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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Back To School Blues Jam Information

Coming up, August 28th, we are hosting the Back to School Blues Jam and Wail out at Pat and Frank Paradise's Paradise Farm and it looks like this will continue to be an annual event. This year, we're doing it for a very special, very important cause...The Hugs Project here in Oklahoma.

It all began in 2009 when my good friend Steven Jones and I found ourselves in a pickle.  Both of us had experienced horrible years and both being guitar players and lovers of blues music, with some supervision, we decided to host the 1st Annual Blues Jam and Wail.  It was a great success by any measure - we had an ad hoc group of musicians we put together as well as an incredible group from Stillwater, Seven of Swords.

We put it on again this year during the Independence Day weekend and even though we were rain-soaked, it ended up being a blast and we raised a little over $200 for the Mid American Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.  So, we decided to do another blues jam.

August is a hot month, a month when the kids get back to school and the adults breathe a sigh of relief thereby.  Steve, myself, John Greening, Bill Frank, Nate Webb and Jerry Brown have a little group we've put together and tonight begins our practice sessions for the event and our set list includes everything from Joe Walsh to Great White.  Not saying that we're ready for a tour or anything but it will be a blast.

The best thing about the Back to School Blues Jam and Wail is that it is a non-partisan, non-political way to get together, enjoy the tunes of a bunch of different musicians and celebrate the work of an amazing group of men and women at the Hugs Project.  About the Hugs Project:
The Hugs Project, started May, 2004 in Oklahoma by Ray and Karen Stark, is a non profit 501 C 3 organization. We were the first ones to send cool ties (affectionately nicknamed "hugs" since they go around the neck) to the Middle East. We recognized the need to help keep American Troops and our allies cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Our dedicated group also sends care packages and other handmade items to our Service Men and Women. This is our way of saying, "Thank you, we respect you and appreciate everything you do for our Country. Thanks for protecting our freedoms".
As you can see, they are more than worthy of our support and we'll be passing the plate for them at this Blues Jam.  Mark your calendars for August 28th at Paradise Farm in Southwest Logan County, (MAP HERE), bring your beverage of choice, a couple lawn chairs and a willingness to enjoy each others' company.

If you have a band, would like to volunteer or would like more information, contact me here.

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