Prairie Crossroads Blues Society
Champaign-Urbana IL
Current Issue
Inclusive - Vol. 7, Issue 2 - March 2017
Welcome to our Inclusive newsletter. This edition marks our move to publish on a quarterly basis. You'll find two reviews of brand new CD's and information about upcoming local shows and Blues festivals. There's also news about a fundraiser for a local musician. Blues News you can use!
Past Issues
Inclusive - Vol. 7, Issue 1 - December 2016
Welcome back to our Inclusive newsletter. This special year-end Holiday issue offers a look back and a look ahead. In this season of giving it contains an appeal for donations to PCBS. You'll find some blues memories of 2016 and some possible resolutions you may consider. Blues News you can use!
Inclusive - Vol. 6, Issue 5 - June 2016
This issue contains info about our upcoming meeting on Thursday June 9 at 6:00 at Po' Boys which leads into a Kilborn Alley juke joint show at the same location from 7:30 to 10:00! You'll also find info about the upcoming Champaign Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest and several reviews of recent CD's. Blues News you can use! Enjoy.
Inclusive - Vol. 6, Issue 4 - April/May 2016
Blues News you can Use! Enjoy.
Inclusive - Vol. 6, Issue 3 - Holiday Issue - December 2015
Happy Holidays, I hope this finds you sharing with family and friends. I wish to thank all who contributed to this newsletter especially our exceptional editor.
Inclusive - Vol. 6, Issue 2 - October 2015
Good Day, a little frost on the pumpkinn this weekend! Attached is the October edition of Inclusive the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society newsletter. Thanks Elaine Schneider and contributors. There is a ton of Blues news. Enjoy, Dennis Wismer.
Inclusive - Vol. 6, Issue 1 - August 2015
The lead story in our August issue is by PCBS President, Dennis Wismer, who has some thoughts about Buddy Guy's Birthday, Prairie Crossroads Blues Society and Blues in East Central Illinois.
Our "Friend of the Blues", James "Skyy Dobro" Walker, writes a review of a CD from Australian blues artist, Sugarcane Collins, "Going Back To Clarksdale".
There's also news about the PCBS local IBC Challenge for Solo/Duo acts and Bands, which takes place Saturday October 17 at Memphis On Main. Lorri Coey writes an excellent review of the recent Champaign Blues Brews & BBQ's Fest.
Thanks to the excellent work of Elaine Schneider, recent volunteer and Inclusive Newsletter Editor, PCBS is proud to release the August edition of our newsletter. Enjoy!
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 8 - June 2015
The featured story in our June issue previews the upcoming Champaign Blues Brews & BBQ Fest, Friday & Saturday June 26 & 27. This year's fest highlights female lead singers. Read the article to get a thumbnail biography of each of the performers. PCBS President, Dennis Wismer, offers his views of our Society and Blues in East Central Illinois. There's news about our upcoming Blues Jam and a visit to the area by Honorary PCBS Member, Keith Harden.
Our "Friend of the Blues", James "Skyy Dobro" Walker, writes a review of a CD from Joakim Tinderholt and His Band "You Gotta Do More".
Thanks to the excellent work of Elaine Schneider, recent volunteer and Inclusive Newsletter Editor, PCBS is proud to release the June edition of our newsletter. Enjoy!
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 7 - April 2015
Thanks to the hard work of Elaine Schneider, recent volunteer and Inclusive Newsletter Editor, PCBS is proud to release the April edition of our newsletter.
There's a story about our upcoming Johnny Rawls show at The Iron Post on Friday April 24. This issue also features an article with notes from our March meeting about the recent changes to some of the PCBS Officers. Newly elected President, Dennis Wismer, writes about his views of where PCBS fits into the blues community and future goals for our Society. Education Chair, Sandy Hannum, writes about our latest Blues In The Schools" programs at South Side Elementary and Westview Schools in Champign.
Our "Friend of the Blues", James "Skyy Dobro" Walker, writes a review of Shaun Murphy's new CD "Loretta". As usual we conclude this issue with a calendar of blues events throughout Central Illinois.
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 6 - January 2015
The January issue of our Inclusive newsletter features a story about our IBC Fundraiser for Monica Morris & Josie Lowder. It takes place at Bentley's Pub, 419 N. Neil St. at 5:00 on Saturday January 10th. Jiggy & The Source and Susan Williams are also scheduled to perform. We'll have some fun, some raffles and other chances to raise money to help send our IBC winners to Memphis.
