The Volunteer Season is now open! That's right, Roots and Blues is now accepting volunteer applications! Returning volunteers must send in their forms before May 15, 2010 to confirm their volunteer area from the previous festival. After May 15th, all volunteers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis and assigned to an area of need.

For more info on Volunteering and for the forms follow this link to our website. http://www.rootsandblues.ca/volunteers-2010/

We would also like to announce that the new Roots and Blues Festival Forum is up and running! Here you can find information, exchange tickets, find others going to the festival, and share ideas. Take a look and sign up! http://www.rootsandblues.ca/forum/

Roots and Blues will be monitoring the forum, but is not responsible for the exchange of tickets or any other agreements made on the forum.

And just to keep you up to date with   this years line-up, Nomfusi,a performer from South Africa is now coming to the Festival! You can find more info on her at http://www.myspace.com/nomfusi

Have A Great Week Everyone!

http://www.rootsandblues.ca

Results of SAFMS Annual General Meeting

Joe Louis Walker

including Contemporary Blues Male Artist, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year and Guitar Instrumentalist of the Year; and a reputation within the blues world as a true blues legend in the making.

John Németh
Also nominated for Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year at the 2010 Blues Awards, and deservedly so, is John Németh. Critically acclaimed as the next great blues superstar, Németh is natural born to play the blues, belting out retro-modern blues and soul with emotion, taste and inspiration, and wailin' on the harp like there's no tomorrow. 

http://www.johnnemethblues.com/ 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ELh9h_jx8k&eature=related  

Watermelon Slim and the Workers

From smoking slide guitar boogies to raw-boned Chicago shuffles to the deepest slow blues, Lil' Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman and winner of multiple Blues Music Awards and Living Blues Awards including Band of the Year and Best Live Performer. He and his blistering road-tested band, the Blues Imperials generate a modern blues firestorm steeped in tradition and propulsive boogie that will take you on a fast trip from your chair to your feet.

 
Old Man's Beard 

Bringing a lighter style to the line-up, Old Man's Beard owns the local market when it comes to appreciative audiences. A unique blend of reggae, boot-stompin' folk and rock and roll, balanced with well-placed harmonies and streamlined guitar work is the standard for this band that loves to play music anytime anywhere for their growing fan base in western Canada.

http://www.oldmansbeard.ca/

It’s here!! The first official release of artists slated to appear at the 18^thAnnual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival! We know you’ve been dying to know who’s coming and guess what? This first round glance at the line-up is a sure-fire indicator that the 2010 Roots and Blues will present the same diversity and high caliber of artists that have always made it one of the most popular music festivals in the west.

From Quebec, Erik Mongrain is a highly gifted acoustic guitarist and Number One YouTube sensation with almost four and a half million views of his signature song, “Air Tap”.  Mongrain’s remarkable two-handed guitar tapping technique is nothing short of genius. Check it out for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbndgwfG22k

http://www.erikmongrain.com/

The F-Holes, named after those little f-shaped sound holes on many acoustic instruments, amalgamate rockabilly bass, jazz banjo, bluegrass trumpet, surf guitar and swingin' drums in a scorching concoction that’ll set your feet on fire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBW2hid-vLw

http://www.thefholes.ca/

Julian Fauth, 2009 Juno Award winner for Blues Album of the Year, is one of the most mesmerizing blues artists to come along in years, mixing traditional blues and contemporary urban storytelling with two-fisted barrelhouse piano blues. Definitely an artist to watch, he was recently nominated for Acoustic Act of the Year and Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards which take place this January. We’ll keep you posted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZarpCUeykI

http://www.julianfauth.com/

Fresh, intuitive and a hoot to listen to, the eight piece Tom Fun Orchestra has been blowing the top off every venue they play with their self-proclaimed "cluster-rock", blending musical styles that range from swing and rock to jazz and Celtic. The big sound of this Cape Breton Island band is fronted by the weathered growl of Johnny Turbo and backed by a complex combination of horns, violins, guitars, upright bass, accordion, banjo, drums and mandolin. Definitely “The Answer” to what ails you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v2lJMtNFsc

http://tomfun.ca/

Fred Penner’s dynamic live performances are an entertaining mix of educational song, musical fun and comedic merriment that not only enchant the little ones but also delight parents, grandparents and everyone who joins in with Fred’s family-friendly circle of song.

