A Web Full of Blues

It's kind of funny how something as down-home as the Blues translates on the World Wide Web. Unlike many rock or alternative artists, Blues artists, in general, are not as computer savvy as their musical grandkids. But Blues fans sure are. In a genre of American music that has been largely ignored by big record companies, fans all over are using the grass-roots tools of the Web to delve into the music they like as opposed to the music shoved down their throats by corporate radio and recording entities.

In the process, Blues Fans are:

• Able to keep up with their favorite artists who don't get the high-dollar publicity necessary for a commercial hit. Before, most fans had to wait until an artist came through town to get the latest news. Now, fans can look up the artist's performance dates and hit the road to see their favorite act that never makes it to their town. A Blues fan can certainly put together a great Blues vacation using the Web.
  
• Connecting with other fans who are scattered all over the world. The Blues is not just for America anymore, the whole world has them and loves them. Societies are popping up in Sweden, Holland, and Norway. Mailing lists and bulletin boards swap stories, news, and recordings while Web-proficient fans crank out tribute sites superior to the lame official sites some record companies post for their artists. CD reviews are now written by fans, not a paid arts and entertainment critics (like me!). The Blues can handle this type of reality.
  
• Discovering new artists without the help of some radio program manager. With few exceptions, commercial radio has been no help to the Blues since the 1950's. Stevie Ray, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and maybe Robert Cray have benefited from radio play. Rod Piazza, "Gatemouth" Brown, Buddy Guy, and a host of others have not. But once again the Web comes to the rescue with Blues WebCasts, Internet Radio, and the ultimate, mp3.com. With mp3.com and other sites such as rollingstone.com and riffage.com, Blues artists can post their very own recordings for fans to download in the mp3 format for free or for a measley dollar per tune. There are literally thousands of new and established artists posting to these sites. That should keep you busy.
  
• Forming societies to promote the Blues when nobody else will. Concert promoters looking for the big profit ignore Blues artists. Nowadays it takes a Blues society or organization to stage a large Blues show. Usually at a loss. But ya gots to pays your dues if you want to hears the Blues. Many societies now are working with corporations, schools, and charities to throw shows that not only are a gas, but help the community. The Ottawa Bluesfest uses it's profits to fund an apartment complex for the homeless. You won't see groovyness like that with profits from a Marylyn Manson show.

Become a Blues Champion

A "Blues Champion" can be a Blues musician, fan, festival promoter, club owner, record store owner, instrument collector, disc jockey, historian, or anyone for that matter that believes the Blues are a timeless part of this country's heritage and deserve to be not only preserved but nurtured for the future. Are you a Blues Champion?