Join the event fun on our Facebook page
There's also a 2014 Year in Review article that looks back at many of the great PCBS events which took place last year. You can also read about some of the administrative changes taking place with PCBS.
As usual we conclude with a calendar of blues events throughout Central Illinois.
You can read this and all previous issues of this newsletter on our Website's newsletter page
The Inclusive newsletter may be on hiatus for a few months. Be sure to stay up to date with all our events on our website; PCBS Website Or check out our Facebook Page
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 5 - December 2014
The December edition of our Inclusive newsletter features stories about a Fundraiser for our IBC Solo/Duo Challenge winners Monica Morris and Josie Lowder as well as combining our December monthly meeting with a Holiday Party.
The PCBS Solo/Duo Fundraiser takes place at Bentley's Pub, 419 N. Neil St. at 5:00 on Saturday January 10th. Jiggy & The Source and Susan Williams also plan to attend. We'll have some fun and raise money to help send our winners to Memphis. Our Holiday Party/Monthly Meeting will happen at The Clark Bar, 207 W. Clark St. Keith & Kathy Harden are appearing and will play blues, folk and Christmas classics.
This month's issue concludes with highlights of many of the area's upcoming musical events and our monthly calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 4 - November 2014
Here's the November edition of our Inclusive newsletter. It features stories about our IBC Solo/Duo Challenge and our Best Self-Produced CD competition. The Solo/Duo Challenge was an awesome event held at Bentley's on Saturday November 1. Winners were announced at the conclusion of the competition. We also announced the BSPCD winner that evening. This month's newsletter has all the details including who won both events
We conclude this month's issue with a story that highlights many of the area's upcoming musical events and our monthly calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 3 - October 2014
Here's the October issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
We start this month's issue with a story about changes to our local IBC Challenges. Our Solo/Duo Challenge will take place on Saturday, November 1, at Bentley's Pub. The Best Self-Produced CD competition will chose the best CD released within the last year by one of our Member Bands. Entry deadlines for the competitions are a couple weeks before each event. Visit our IBC Challenge page for all the details.
Blues Foundation rules require an Affiliate to hold an open, judged competition to select their representative band. We had to cancel our IBC Band Challenge because the number of entries did not meet those criteria.
James "Skyy Dobro" Walker contributes an article that examines both sides of the controversial question, "Should Band Members Dress Up?"
We conclude this month's issue with a story that highlights many of the area's upcoming musical events and our monthly calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 2 - September 2014
Here's the September issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
This month's issue opens with a story about our local IBC Challenges. Our Band Challenge will be held Saturday, October 18, at Memphis On Main. Our Solo/Duo Challenge will take place on Saturday, November 1, at Bentley's Pub. The Best Self-Produced CD competition will chose the best CD released within the last year by a member band. Entry deadlines for the competitions are a couple weeks before each event. Visit our IBC Challenge page for all the details.
James "Skyy Dobro" Walker writes an article that details the changing face of radio in Central Illinois.
There's also an article about a recent live performance broadcast on WEFT 90.1 FM that brought a blues legend to Champaign to play with great local blues musicians. Another article takes a quick look at the Blues Foundation's proposed Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis.
We conclude this month's issue with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 5, Issue 1 - August 2014
Here's the August issue of our Inclusive newsletter. As we embark on our fifth year of publishing our newsletter, we'll mention again that we are looking for an editor. Let us know if you have talents in this area.
Our lead story is the announcement that our local IBC Band Challenge is scheduled for Saturday October 18 at Memphis On Main. We're also hoping to hold a challenge in the Solo/Duo category and the Best Self-Produced CD competition. Send us an email if you're interested in competing in either of these challenges.
Lorri Coey looks at her visit to the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest in Davenport Iowa over the 4th of July weekend.
Dennis Wismer writes an article that compliments the hard working PCBS volunteers on fulfilling it Mission Statement. We reprint an article by Sandy Hannum from the second issue of our Inclusive newsletter, "The Backstory of the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society".
We conclude this month's jam packed issue with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 12 - July 2014
Enjoy the July issue of our Inclusive newsletter. It marks four years of publishing our newsletter, we certainly enjoy bringing it to you.
Our lead story looks back at all the fun and great music at last weekend's Champaign Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest!
