Memories of Marc Broussard
Everyone had to start somewhere. For me, Marc Broussard started in the Mid Continent Library in Lees Summit, MO back in 2003.
Youth Blues Jam Report
About 30 people were in the audience when I arrived, a fair showing for a Saturday afternoon. Uncle Billy announced that even more young people were expected to show up and jam…
Don’t Miss the Juke Joint Festival
Every year, blues music lovers gather in Clarksdale, MS, to celebrate the Mississippi Delta’s amazing creative communities at the Juke Joint Festival.
New KCBS Website Feature: Local Videos!
Would you like to support the Kansas City Blues Society with your videos of local musicians?
Attention: Bands Needed
Bands are needed to be jam hosts in 2025!
Farewell, as President
January 2025 marks the end of my term as President of the Kansas City Blues Society (KCBS). I’ve been doing this for close to five years and have enjoyed it immensely, but it’s time for someone new to step up with different ideas and a different way of doing things.
2024 Accomplishments Report
2024 was another successful year for KCBS and we appreciate your support in helping us achieve this success.
Road Trip Report
During the holidays, local musician Elise DV of The Elles travelled east to see family, and connected with the Blues Society of Central PA (BSCP) at their jam.
Laura and Bill Snow on Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #41
Laura and Bill Snow, longtime KCBS members and supporters, chose to celebrate Bill’s birthday on LRBC #41, which embarked from San Diego on October 26-November 2, 2024.
FortFest24 – A Blues and Community Success in a Beautiful Park
With Care to Share’s Fundraiser Blues Festival called FortFest, the last weekend of September ranks as the best weekend to visit Fort Scott KS, bar none.
Blues in the Bottoms 2
We are super excited to bring back Blues in the Bottoms 2 in partnership with Knuckleheads Saloon. We have an awesome lineup this year!
Michael Shannon Musician’s Fund Revised Guidelines
The KCBS Board of Directors revised the guidelines for the MSMF, to better align it with the stated mission of the fund.
KCBS 2024 Election Notice
It’s time for the annual Notice of Election for members of the Board of Directors for the Kansas City Blues Society (KCBS). This is a call for Blues lovers to step up and provide support to this wonderful organization.
RECAP: Michael Shannon Musician’s Fund Golf Tournament 2024
Many thanks go to the village that made all of this possible through their hard work and perseverance!
Blues in the Bottoms 2 is Coming!
We are super excited to bring back Blues in the Bottoms 2 in partnership with Knuckleheads Saloon. We have an awesome lineup this year!
Interview with Nick Schnebelen and Carly Harvey
After nearly 2 decades of writing, performing, and touring, Nick said he’s still enjoying the rush of performing and the magic of being onstage.
FortFest ’24
Now in its 3rd year, this FREE Blues festival is a rapid up-and-comer. Only 90 minutes from North KC and barely an hour from 435 & Metcalf, FortFest offers a great lineup in a beautiful shaded park.
How can *YOU* Keep the Blues Alive?
Things you can do to “Keep the Blues Alive” and support the KCBS in fulfilling its mission of supporting blues music, blues musicians, blues venues, and preserving blues history
Local Organizations Helping Musicians
Learn about two organizations that support musicians going through hard times.
Mike Shannon Musician’s Fund Golf Tournament Benefit, 2024
The date is Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Shamrock Hills Golf Club, Lees Summit, MO. Registration, and catered lunch from BB’s Lawnside BBQ, start at noon; tee time is 1:00 p.m. It’s a lot of fun and benefits local musicians!
Musician Spotlight – Drum & Dye
Craig Smith sat down with John Paul Drum and Bill Dye over coffee one afternoon to discuss their trip to Memphis and their music careers.
Rock and Roll History and The Blues
Placing the dawn of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s is similar to walking into a movie theater when the movie’s half over – you’re missing half the plot!
Musician Spotlight – Jonny Green
We asked Jonny Green, leader of The Jonny Green Arrangement, to introduce himself to the Kansas City Blues Society members and here is his interesting story.
Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival
This year’s Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival takes place on the Fourth of July at Reynolds Lodge in Topeka, KS. Opening ceremonies start at 11 am and music continues until 8pm.
Introducing Artist Ruthie Messer Wolkey
Ruthie Messer Wolkey is one of the artists whose work was selected for the Parade of Hearts 2024. The Parade of Hearts is a public art experience that celebrates our diversity, unites communities, and supports nonprofits by placing beautifully designed hearts by local artists around the Kansas City metropolitan area.
3rd Annual Celebrating Women in Blues
KCBS presents the third annual Celebrating Women in Blues showcasing the music of Sister Lucille and Lauren Anderson
Celebrating Women in Blues: Kimberly Dill
KCBS presents the third annual Celebrating Women in Blues showcasing the music of Sister Lucille and Lauren Anderson
Celebrating Women in Blues: Lauren Anderson
KCBS presents the third annual Celebrating Women in Blues showcasing the music of Sister Lucille and Lauren Anderson
2024 Member and Volunteer Appreciation Party
Please join us as we welcome Kansas City music legends John Paul Drum, Bill Dye, Patrick Recob and Jaisson Taylor to the stage for a laid-back evening of food, fun and great blues music in celebration of our members and volunteers.
International Blues Challenge (IBC) 2024 Recap
Put your hands together for Drum & Dye and Big Luke and the Soul Disciples!
Guess Who’s Going to Memphis
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2023 Road to Memphis winners! BAND WINNER, Big Luke & The Soul Disciples. SOLO/DUO WINNER, Drum & Dye
Monthly Spotlight – The “Youngsters” of da Blues!
Legendary Rhythm & Blues cruise (LRBC) #39, which set sail from San Diego on October 28, had a new crop of blues musicians on board. We called them the “youngsters” of blues music.
KC Juke house Looking for Blues Band
The Kansas City Juke House, 1700 E. 18th Street, Kansas City, MO, located in the historic 18th and Vine entertainment district, is searching for a blues band or band that …
Records with Merritt
Smack in the middle of a Westport neighborhood in Kansas City is a music store that bills itself as the place “where vinylists come to play.”
Calling All Designers
KCBS is in search of a new design for its t-shirts and hats. We love our iconic MO and KS license plates but, after about 30 years, it’s time for a change.
The Nine Smith Non-Sisters
An investigation into all the female blues singers from the 1920s-1940s with the last name of Smith.
Monthly Spotlight – Guitarist Mike Elrod
Longtime local musician Mike Elrod has performed at the King Biscuit Blues Festival, the famed Ground Zero blues club in Clarksdale, MS, Poor Monkey’s in MS, Paola Roots Festival, among many others. He’s been a professional guitar player since the 1970s.
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – November 2023
How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
Kansas City Blues Society Election Notice
Get involved! Voting rights to elect Directors are extended to members who have joined the KCBS 30 days before the election and are not delinquent on their dues.
Membership & Volunteer Appreciation Party
Whaaaaat? Free BBQ at BB’s for KCBS members and volunteers??? ALLRIGHT!
Blues in the Bottoms Feature – Ronnie Baker Brooks
Blues in the Bottoms is proud to feature Chicago bluesman Ronnie Baker Brooks!
Book Review: Biography of A Phantom: A Robert Johnson Blues Odyssey by Robert “Mack” McCormick
This book is a much better read if one skips the self-serving Editor’s Preface and begins with the work itself. McCormick clearly intended this work to be a book for the general public, wanting it to be a kind of mystery story.
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – August 2023
How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
Blues in the Bottoms Feature – Keeshea Pratt Band
Blues in the Bottoms is proud to feature the incredible Keeshea Pratt Band!
My experience playing the Open Air Blues Festival in Brazoi, Romania
The excitement and anticipation upon arriving in Bucharest, Romania was overwhelming. I had never been to Romania before. Upon arrival in Brazoi, I felt like I had stepped back in time.
Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanan, and Delbert McClinton classics on vinyl for the first time in 30 years
This is an early call for interested blues music lovers to consider applying to fill those vacancies. Please volunteer!
