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Photo: Brian Anderson Photography
I am excited beyond words to welcome you for
my first time, to the 32nd annual International
Blues Challenge, the biggest blues party on
Beale Street! As a native Memphian, nothing
thrills me more than knowing that this great
organization is contributing in such a monumental
way toward keeping the blues flame
burning along these two blocks, which were
named by readers in a USA Today poll as the
most iconic street in America.
The blues have been embraced by a
worldwide audience, evidenced by this year’s
international presence, with 12 countries
beyond the United States represented by 44
acts and 132 musicians. We all know that
the blues were born in the Delta and traveled
to Memphis, settling on Beale Street before
jumping off to parts north and beyond. How
fitting that the best new artists from your
communities have journeyed to where it all
started to celebrate this music that is so special
to each of us.
It’s been only four months since I took the
helm of The Blues Foundation, and I have
to tell you that I am having the best time! I
continue to meet the most creative, interesting,
and inspiring people, and I look forward
to talking with the musicians, the music professionals,
and the fans as we listen to the
amazing sounds emanating out of the clubs
this week. As you cross paths with me, please
don’t be shy—say hello, introduce yourself, tell
me your story, and let me know what you want
to see from The Blues Foundation. I’m ready
to soak it all in, hear your views, and bring
your perspectives back to our board and our
staff as we continue planning for the future.
There has been tremendous behind-thescenes
work in preparation for an event this
large: 121 bands, 94 solo/duo acts, and
42 youth acts, a total of 823 musicians. As
they say, “It takes a village”—and our village
includes club owners, sound technicians and
engineers, computer experts, graphic artists,
hotel clerks and sales managers, food vendors,
and volunteers galore.
There are so many people to thank, and
there just isn’t enough space for
me to include everyone here, so
I’m going to keep this simple.
I must give a big shout-out to
the Blues Foundation Board
of Directors, chaired by Paul
Benjamin, for entrusting me with
this important job and for supporting me as
I work through the learning curve. Thanks
to the entire Blues Foundation staff—Cindi
James, Nora Tucker, Glenda Mace, Stephen
Whitney, Gary Kabakoff, and Brigitte Ebel—for
jumping in with both feet, and of course to Joe
Whitmer, who has given up sleep, time with
his family, and at times any opportunity for
a personal life, to produce the International
Blues Challenge. And finally, thanks to my own
family and especially my husband, Bruce, who
I hope remembers what I look like, as they
have given me all of the support and time I
have needed to prepare for this big week.
Barbara Newman
President & CEO
Joe Whitmer
Chief Operating Officer
Cindi James
Membership & Program Manager
Glenda Mace
Chief Bookkeeper
Nora Tucker
Museum Curator and Manager
Stephen J. Whitney, Gary Kabakoff,
and Brigitte Ebel (not pictured)
BHOF Museum Staff
Blues Foundation Staff
Gary, Glenda, Stephen, Nora, Cindi, Barbara and Joe
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 11