Our Friend of the Blues, James "Skyy Dobro" Walker contributes a DVD review of the Greatest Muddy Waters DVD Ever Released Mudddy Waters: Classic Concerts. We also have a guest review of the recent Bernie Pearl CD Take Your Time by the Masked Minstrel.
Adam Smith, the young blues journalist from Omaha Nebraska, gives an update on the Ori Naftaly Band.
PCBS recently celebrated it's 4th Birthday and we take a quick look back to our roots. We reprint an article by Sandy Hannum from the very first issue of our Inclusive newsletter, The Prairie Crossroads Blues Society is Created.
We conclude this month's jam packed issue with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Prairie Crossroads Blues Society again wants to thank Sandy Hannum for her years as Editor of our Inclusive newsletter. We are still looking for a volunteer to be the new editor. If you have talents in these areas, let us know, it's a fun and fairly easy job.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 11 - June 2014
Here's the June issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
Sandy Hannum writes an excellent review of the PCBS Jarekus Singleton show at Memphis on Main, she captures the enthusiasm and appreciation the crowd showed for the excellent performance put on by Jarekus and his band.
Sandy also reports on the PCBS Blues In The Schools program at the Urbana Library on May 31. Our instructors Gus Wood and Josh Spence did a great job of relating to the kids and parents in attendance.
Bob Paleczny adds a review of Selwyn Birchwood's debut CD on Alligator Records Don't Call No Ambulance. The CD demonstrates why Selwyn and his band won the prestigious International Blues Challenge in 2013.
Our Friend of the Blues, James "Skyy Dobro" Walker concludes his series of DVD reviews with the Greatest Blues DVDs Ever Released “Legends of the American Folk Blues Festivals".
We conclude this month's jam packed issue with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Prairie Crossroads Blues Society wants to send a huge Thank You to Sandy Hannum as she steps down from her role as Editor of our monthly Inclusive newsletter. Thanks for all your hard work these last couple years, the newsletter has been one of our primary ways to spread our message to blues fans. Thanks again!
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 10 - May 2014
Here's the May issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
Wow, how much fun was the Kilborn Alley 14th Anniversary show at The Iron Post with special guest Jackie Scott! Dennis Wismer contributes an outstanding article about the fun night of celebrating.
Sandy Hannum reports on the PCBS Blues In The Schools program currently underway at Don Moyer's Boys & Girls Club. She also notes there will be BITS workshop at the Urbana Library on May 31 open to grade school kids throughout the area.
Bob Paleczny adds a review of Jarekus Singleton's debut CD on Alligator Records "Refuse to Lose" due to be released on May 6. This young man from Jackson Mississippi is taking the blues world by storm. PCBS is excited to present Jarekus Singleton 6:00 pm Sun. May 18 at Memphis on Main. This will be Jarekus' first Illinois appearance outside Chicago
The Inclusive newsletter staff welcomes Andrew Smith, a young musician, writer and promoter from Weston, NE. He contributes an interview with Pam Taylor in this issue.
We conclude this months's jam packed issue with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 9 - April 2014Here's the new issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
Sandy Hannum begins this issue with an excellent review of the recent Ori Naftaly show at Memphis on Main. PCBS and the fans in attendance were treated to a sensational show. Bob Paleczny contributes 2 articles about upcoming shows, the Kilborn Alley 14th Anniversary show, Sat. April 26 at The Iron Post and Jarekus Singleton, Sun. May 18 at Memphis on Main
Friend of the Blues, James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews another DVD in the The American Folk Blues Festival series, The British Tours 1963-1966. As usual we conclude with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 8 - March 2014
Our lead story is about the PCBS show at Memphis on Main that we're so excited to bring to local blues fans. The Ori Naftaly Band, an energetic young group from Israel plays at 9:00 pm Saturday March 22. Sandy Hannum contributes a story about the Candy Foster and Shades of Blue Fundraiser held to help Candy replace the sound equipment they lost when their van was stolen.
Friend of the Blues, James "Skyy Dobro" Walker reviews another DVD in the The American Folk Blues Festival series. As usual we conclude with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 7 - February 2014
The Inclusive staff is proud to bring you this edition of our monthly newsletter.
We feature two stories about the recently concluded IBC Challenge in Memphis, including one by our new guest writer Mary Dellorto. Dennis Wismer contributes an excellent article about the PCBS Fundraiser which sent our representatives, Back Pack Jones to the IBC's. And a big thanks goes out to Zack Widup for the great pictures of the event.
