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Founded in July 2008 - Southern Fried Blues Society is just beginning its mission to bring the many benefits offered by The Blues Foundation back into the Smokey Mountain region.

Our geographic coverage is the area within a 150 mile radius of Asheville, NC, which includes portions of NC, GA, TN, and SC where there is no other active affiliate within reasonable driving distance.

The Blues Foundation graciously granted our request for affiliate membership even though we are not a 501(3)C non-profit or incorporated in any way.

During this early start-up phase, we hope tax deductible donations or member dues will not make any difference to those who are genuinely interested in keeping the blues alive in this region. At the present time, SFBS organizers are preparing proposed By Laws in order to proceed with 501(3)C incorporation.

Starting from "ground zero" means SFBS resources must come from volunteer donations, membership dues, and fund raising efforts. Your help and participation are needed - if this effort to establish an active and enduring blues society is to succeed.

Current Members: 82 (last revised 12/31/2008)

SFBS Mission & Immediate Plans
" preserving blues heritage by sustaining the living blues of today..."

Within the scope of any long-term undertakings, many things such as scholarships or grants for deserving blues artists must be delayed until SFBS grows large enough to justify 501(3)C incorporation.

A first order of business is publicizing SFBS's existence and surveying members in order to best identify and respond, as is practical, to the blues Community's needs. We will be out 'n about sponsoring an ongoing music series -- beginning Fall 2008.

Sadly, we got underway too late this year to sponsor an entry to 2009 IBC. Therefore, we are looking towards the 26th International Blues Challenge for 2010. With enough interest by members, we hope to sponsor a Youth entry and the "Best of the Best" blues act - selected by and from SFBS members.

Interested members are eligible for SFBS's sponsored entry to The Blues Foundation's 2009 "Best Self-Produced CD" competition. Official Rules are online. Deadline for Member's CD submissions to SFBS is October 15th. The Selection Committee is a panel of experienced judges from the area's blues music profession.

Meetings at regular intervals will be established once a centrally-located business member offers to host SFBS in that way. Keep an eye on What's New for the lastest news.

In summary, our immediate focus is on re-establishing an active blues network in our area through SFBS's membership - AND - identifying youth and other blues artists with an eye towards 2010 IBC.

Stay tuned for more...

General Info

E-mail us --------> :

Southern Fried Blues Society
PO Box 7223
Asheville, NC 28802

Contact Info:

President: Skip Helms
[email: sfbs3@southernfriedblues.org]

Vice President Michael Martin (and Marketing, Sales & Promo)
[email: marketingmike@southernfriedblues.org]

Secretary David Harris
[email: secretary@southernfriedblues.org]

Membership: Lee DeVico
[ email: membership@southernfriedblues.org ]

Events: Peggy Ratusz
[ email: events@southernfriedblues.org ]

Treasury: Bobby Gilbert
[ email: bobby_guitar@bellsouth.net ]

Publicity: Billy Hutchings
[email: publicity@southernfriedblues.org]

Newsletter and Local Blues Events: Liz Cyriac
[email: bluesnews@southernfriedblues.org]

New Blues Music Releases: C. B. Roy
[ email: cbroyblues@gmail.com]