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" The highlights of the silent auction were a walk on role on the hit CBS "
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By Pat Mitchellsitcom 'Cybill'; an 'Evita' soundtrack and booklet autographed by Madonna; a Dobro guitar signed by John Fogerty; and trips to some of the hottest blues locales around the nation." Mid-Southerners walked away pleased with the Blues Foundation's inaugural "Don't Lose the Blues" party. The event featured a silent auction and dinner served by a host of local celebrities. "Don't Lose the Blues" introduced Memphis to a new kind of fund-raiser from the Blues Foundation. The non-profit organization receives a large percentage of its money from corporate sponsorship. The Foundation raised more than $20,000. The highlights of the silent auction were a walk on role on the hit CBS sitcom "Cybill"; an "Evita" soundtrack and booklet autographed by Madonna; a Dobro guitar signed by John Fogerty; and trips to some of the hottest blues locales around the nation. The Blues Foundation donated a Gibson guitar signed by greats such as John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, Little Milton and Luther Allison. Local businesses also donated hundreds of dollars in services and goods. Talent was characterized as an old-fashioned jook joint cut session. The Daddy Mac Blues Band, a regular at Dorothy's Lounge, took on Clarksdale's Stone Gas Blues Band. No real contest because both bands provided some swinging good times and a fine dose of the blues. Blues Foundation executive director Howard Stovall even got up and jammed with the band on the keyboards. The dinner portion of "Don't Lose the Blues" focused on two favorites of Southern Cuisine - catfish and ribs. And the meal was a bit more appetizing when Kevin Kane (Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau) was bringing out your handy wipes and replenishing the sugar on your table. The celebrity waiters and waitresses were a hit. Even though the real staff of B.B. King's was keeping things in order, D'Army Bailey, Albert Pertalian and Kate Gooch did work up a sweat. From the music community were songwriter Mary Unobsky, Joyce Cobb and Carol Coletta of Gibson. Joe Birch (WMC), Pam McKelvey (WREG), Steve Dawson (WHBQ), The Flyer's Tim Sampson and Star 98's Kelly Cruise also pitched a hand with wait staff responsibilities. ***Lifetime achievement In October, the Blues Foundation will produce the third annual Lifetime Achievement Awards in Los Angeles, Calif. The award is presented to an individual whose life has had an impact on the blues. This year's honoree is the King of the Blues - B.B. King. A host of B.B.'s friends will be on hand to help him celebrate. Some of them will be performing. Call the Blues Foundation office for more information on the Lifetime Achievement Awards at 901-527-25823. ***New Crossroads Calling All Blues Bands - the Blues Foundation and Crossroads will be offering a new version of the music convention with Bluestock '97. The one-day music event is the first of its kind focusing on the needs of the blues community. Bluestock '97 will feature industry panels, the International Blues Talent Competition finals and concerts at the clubs along Beale Street. For more information on Bluestock '97 contact the Blues Foundation. ***Blues Caravan Be sure to check out Beale Street Caravan on WKNO radio stations on Saturday nights at 11 p.m.
Saturday August 9th
Saturday August 16th
Saturday August 23
Saturday August 30
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