Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

25th Annual Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN

We went, we saw, we experienced, and we were proud. During the 25th Annual Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, the Blues Society of Western PA was done proud with their entries, Nothin’ But Trouble and Bubs McKeg. NBT played well and their showmanship proved attention getting. “John the Revelator” echoed up and down Beale Street to amazed audiences. Although they did not place, they did get some offers for future endeavors during their stay that eventful weekend.

Pig on Beale was the venue allotted to our solo representative, Bubs McKeg. He wowed the audiences in that club. The clapping and cheering were resounding. Bubs was chosen to compete in the Solo/Duo Finals at the ornate Orpheum Theater. After a mishap with his guitar the morning of the event and the maintenance engineer from the Doubletree howling at the turn of events to repair his beloved guitar, Bubs took center stage when his name was called. He stood enveloped in the large darkness of that massive stage with the spotlight shining down on his lone figure. His voice soared through that amazing theater. It was loud and clear and tugged at the listeners’ inner souls. His song, “Edna,” (penned during his hospital stay last year) was the talk of Beale Street. While the others had songs that talked about “getting up in the morning” and other such familiar blues phrases, Bubs gave an insightful look into someone else’s misfortune. At the end of that wonderful song, everyone felt Edna’s suffering and pain at the turn of events that had seized her life. The room was emotionally quiet as everyone absorbed the depths of that submission. Bubs did not place first or second. However, Bubs placed first in many hearts during that weekend. The compliments were many and the blues lovers that had come from around the world shared their heartfelt appreciation.

Miss Freddie and Blue Faze, a Pittsburgh based band, was the representative for the West Virginia Blues Society. Blue Faze stormed the 152 Club. We were very proud and amazed at the professionalism and the polish that their performance gave to the eager fans. The BSWPA fans and the WVBS as well as the many others who packed the club on those two days of competition supported them. The enthusiasm was contagious!

Even though the winners were few according to the “official scorecards,” there were no losers in the lot. All of the participants scored first with their determination to give their best to an appreciative crowd that had come from the many parts of the globe to see, experience and enjoy.