We're happy to have another new author, Anita Marshall, who contributes an outstanding article about her experiences attending her first Blues Fest. Our Friend of the Blues, James "Skyy Dobro" Walker also contributes a story about a couple DVD's that should be an essential part of your collection.
As usual we conclude with a calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 6 - January 2014
Happy New Year blues fans, here's the January issue of the PCBS Inclusive newsletter.
The issue's lead story is about the upcoming PCBS Celebration/Fundraiser featuring Back Pack Jones and Benny Jenkin's bloodline. The show begins at 8:00pm on Saturday January 11 at Memphis on Main. We'll be raising money to help Back Pack Jones compete in the IBC in Memphis later in the month.
Sandy Hannum contributes an article about how much fun everyone had at the recent PCBS Holiday Party at The Clark Bar featuring Keith & Kathy Harden. Sandy as Chair of our Education Committee also provides an update on our fundraising efforts for our Blues In The Schools programs.
We also have our usual calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 5 - December 2013
Blues fans, here's the December issue of the PCBS Inclusive newsletter.
Lorri Coey starts off this issue with a story about the upcoming PCBS Celebration/Fundraiser featuring Back Pack Jones and Benny Jenkin's bloodline. The show begins at 8:00pm on Saturday January 11 at Memphis on Main. We'll be raising money to help Back Pack Jones compete in the IBC in Memphis later in the month.
Sandy Hannum contributes an article about the recent CU Folk & Roots Fest and some of the awesome performances she caught there. Sandy as Chair of our Education Committee also provides an update on our Blues In The Schools programs.
Dennis Wismer writes a great article about the birth of the Blues at Bentley's series of shows that have taken place recently. We also have a look ahead to our Holiday Party/Meeting on December 18 with Keith Harden playing at the Clark Bar and couple other upcoming blues shows. We also have our usual calendar of blues shows throughout the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 4 - November 2013
This issue starts with a look back at our recent IBC Challenge. Congratulations to Back Pack Jones on winning the challenge and earning the right to represent Prairie Crossroads Blues Society in the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2014.
Congratulations also to Benny Jenkins bloodline, their CD "Can't Take The Blues" won our Best Self-Produced competition and we've sent copies on to the Blues Foundation to compete in the International contest.
Lorri Coey has a wonderful article about the Blues at Bentley's series of shows that have started on Tuesday nights. Sandy Hannum contriubutes a great article about The Painkillers recent show at The Iron Post and the introduction of their new featured singer.
James "Skyy Dobro" Walker contributes an article about Duane Allman, the rise of the Allman Brothers Band and the influence Duane had on future generations of guitar players.
We also have a look ahead to some featured blues shows coming up soon and our usual extensive list of blues shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 3 - October 2013
PCBS is excited about the October issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
We start off with an article about our 3rd Annual IBC Challenge at Memphis on Main in downtown Champaign on Saturday Oct. 5 from 4 till 9pm. Sandy Hannum and Greg Altstetter combine on a wonderful article about the kick off of our Blues In The Schools program at Thomas Paine School.
David Adcock, in his article sends out a big Thanks! to all the folks who made the Carolyn Johnson Celebration of Life/fundraiser such a nice event. James "Skyy Dobro" Walker has an intriguing article about a change to Muddy Waters nickname.
We also have a look ahead to some featured blues shows coming up soon and our usual extensive list of blues shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 2 - September 2013
There's a lot of info in the September issue of our Inclusive newsletter.
Sandy Hannum has a wonderful article about the blues community coming together at the recent Celebration of Life for Carolyn Johnson. There's news about our Blues In The Schools Fundraiser, Monday September 23 at Louie's Dixie Kitchen & BBQ. We also announce our 3rd Annual IBC challenge which takes place at Memphis on Main, Saturday October 5.
James "Skyy Dobro" Walker has submitted an intriguing article about the legendary Robert Johnson which questions the speed of his recordings. Then Rich Cibelli reviews the great new CD from PCBS member band, Benny Jenkins Bloodline, "Can't Take The Blues". We end with our usual extensive list of blues shows in the area.
This issue is jam packed with great info!
Inclusive - Vol. 4, Issue 1 - August 2013
The August edition marks the beginning of our fourth year of publishing the Inclusive newsletter. Thanks for all the nice comments we hear from folks that enjoy reading it.
