Blues, Blues Blues and more Blues

UPDATE: INTERNATIONAL TALENT BOOKED FOR WINTHROP BLUES FESTIVAL!

ADVANCE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!!!!!!!

14TH ANNUAL RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVAL
JULY 20-22, 2001

We would like to announce who will be joining us, so far, at the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival. Winthrop, is a multi-award winner for "Best Blues Event" in the State of Washington and the largest and longest running Blues Festival in the state. The Festival is held on the "Blues Ranch" fifty acres next to the banks of the Methow River, in the Methow Valley, at the foot of the majestic Cascade Mountains. The location of the festival, places this music extravaganza in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

So who's playing? Are you sitting down? BOBBY RUSH, LITTLE MILTON, SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK, BUDDY MILES, SON SEALS W/THE JAMES SOLEBERG BAND (LONGTIME BAND FOR LUTHER ALLISON) AND SISTER MONICA.

The Blues Festival is one mile from the rustic old west town of Winthrop. Wander from the festival into town and browse the quaint shops and cafe's sprinkled with the colorful locals. The three-day event will feature eight international acts along with ten regional artists.

At the "Blues Ranch" you will find an abundance of sunshine, shade, food, craft booths, a beer tent, water, showers, portable restrooms, and a pristine river to enjoy a quick dip, or catch a fish for dinner with the blues playing in the background on a stage that was carved by a local craftsman.

This fifty-acre setting can accommodate any type of camping tents or RV's. If you are a bit more luxury minded, the event can offer a charming Bed & Breakfast or a comfortable hotel. Additional campgrounds are no more than a mile away.

PUTTING A FACE TO THE FESTIVAL (HUMAN INTEREST)

Anyone that knows anything about the blues is usually familiar with the Winthrop Blues Festival, but how did it begin and who is behind this successful annual event?

Jim Smith, a colorful twenty-five year resident of the Methow Valley began his "love of the blues" down in San Francisco working production with the infamous Bill Graham. The year was 1969 and Jim cut his teeth on shows that included everyone from Alvin Bishop to the Jefferson Airplane. Along with his love of the blues, Jim ached for a place in the country and after a couple of moves, found himself in the rural Winthrop which sits at the foot of the North Cascades. This was after he taught and studied Special Education in Buckley, Washington. The almost daily rain, drove Jim across the mountains where he became the food and beverage manager at the internationally renowned "Sun Mountain Lodge". Jim began bringing in bands and as the lifestyle became a part of his blood, took over "The Palace." A restaurant/bar where he began to bring in local bands. As the shows became more successful, Jim took over the community "Barn" and brought in his first national act "Paul Butterfield". It was all uphill from there. After many successful shows, he began the Winthrop Blues Festival at the KOA campground in 1987.

Jim is available for interviews by contacting katehart@speakeasy.org

Tickets: $45.00 in Advance $55.00 at the gate.
Camping special $30.00 for 3 nights or $15.00 a single night.
Central Reservations: 1-877-996-9238 / 509-996-2148
Tickets Online: http://www.winthropbluesfestival.com
Promotions Director: Kate Hart /Rainmaker Publicity/ joerecords.com / HV: Services in Entertainment katehart@speakeasy.org or 206-923-0104

BLUES WOMEN DO OPERA

Kate Hart's joerecords.com along with Northwest Folklife will be producing a Women in Blues show in the Opera House, on Memorial Weekend at one of the largest festivals in the country, Northwest Folklife (Attendance 250,000). We are in negotiations with Rory Block and Caroline Aiken, and have confirmed Seattle Women in Blues.

WOMEN, BLUES AND A CRUISE!

WOMEN IN BLUES CRUISE

What could be a better Christmas present than a ticket for you and your honey, or Mom, or friend or to yourself? How about a fun filled 3-day weekend cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean's newest ship, "Radiance of the Seas" visiting Victoria & Vancouver B.C.

And if that isn't enough, how about adding some more salt to the ol' sea voyage. We will be presenting the Women in Blues show. A little more salt to pour into those ol' blues wounds. Women in Blues is a collective of some of the finest women blues singers in the United States. The women have been nominated and/or the recipients of over 50 International musical awards. This high energy show's musical range covers blues from Bessie Smith to modern-day originals. Come experience this unusual opportunity to see these dynamic women perform together.

The price of your cruise vacation includes accommodations, most around-the clock dining options, nightly entertainment and shipboard activities.

For more information, contact katehart@speakeasy.org Rainmaker Publicity