Remember this one, boys and girls? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSorJ-SMO4M&feature=related

http://www.fredpenner.com/

And this is just the beginning!! Stay tuned in the days and weeks to come for over 40 more performers and groups that’ll knock your socks off! A little food for thought though, many past Roots and Blues enthusiasts aren’t waiting for artist announcements ’cause they already know that the Festival line-up is always great. Ticket sales have seen a brisk start with Member Earlybird Weekend Passes on sale since December 1^st. Order yours online or call 250-833-4096 and get ’em cheap, cheap, cheap before they’re all gone. Limit of four per member. Memberships and camping also available online.

Don't wait to purchase your Member Earlybird Passes for the 18th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. With only 1,000 up for grabs and last year's record breaking attendance, the number of Member Passes available won't last long. 

Go to www.rootsandblues.ca  or call us during office hours (9-5 Monday to Friday) at 250-833-4096.

In the days and weeks to come, we'll be passing along breaking news on confirmed artists but as anyone who has ever made Roots and Blues their summer festival pick will tell you, our line-ups are second to none. The Festival always features some of the best music from around the world with 50 acts on 6 outdoor stages, making for 3 days of great music and good times.

Member Earlybird Passes are just $90 for adults, $68 for seniors and $55 for youth (ages 13 - 25 with a valid student ID). At these prices, you won't find better value for your entertainment dollar anywhere. They also make excellent Christmas gifts. Member passes are limited to four per member with a $10 membership, also available online.  Buy early and save!....

Roots and Blues is Now On Twitter!

http://twitter.com/RootsandBlues

We're absolutely thrilled to announce that the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival won the Best Venue Supporting Live Music award at the BC Interior Music Awards held in Kelowna on Friday, November 6th.
 
Of course, our successful presentation of live music over the past 18 years would not have been possible without our many Roots and Blues sponsors and supporters. Year after year, local, regional and national businesses and organizations provide us with monetary and in-kind support, all with one fundamental goal in mind... to help us get all those incredible acts into the Interior of BC and onto our 6 outdoor stages. We would like to share this award with our sponsors who give so generously year after year. Please check out our Sponsor Page at http://www.rootsandblues.ca/?page_id=26
 
The BCIMA event also paid homage to many BC artists that we have had the pleasure to present over the years. One of the most popular blues artists at the 2009 Roots and Blues, John Lee Sanders amassed a "bucket full" of awards throughout the night including R&B Recording of the Year and Blues Recording of the Year (sponsored by Roots and Blues)for his latest album "Bucket Full of Blues". John Lee also won in the category of Group of the Year.
 
Aspen Switzer who also appeared at the Festival this past summer won Folk Recording of the Year and Roots Recording of the Year for "humble but bearing no apology".
 
Barney Bentall, presented in concert by the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society in 2003, won for Country Bluegrass Recording of the Year and Album of the Year ("The Inside Passage") as well as Songwriter of the Year ("Hold My Heart"), while Shane Koyczan who appeared in concert in Salmon Arm in 2008 and at the 2007 Roots and Blues Festival as one third of T.O.F.U. garnered New Artist of the Year with his current band, The Short Story Long.
 
Congratulations to all. We look forward to continuing to present many of the incredible artists so obviously prevalent in the BC Interior in the years to come. For a complete list of BCIMA winners ...... http://www.bcima.org/2009

DON'T FORGET!!
Member Earlybird Passes go on sale December 1st for the 18th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, taking place August 13-15 at the Fairgrounds. With only 1,000 up for grabs, get 'em while you can.....

