The 23rd Annual KNON Bluesfest was held at Poor David’s Pub, February 4-5, with a player list that would put any Memphis event to shame. The two-day festival was cosponsored by KNON 89.3, Trinity Rivers Blues Society and BUDDY Magazine.
Nothing goes better with the blues than BBQ, and Pinche Smokerz was on hand to satisfy the hungry crowd. KNON 89.3 employees teamed up with Trinity Rivers Blues Society President Angela Buffington and various board members to raise awareness of the nonprofit organization and take donations. The monies will go toward blues education in local schools, among other things.
The weekend started with the Blues Divas Allstars followed by the lineup of Lady Lotion, Andrea Dawson. Blue Lisa and the Red Casey Band, Jackie Don Loe and the New Blues Revue with C.T. Davis and Rachel Patman, Jr Boy and Kerries Blues Band, Big Jack and the Conspiracy Band, Gregg A Smith and JMAX, McKinney Williams, Jr, and Aaron Burton.
The E Flat Porch Band hit the stage Sunday afternoon and ushered in the final day of stellar performances that included Brian “Hash Brown” Calway, Christian Dozzler, Leo Hull and the Texas Blues Machine, and B’Nois King with Jim Suhler. Closing out the two-day event was the Texas Guitar Summit that included Anson Funderburgh, Shawn Pittman and Mike Morgan.
What is Trinity River Blues Society?
The Trinity River Blues Society is dedicated to educating people of all ages and backgrounds of the deep-rooted history of the Blues and the African American culture from which the Blues was conceived. They work to engage the community by organizing and encouraging live performances by local and national acts, as well as community outreach.
When it began on November 12, 2013, the DFW Blues Society consisted of local blues enthusiasts whose mission it was to spread the word about DFW’s rich Blues heritage throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. On April 29, 2014, the group voted to change the name to Trinity River Blues Society and a new board was put into place, allowing us to encompass and spread the Blues throughout the entire North Texas area.
On December 9, 2016, the Trinity River Blues Society, in conjunction with Poor David’s Pub, presented their first concert-fundraiser – the Lone Star Golden State Revue. The band, made up of musicians from California and Texas, included Mark Hummel (Grammy nominee harmonica-vocals), Anson Funderburgh (of Anson and the Rockets – guitar), Little Charlie Baty (Nightcats – guitar), RW Grigsby (bass) and Wes Starr (drums).
On June 17, 2017, the Trinity River Blues Society partnered with 508 Park Avenue to host an anniversary concert and tour of the studio where legendary bluesman Robert Johnson recorded 13 songs in 1937. Performing songs from that era, along with Robert Johnson’s masterpieces, were Dallas’ own Texas Slim, Aaron Burton, Jim Suhler and John “Jmac” MacDonald.
On August 27, 2017, the Trinity River Blues Society held its very first IBC Challenge (International Blues Competition) at Babb Brothers BBQ, with the winner Larry Lampkin of Fort Worth, representing North Texas at the challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.
On February 12, 2018, the Trinity Blues Society partnered with the Blues Foundation based out of Memphis, TN to raise money for their HART (Handy Artists Relief Trust) Foundation which helps assist Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The concert, held at the historic Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff, featured TJ Norton, Janiva Magness and Oak Cliff’s very own Jimmie Vaughan. Through this endeavor the Trinity River Blues Society was able to raise over $12,000.00 for HART and in return they provide free health screenings for our local Blues musicians.
Besides the annual IBC contest, Trinity River Blues Society works side by side with the House of Blues, producing and booking local and national acts for their Bluesy Tuesday program and worked in conjunction with 222 Main Stage in Irving , TX to produce and book their Saturday night concert series featuring international Blues musician Shawn Pittman and local Blues talents; Blues Love & Trouble and Blueschild.
The Trinity River Blues Society is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit organization and an affiliate member of The Blues Foundation. The all-volunteer organization is dedicated to promoting Blues music in North Texas. It is a collaborative organization dependent on the support that the community provides; that support can be through volunteering, monetarily or resources in kind.
The TRBS Board of Directors are: Angela Buffington –President and Booking Agent; Ralph Jones – Secretary & Calendar; David Iacobucci – Treasurer; Linda Burkhart – Advisory Chair & Grants Coordinator; Lisa Kelly – Compliance & Sponsorships Coordinator; Jim Ashworth – Development Director & Membership; James Adams – Blues Education & Blues in Schools Coordinator; Lynn Madewell – Newsletter & Communication Coordinator; Bob Madewell – Merchandise & Communication Coordinator; Lisa DuPre – Digital Content & Event Coordinator; Michael Tramel -Volunteer & Event Coordinator.
For more information, or to become a member, go to www,trinityriverblues.org.
