wristband giveaways. Do not miss this sure-fire cure for cabin fever!

Serena James

Marketing Coordinator

Central Iowa Blues Society

Central Iowa Blues Society Blues In Schools

Press release from CIBS

PRESS RELEASE

Subject: Blues in the Schools

Date: December 16-19, 2008

Starting Time: 12 Noon-2:30 PM daily

For Immediate Release.

The Central Iowa Blues Society is proud to announce their fourth installment of its Blues in the Schools, Artist in Residence Program. Iowa City Blues musician and Historian Kevin Burt will be exposing students to Blues history and music at the PACE Campus in Des Moines.

The program will run daily from Noon to 2:30 PM Tuesday through Friday December 16^th - 19^th,.

Each student will have the opportunity to learn to play and write music along with the history and culture of the Blues and its impact in Iowa.

For more information, please contact Lynette Webster at Lwebster@pork.org or 515-250-4198 or Herman Johnson hjohnson@orchardplace.org/ or 515 208-8972.