APPLY NOW FOR COVID RECOVERY GRANTS FOR ARTISTS
The Arts Council of Johnson County’s application for their Johnson County COVID Recovery Grants for Artists is live!
Calling All Musicians – KCBS ‘Road to Memphis’
Musicians – please consider participating as long as you haven’t previously won.
Let’s Have a Picnic – in the North Mississippi Hill Country
I finally attended my first North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic. As you can tell from the picture above, the “Picnic” might be more than the name implies. I assure you it is.
Board of Directors Needed
This is an early call for interested blues music lovers to consider applying to fill those vacancies. Please volunteer!
Golfers Needed! 2023 Michael Shannon Musician’s Fund Golf Tournament
Golfers…you’re still needed to make the 2023 Michael Shannon Musician’s Fund golf tournament benefit a success!
Blues in the Bottoms Feature – Womanish Girl
Learn about the artists who will play at the Blues in the Bottoms festival. The closer: Womanish Girl.
Blues in the Bottoms Feature – Mathias Lattin
Learn about the artists who will play at the Blues in the Bottoms festival. First up: Mathias Lattin.
Small Town Roots Festival
The festival will be held on Saturday, June 17 at Island Park in Winfield, Kansas, and opens at noon.
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – June 2023
It’s getting warmer – Summer is on the way! Let’s celebrate with a new word search puzzle! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play …
Women in Blues Lineup
KCBS presents Women in Blues showcasing the music of Brigett and Her Bandoliers and the Cassie Taylor band
Blues in the Bottoms
Ronnie Baker Brooks band, Keeshea Pratt band, Womanish Girl, Mathias Lattin band… what more needs to be said?
Mike Shannon Musician’s Fund Golf Tournament Benefit, 2023
The date is Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Hillcrest Golf Club, 8200 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO. Registration, and catered lunch from BB’s Lawnside BBQ, start at noon; tee time is 1:00 p.m. It’s a lot of fun and benefits local musicians!
Holy-Field Winery Summer Time Music Series Lineup
The Holy-Field Winery has a rich history of presenting an excellent array of music from May through August.
Monthly Spotlight – Tom “Trashmouth” Baker
Article by Tom “Trashmouth” Baker is a self-taught master blues harmonica player who has been prominent on the KC music scene since the 1970s. Tom is a Missouri native who …
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – May 2023
Spring has sprung and here’s a new word search puzzle! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
Spotlight on Corporate Member
The KCBS welcomes its first corporate membership from the owners of the RC Williams Company, LLC, Rick and Nancy McGuire Williams.
Monthly Spotlight – Angela Adkins of The Hideout
The Hideout Bar and Grill, located at 6948 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO, is a gem in the local live music arena, with a serious food menu. Go for great …
Cruise Raffle Ticket Time
If it’s April, it must be time for the most anticipated event of the year. It’s the annual sale of cruise raffle tickets to the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise!
READY! SET! GO! Blues in the Bottoms!
The lineup for the Kansas City Blues Society’s Blues in the Bottoms event is set. We’ve got the Ronnie Baker Brooks band, Keesha Pratt Band, Katy Guillen’s Womanish Girl, and …
Band Spotlight – Junebug and the Porchlights
We highlight Junebug and the Porchlights this month. The band was created by John “Junebug” Stuerke, who does lead vocals. The other members are Mike Elrod on lead guitar and …
International Blues Challenge (IBC) 2023 Wrap-Up
After winning the KCBS’ challenge in September and doing many fundraising events and performances, Mark Montgomery (Solo category) and Coyote Bill and the Brood (Band category) made it to Beale …
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – February 2023
You may feel like you’re living Groundhog Day over and over – but here’s a new word search puzzle! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below …
Mardi Gras Party!
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season. This …
2022 Accomplishments Report
2022 was a successful year for the Kansas City Blues Society; we have even bigger plans to expand on those successes in 2023.
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – January 2023
It’s a new year and a new word search puzzle! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
Pinetop Perkins Masterclass Workshop 2023
If you’d like to join us for the June 13-17, 2023 Pinetop Perkins Masterclass session in Clarksdale, MS, please set your alarms to register NOW!