Sandy Hannum has a couple articles about upcoming blues events in our area, including a fundraiser for our Blues In The Schools program. There's news about another fundraiser for Carolyn Johnson's family that PCBS sincerely hopes you'll support as well. And Rich Cibelli has another in his outstanding series of CD reviews.
There's also our usual extensive list of shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 12 - July 2013
The July edition of our Inclusive newsletter features a Man On The Street look back at the Champaign Blues, Brews & BBQ's Fest. What a great time and Prairie Crossroads wants to thank all the volunteers, performers, the fest organizers and of course all the wonderful fans. David Adcock includes a touching tribute to Carolyn Johnson. Rich Cibelli has another in his outstanding series of CD reviews.
There's also our usual extensive list of shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 11 - June 2013
The June edition of our Inclusive newsletter is jam packed. AS PCBS celebrates it's 3rd Birthday we continue to branch out into new areas. There's a look at our expanded presence at the upcoming Champaign Blues Brews & BBQ's Fest, Friday and Saturday June 28 & 29. There's also a great story about a recent Painkiller's show at Krannert and another in our great series of CD reviews.
There's also our usual extensive list of shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 10 - May 2013
Here's the May edition of our Inclusive newsletter. It features stories about Kilborn Alley Blues Band's recent 13th Anniversary Party at The Iron Post, and a blues road trip to see them in Kansas City at Knuckleheads. There's also a story about our Blues In The Schools program and some ideas about events we're planning in the near future. Add in a CD review and this issue is jam packed.
There's also our usual extensive list of shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 9 - April 2013
Enjoy the April edition of our Inclusive newsletter. It features a story on The Diva & The Dude, Kathy Harden and Andy Baylor and Kathy's gig with her brother Keith when he returned for a visit. Rich Cibelli also writes a review of a new CD. Sandy Hannum writes about our recent blues history and harmonica workshop at the Urbana Free Library.
There's also our usual extensive list of shows in the area.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 8 - March 2013
Here's the March edition of our Inclusive newsletter. It features stories about the IBC in Memphis and the recent Blues at the Crossroads 2 show in Springfield. There's a review of a new CD, and Sandy Hannum's great story about our recent blues harmonica workshop at the Champaign Public Library.
Enjoy the issue, and as always let us know what you think.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 7 - February 2013
Here's the February edition of our Inclusive newsletter. It features news about what we've been up to and what we're planning..
Enjoy the issue, and as always let us know what you think.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 6 - January 2013Welcome to 2013, here's the January edition of our Inclusive newsletter. It features Sandy Hannum's excellent review of the recent Johnny Rawls show at the Highdive, opened by one of our member bands, The Sugar Prophets. There's also a look back at the some of the highlights of our year in 2012 and a story about the international reach of PCBS and the blues. You'll also find our calendar of upcoming shows and fests.
Enjoy the issue, and as always let us know what you think.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 5 - December 2012
We think you'll enjoy the December issue of our monthly newsletter, Inclusive. We take a look at the recent Carolina Chocolate Drops show at Krannert and the CU Folk & Roots Festival. There's some great news from our Educational Committee about our Blues In The Schools programs. We also learn about some of the great entertainment events PCBS is planning. There's info about some holiday blues music for your celebrating this season. We also have a list of many of the blues events coming up the next couple months.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 4 - November 2012
The November issue of our monthly newsletter, Inclusive is full of outstanding information. Sandy Hannum takes a look at PCBS's 2nd Annual IBC Challenge and her article reflects the fun and excitement of the event. There's several other great stories so check out the entire issue. As usual we also have a full lineup of upcoming shows and fests.
Enjoy the issue, and as always let us know what you think.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 3 - October 2012
The October issue of our monthly newsletter, Inclusive is full of outstanding information. Sandy Hannum takes a look at the recent WEFT Fest and the great artists that performed there, including PCBS member band The Painkillers, who wrapped up the party. We look ahead to PCBS's 2nd Annual IBC Challenge that'll be at Memphis on Main, Saturday, October 20. Seven bands have entered and we're looking forward to an exciting event as the judges select a band to represent us in Memphis. There's a couple great CD reviews this month and an article that offers a solution to bringing more blues shows to the area. We also mention the new t-shirts and ladies tanks we have for sale and that you can now donate to our Education Fund through PayPal. As usual we also have a full lineup of upcoming shows and fests.