Recently announced nominations for the BC Interior Music Awards taking place Nov 6th @ 7 pm at the Kelowna Community Theatre include a fine representation of local talent and more than a few familiar faces. Nominees who have performed at our very own Roots & Blues Festival and other past Society sponsored performances including:

GREG SCZEBEL
Single of the Year "One by One"
www.gregsczebel.com
 
BARNEY BENTALL
Album of the Year "The Inside Passage"
Songwriter of the Year "Hold My Heart"
Country/ Bluegrass Recording of the Year "The Inside Passage"   
www.barneybentall.com

JOHN LEE SANDERS
Blues Recording of the Year "Bucket Full Of Blues" (Award Sponsored by Roots and Blues) 
Album of the Year "Bucket Full Of Blues"
Group of the Year 
R&B/ Soul Recording of the Year "Bucket Full Of Blues"
www.johnleesanders.com
 
SHERMAN DOUCETTE
Blues Recording of the Year "Blowin Through Town" (Award Sponsored by Roots and Blues) 
www.shermandoucette.com
 
KEVIN KANE 
Songwriter of the Year "Last to Know" 
www.kevinkane.net
 
OLD MAN'S BEARD
New Artist of the Year
www.oldmansbeard.ca

SHANE KOYCZAN (T.O.F.U.) and the Short Story Long
New Artist of the Year    
Roots/World Recording of the Year "Pretty Decent Cape in my Closet"
2009 Astral Media People's Choice Award Finalists
www.myspace.com/shanekoyczanandtheshortstorylong

BLU HOPKINS
Country/ Bluegrass Recording of the Year "Shakin The Dust Off"
www.bluhopkins.com

ASPEN SWITZER
Folk/Traditional Recording of the Year "humble but bearing no apology" 
Roots/World Recording of the Year "humble but bearing no apology"
www.aspenswitzer.com


ROOTS & BLUES has also been nominated in the Supporting Venue of Live Music category!!

For a full list of nominees and where to find tickets, log onto www.bcima.org then come out this Friday and enjoy an exciting night of the most talented and diverse performers in the BC Interior!

DON'T FORGET!!
Member Earlybird Passes go on sale December 1st for the 18th Annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, taking place August 13-15 at the Fairgrounds. With only 1,000 up for grabs, better get 'em while you can.

Hard to believe it's been over two months since this year's record breaking Roots and Blues AND that there's less than two months until it's time to purchase Member Earlybird Passes for the 2010 fest! .......December 1st to be exact.
 
Speaking of records, the 2009 Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival was the most successful festival appearance in the history of the Six String Nation Guitar with more than 3000 images taken in approximately 250 separate sessions while the guitar was at the Festival. If you're one of the people among this record-setting number to have had your portrait taken with Voyageur back in August, you've already received your photos by email. If you'd like to have a more permanent memento of your time holding Canadian history in your hands, consider ordering an archival quality print of your favourite photo ($40 each) or a digital folder of ALL the images from your session ($12) that you can take to your favourite local photo finisher. These images are suitable to print out at 8" X 10" size or even a bit larger. If you're not keen on downloading images, you can request a CD of your photos which will be mailed to you through Canada Post.
Either way, contact Jowi Taylor at photos@sixstringnation.com  to order.
 
The Six String Nation website also has some great gift ideas and mementos of this incredible instrument including Jowi Taylor's new book "Six String Nation - 64 Pieces, 6 Strings, 1 Canada, 1 Guitar" which chronicles the history and travels of Voyageur. There is also a collector's edition commemorative coin from the Royal Canadian Mint available on the website, based on the concept of the guitar - complete with guitar strings resonating inside a selective hologram. Mintage of this special pick-shaped coin is limited to 30,000 worldwide so order now before they're gone.
Links to online sales for both items can be found at www.SixStringNation.com
 
Now back to the Festival, which is where we hope you intend to be, come next August 13th - 15th. We're still here plugging away on plans to bring you our next fabulous celebration of music with the best artists the world has to offer - and we know you're going to want in on the fun. We'll keep you posted as acts come on board so start booking your holidays, calling family and friends and planning your escape from the mundane to the best fest in the west, the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival!

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Check out Roots and Blues on MySpace and YouTube!
New Photos and Videos have been posted from this years Festival!

www.myspace.com/rootsandblues

www.youtube.com/user/ROOTSnBLUES2009