Hendrix’s Roots in the blues
…I never realized how deeply Hendrix’s music was rooted in the blues. I’d always thought of him as a terrific rock music performer but I never really thought of him as a blues musician.
Save the Date for the Kansas City Blues Festival!
At last, the Kansas City Blues Society will be bringing back a sorely missed tradition!
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – December 2022
Here’s a new word search for December! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – November 2022
Here’s a new word search for November! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
KCK Street Blues Festival “Last Waltz”
November 23-27th, 2022 Knuckleheads The organizers of the Kansas City Kansas Street Blues Festival have announced its “Last Waltz!” This is their proper “Goodbye” and everyone is invited to join …
Membership / Volunteer Appreciation Party
Saturday, November 12 Score Sports Bar and Grill We are very thankful for all the patronage extended to the Kansas City Blues Society in 2022 by attending the monthly meetings/jams, …
King Biscuit Blues Festival Promises to Take You There
By Don Wilcock It’s been 50 years since The Staples Singers first released their clarion call to take us there. Mavis Staples will do just that on the banks of …
KCBS 2023 Election Notice
The Kansas City Blues Society (KCBS) will hold its annual membership meeting to elect the Board of Directors on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at The Hideout Bar and Grill, 6948 …
Return of the Paxico Blues Fest
Ever since the initial year, the festival has continued to draw increasingly larger crowds, establishing itself as one of the premier events of Wabaunsee County.
KC Women in the Blues
In 2022, the Blues Foundation is celebrating Women in Music. What a great way to honor the many voices that did not always get equal attention by the music industry. …
CONGRATS to our local IBC Winners!
Guess who’s going to Memphis? CONGRATULATIONS! Support our winners by attending their shows! NEXT JOINT SHOW WITH OUR WINNERS: JANUARY 11 at The Hideout, 7pm – 10pm MORE SHOW DATES …
The Blues is Everywhere Word search – September 2022
Here’s a new word search for September! How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
2022 Blues Blast Music Award Nominees
In June 2022, a group of music critics, journalists, festival promoters, music venue managers, musicians and other Blues music industry professionals nominated the best in Blues music in twenty two …
The Blues is Everywhere Word search
How many bluesy words or phrases can you find? Click below to play the word search! (A popup will load.)
International Blues Challenge
Representing Kansas City in the Solo/Duo category: Kelsey Miles! And in the Band category: Big Luke and the Soul Disciples!
Stone Cutters Union at Tunes and Tulips
Join us for Tunes and Tulips at Evergy Center in Topeka. Local favorite Howard Mahan will be featured! Come on out and support our IBC representative!
Genre Segregation and Communication
Danny Powell, President of the Heartland Song Network, has been holding Zoom meetings on the topic of Genre Segregation and Communication. The purpose is to bring a wide variety of …
A “Brick for the Blues” for Kansas City
When the Blues Foundation initiated their “Bricks for the Blues” fundraising effort to support their scholarship programs, the current KCBS Board of Directors voted to purchase one as a lasting gift to honor five visionaries.
Support IBC Winner Stone Cutters Union
Stone Cutter’s Union will be doing fundraiser shows to help cover costs of representing Kansas City at the International Blues Challenge 2022 in Memphis. On Thursday, December 2, they will …
KCBS 2022 Election Notice
The Kansas City Blues Society (KCBS) will hold its annual membership meeting to elect the Board of Directors on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at the Hideout Bar and Grill, 6948 …
Michael Shannon Musicians Fund Application
The Michael Shannon Musicians Fund was was created to support blues musicians in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Fund assists musicians who experience economic hardships due to medical issues …
Mike Shannon Memorial Golf Tournament, 2022
The Kansas City Blues Society sends out heartfelt thanks to all the participants who made the tournament such a success.
40th Anniversary Celebration
Need your help… Spread the Word… Need your $$$$ to put on this big huge gigantic party & celebration!!! 40th Anniversary!!! The Kansas City Blues Society is broke & without …
Save the Date! KCBS 40th Anniversary
Come party with us on Saturday, September 25, at BB’s Lawnside BBQ