Enjoy the issue, and as always let us know what you think.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 2 - September 2012
Here's the September issue of Inclusive our monthly newsletter. It's packed full of information. There are looks back at PCBS's recent 2nd Birthday Party with our friends The Kilborn Alley Blues Band at D.R. Diggers, and Donna Herula's recent return to town and her slide guitar workshop at Corson Music and her show at The Iron Post. There's also two great CD reviews of recent releases for you. We're looking forward to our 2nd Annual IBC local competition and are recruiting bands to take part. It also contains a look ahead to some of PCBS's future plans and our usual great lineup of upcoming shows and fests.
Inclusive - Vol. 3, Issue 1 - August 2012
PCBS just passed it's 2nd Birthday and the August issue of Inclusive begins our 3rd year of bringing you our monthly newsletter. This edition features a look ahead to some exciting events as we announce our 2nd Annual local IBC challenge and the return of Donna Herula back to the area.
There's also a great look at the recent Kalamazoo Blues Festival, a couple CD reviews for you and several book recommendations for your summer reading. Don't forget to check out our PCBS event calendar filled with great information about upcoming blues shows in and around our area.
Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 12 - July 2012
Welcome to July and this month's brand new issue of Inclusive. This edition begins with a wrap up of the just completed Champaign Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival. Then we take a short trip east to Danville and check out one of their Downtown Summer Sounds concert series.
Additionally, we included some important information about a few personnel changes taking place in our society. You 'll want to make sure and read all about it. Plus don't forget to check out our PCBS event calendar filled with all kinds of information about upcoming blues shows in and around our area and our monthly cd review.
Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 11 - June 2012
In this edition of Inclusive you'll find out who's performing at our next First Friday event, plus everything you need to know about the upcoming Champaign Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival and the activities PCBS are planning for it.
We also revisit an amazing night dedicated to our good friend Gerald "Candy" Foster. You'll also want to check out our events calendar filled with the latest information on local and area happenings. Plus master guitarist and singer Paul Rishell has a new CD that's sure to get some attention.
Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 10 - May 2012
This issue of Inclusive includes stories on First Friday shows upcoming and past. It also has great stories on local artists, Kilborn Alley Blues Band and Billy Galt's various musical projects. Read our President's Through These Eyes feature and a great CD review.
Check out all the news of what PCBS has going on including an extensive schedule of upcoming blues shows in the area!Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 9 - April 2012
This issue of Inclusive starts out with some very important information about our upcoming April First Friday Blues Show that you don't want to miss. We've also got some exciting news about the start of our very own PCBS Blues in The Schools program. Add in a CD review and a look back at some great blues happening here in our area and you've got yourself another fantastic issue.
Check out all the news of what PCBS has going on including an extensive schedule of upcoming blues shows in the area!Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 8 - March 2012
The current issue of Inclusive has a story about the upcoming First Friday show featuring Danny & The Devils with Champaign's own Full Throttle as the opening act. There's also reviews of Kilborn Alley's new CD "Four" and Bernie Pearl's "Sittin' on the Right Side of the Blues". You'll also find information about the recent Release Party for The Painkiller's "Done Me Wrong."
Check out all the news of what PCBS has going on including an extensive schedule of upcoming blues shows in the area!Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 7 - February 2012
This issue of Inclusive has a story about the First Friday show featuring Hurricane Ruth. The fundraiser helped the band raise some money as PCBS sends them down to Memphis for the IBC. The Diva and The Dude put on a great opening set that evening. We also had a story about the Send Off Party and Fundraiser for The Sugar Prophets who also are headed to compete in the IBC. What a great time at both these events as the bands thoroughly entertained the crowd the entire evening.
We also have features about the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge itself, taking place in Memphis. These are exciting times for blues fans and for Prairie Crossroads members. Check out all the news of what PCBS has going on!
Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 6 - January 2012
The current issue of Inclusive has a story about the Keithmas Celebration at The Iron Post. What a great time, as Keith and friends thoroughly entertained the crowd the entire evening.
We had stories about our First Friday show which featured BMA winner Matt Hill and his band, the Deep Fryed Two, who played live on WEFT 90.1 FM and at Memphis on Main on December 2. We also look ahead to this month's First Friday show featuring Hurricane Ruth our IBC Challenge winner and their IBC fundraiser show coming up Friday Jan.6th. Our President, Rich Cibelli, looks back on a successful 2011 and looks forward to even more success in 2012. Check out all the news of what PCBS has going on!
