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River City Blues Society is organized exclusively for educational, literary, artistic and charitable purposes. We are a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and perpetuation of the Blues as an original American art form.

Next Meeting: Saturday August 2 - 7:00 PM
Bleu Bistro - 8982 Quioccasin Rd, Richmond, VA 23229
MapQuest Directions

RCBS Sponsored or Recommended - We're lining up some great acts and want you to be the first to know! We're pretty proud of our track record over the last year, we've worked hard to bring a mix of local, regional and national talent to Richmond. Some we've done ourselves, others we've worked with our friends and partners like Capital Ale House, Magic Hat Brewery, Bleu Bistro, 96.5 The Planet, and other local organizations like JAMINC. This year promises to be our best yet, with a slate of dynamic acts both arriving and returning.

Next Up: Lil Dave Thompson July 20th - Doors open at 2:00 in the afternoon, Dave takes the stage at 6:00 PM in a landmark show you won't want to miss. This is the real deal folks - RCBS is bringing one of the sweetest blends of Blues and Soul to Richmond. Tix are $10 in advance, $15 DOS. Opening for Lil Dave will be Pure and Sinful and Back Alley Hoodoo. Knowing these cats very well, you don't want to miss them at a Cap Ale Show because you never know who will be sitting in with them. Doors open at 2:00 PM, first act takes the stage at 3:00 PM, Lil Dave goes on at 6:00 PM. Tix are available at Cap Ale, Brews and Blues, Plan 9 Records and at the door.

“David Lonzo Thompson was born in Hinds County, Mississippi May 21, 1969. Lil Dave's exposure to music came early and has always been a way of life. His list of influences reads like an anthology of the blues. His family was burned out in legendary Moorhead, MS (Where the Yellow Dog Crosses the Southern) and moved to B.B. Kings hometown of Indianola, MS. But it was in Leland, MS, (Hellhole of the Delta) and home of James "Son" Thomas and other blues legends that Dave, at the age of 14, formed his first band. A third or fourth generation Mississippi delta blues guitarist and vocalist, Thompson has come full circle with the blues. He has lived it, learned it and now seems to appreciate the rich legacy and his responsibility to the blues, this region and his fellow blues artists, past, present and future. Thompson's confident, aggressive guitar solos combine the buzz-saw snarl of Albert King and the sweet, metallic sting of Little Milton, and his unpretentious vocals seem equally influenced by blues and soul.”

Coming in August: Debbie Davies And that's just a small sample of what's in store. Stay tuned for more as 2008 promises to be a hot year of Blues.

The Nighthawks did it again - They proved why they have a legion of loyal fans, and we loved every second. The hawks hit Shenanigans on Sunday the 23rd for an early show. We had more than a few members in the audience, including most of Blues Flash, and board members John Smith and Susan Walter. The music started at 6:30 PM and for the next three and a half hours the boys showed us how they earned the name "the hardest working Blues Band there is!"

Bob Margolin Rocks The Joint! We told you it was going to be a world class show, and sure as shooting, a leaner and meaner Bob took the stage and proceeded to show us all a thing or three. Together with Matt Walsh (how does he get his hair that tall) and Big Joe Maher, Bob gave a clinic on Blues guitar, Blues bass and Blues vocals, showing us he's lost nothing along the way. The show was so good, and the reaction so positive that he's already been booked for a return engagement. That's right Blues fans, Bob will be back, right here, cooking up another tasty helping of Blues in February. Next time we tell you it's a must see, do yourself a favor; drop everything and just show up. You'll be glad you did.

Watermelon Slim Packs The House! It was a standing room only evening as Watermelon Slim and the Workers took the stage at the Capital Ale House Music Hall. Slim and the band definitely "felt the love" and responded with an absolutely incredible show. From the opening strains of Slim Harpo's "King Bee" to the final notes of the evening, fans were treated to a sometimes raucous, sometimes tender, and always "played from the heart" Blues show, the likes of which Richmond hasn't seen in quite a while. It's easy to see why he was inducted into the Oklahoma Blues Hall Of Fame.

