With all the snow today, unless you are a kid who got a day off of school, it's hard not to think about the winter blues. It's also a good time to start thinking ahead about the forthcoming Winter Blues Fest coming up next Friday and Saturday (Jan. 28 and 29) at the Southgate House. No, it’s not a support-group retreat where people share stories of being cold and sad. This is the Cincy Blues Society’s annual event featuring oodles of excellent local Blues acts. The Blues Society recently announced two aspects new to the Winter Blues Fest this year — advanced tickets and a compilation CD featuring several of the performers.—-
The debut Winter Blues Fest compilation album will be available at next weekend's shows and, like with ticket sales, proceeds will benefit the Blues in the Schools program, which sends local musicians to area schools to educate the youth about one of America’s greatest indigenous artforms. The album features original songs from The Blue Birds, Bad Men on a Mission, Ralph and the Rhythm Hounds, Kayneevol, Leo Clarke Band, The Blues Merchants, The Electric Souls, Voodoo Puppet, Chuck Brisbin & the Tuna Project, G. Miles & the Hitmen, John Redell and 46 Long.
In the past, tickets for the Winter Blues Fest were only available at the door on the night of the show(s). Last year, the event sold out and people had to be turned away so the Blues Society is offering patrons a chance to buy tickets online (or in person) ahead of time. The Southgate House’s ticketing service has $15 advance tickets (they’ll cost $20 at the door); head to the SGH's Ticketfly site here to get yours now. Tickets can also be purchased for $15 at Shake It Records in Northside or at the Southgate House (in Juney’s Lounge).
For the full lineup and schedule, hit up the Cincy Blues Society’s page here.