Inclusive - Vol. 2, Issue 5 - December 2011
This issue of Inclusive had a story about the Kilborn Alley Blues Band CD Release Party at The Iron Post. What a great time, as Kilborn highlighted their 4th Blue Bella relase "Four".
We have story about the upcoming First Friday show featuring BMA winner Matt Hill live on WEFT and live at Memphis on Main on December 2. We also have news about our "Blues In the Schools" proposal from our Education Committee. Check out all the news of what PCBS has going on!
Inclusive - Vol. 2 Issue 4 - November 2011
The November issue of Inclusive is hot off the presses, make sure you check out the great review of our just completed IBC Blues Challenge which was won by Hurricane Ruth.
Plus there is plenty of information about several upcoming events. PCBS is a co-sponsor of the blues events at The Iron Post November 5, as part of the C-U Folk and Roots Festival. Other events include a Kilborn Alley Blues Band CD release party November 29, and BMA winner Matt Hill live on WEFT and live at Memphis on Main on December 2.
October 2011
Volume 2 Issue 3 of Inclusive included more details about our upcoming International Blues Challenge that was coming up Saturday, October 22nd! Thanks to our entertainment and marketing committees for all their hard work for this event.
Make sure you check out the story about one of our honorary members, Keith "Kid" Harden. You will also want to take a look back at the some of the events of Ellnora- The Guitar Festival.
September 2011
Volume 2 Issue 2 of Inclusive included more news about Prairie Crossroads' local competition for the International Blues Challenge. The local qualifier is open to Illinois-based bands and takes place Oct. 22 at Memphis on Main. We're still looking for bands to compete, so if you know of any, please let them know, the deadline to sign up is September 20.
In this issue you will also find a look back at B.B. King's visit to Champaign, this month's cd review, plus our extensive calendar of upcoming shows in and around our area..
August 2011
Volume 2 Issue 1 of Inclusive includes Prairie Crossroads' announcement about holding a local competition for the International Blues Challenge. The local qualifier is open to Illinois-based bands and takes place Oct. 22 at Memphis on Main.
We look back at the recent Mississippi Valley Blues Fest in Davenport, IA, and look ahead to the upcoming B.B. King concert at the Virginia Theater. There's also a review of Alligator Record's "The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue" featuring Tommy Castro.
July 2011
Issue 12 includes reviews and photos from The Chicago Blues Fest and Urbana Blues, Brews and BBQs.
June 2011
Issue 11 includes articles about Shemika Copeland by Sandy Hannum and local percussionist, Rocky Maffit, by Rich Cibelli. This issue marks the one year anniversary of PCBS. Rich wrote a short wrap-up of our first year promoting the blues. Take a look at where we've been and where we're going.
May 2011
In Issue 10 we highlight Kilborn Alley's European tour dates, how much fun we had when Andrew "Jr. Boy" Jones came through town (thanks to our friends at WEFT) and a review of the Sugar Prophets new CD contributed by James "Sky Dobro" and Amy Walker, courtesy of Blues Blast magazine.
April 2011
Take a look at this issue for Sandy Hannum's write-up of the March 20th show at Memphis on Main featuring Kilborn Alley and Eric McSpadden. We also include tributes to Pinetop Perkins and Big Jack Johnson, who both passed away this month.
March 2011
In Issue 8 Rich Cibelli tells the story of the Sugar Prophets run through the International Blues Challenge. Dennis Wismer writes a review of Buddy Guy's Legends.
February 2011
Read this issue for details about the Sugar Prophets CD release and events running up to the International Blues Challenge.
January 2011
Our goals for 2011.
December 2010
The December 2010 issue of "Inclusive" has a great wrap up of PCBS's first 6 months.
November 2010
Issue 4 of "Inclusive" includes reviews of The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (King Biscuit) in Helena, Arkansas, by both Rich Cibelli and James Walker
Issue 3
Read this newletter for PCBS plans for Blues Education and a tribute to Koko Taylor.
Issue 2
Dennis Wismer reviews live venues in C-U: past, present and future.
Issue 1
The inaugural issue of the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society Newsletter.
Thanks to our Newsletter Editor, Sandy Hannum, for the fine work she does!