Live Moose II Last year a lucky few made the inaugural Live Moose to benefit the Bobby Olive Fund. They saw Eli Cook, Pure and Sinful w/Keith "Lil Ronnie" Owens on harp and Jeff Hansen on percussion, Back Alley Hoodoo and more. This year's lineup will feature more local talent with innovative collaborations and special guest players. All proceeds will go to the new Bobby Olive Scholarship Fund, with more details to come.

RCBS Member Eli Cook featured in September 2007 Guitar Player Magazine! Author Rick Rubin starts the article with "Everybody knows the story of the crossroads, where blues guitarists go at midnight to trade their souls to the devil for musical prowess. It’s just a myth, of course, but if it was true, 21-year-old firebrand Eli Cook could have bragging rights, as his scarifying solo-country blues chill like a hellhound on your trail." Having known Eli for a few years now, we have to say Rick got it right. Read the article before it hits the stands.

Volunteers Needed! Looking for a way to give back to our Society? Consider volunteering to staff a committee or function and play a role in the growth of RCBS. Currently we need:

Brews and Blues - We need two people each Friday to staff the RCBS table at Capital Ale from 5:00 until 8:00 PM, selling T-Shirts, band CD's, Memberships and giving out freebies like this year's Festival Guide. To volunteer email Greg Willard.

Marketing and Communications - We need people to help us get out the RCBS message, solicit sponsors and donations, develop marketing materials, help update the website and calendar, and lots more. To volunteer email Jeff Hansen or just show up.

Blues in the Schools - We met the challenge and have obtained our required 100% matching funds. Now we need people to help us finish up the curriculum, solicit sponsors and partners, develop and print class materials and lots more. To volunteer email Cy Taggart.

New T-Shirts! The new designs featuring a retro look and feel (and a pocket!) and our inaugural ladies "Baby Doll" with cap sleeves in a striking Carolina Blue are here! Get yours today at any RCBS event or by sending $20.00 to PO Box 216 Gum Spring, VA 23065. Don't forget to include your size!

Be Heard! Join the RCBS Google Group where you can check out late breaking info, post news and upcoming events, start and participate in discussions, and play a role in our Society. Can't make it to a meeting? Join the Group and participate! The current member count is 52 - time to stop sitting around and join - and did we mention it's free!

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Call for Articles, Inputs, Ads and Commentary We just mailed the last newsletter and have started working on the next one. We want your input. Please send write ups on a favorite CD, Movie, Concert, or an opinion on something related to the Blues, and shoot it on over to Justin. Don't worry about spelling or grammar, we'll take care of that, just send us your thoughts. This is your Blues Society, and here's another opportunity to be a part of it

Success! The Friday After Work - Brews & Blues series continues to pick up steam. It is a total experience that has electricity in the air, and lights a fire in your belly. Now that's what the Blues is all about!

The series continues every Friday from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Downtown Capital Ale House, our member bands will be highlighting the real reason to visit downtown - an unequaled selection of fine craft beers, excellent food, and live Blues in the the brand new Music Hall. Each week the tables fill up faster, so get there early to ensure a good seat.

Help RCBS When You Shop Each time you shop at Food Lion and use your MVP card, a portion of your total grocery purchase will be donated to RCBS. Food Lion knows it is important to be involved in the local communities in which it serves, and Lion Shop & Share is Food Lion's way of helping us grow and prosper. So if you have an MVP card, please choose RCBS by signing up today!

The link above will open a new window where you "Select Organization" You'll find us under "VA" - "Gum Spring" - "River City Blues Society". When you enter your MVP card number, remember to include the little numbers to the far left and far right (10 digits total). Don't have an MVP card? Sign up online today!

Chicago Cy on The Great American Music Hour! RCBS member Cy Taggart is featured on TGAMH podcast #73 - "The Blues Show." His classic "Essentially a Century of Blues" is the second cut. Get it here!

Terry Garland and "Chicago" Cy Taggart both have songs on Neil Young's Top 1100 Website. The more they are played the higher up the list they go.