Welcome Blues lovers!

  I am extremely excited and honored to be President of the Fox Valley Blues Society. It's true, the F.V.B.S. was officially formed in July of 1995, but was unofficially bom in 1982. For a moment, let's flash back to 1982.

  The City of Aurora had formed a festival committee for "Aurorafest". They were looking for volunteers to help plan and run an annual summer festival. With help from my brother, Mike, we lobbied for a blues and jazz program. With the close proximity of Chicago (the "Blues Capital of the World"), this idea was embraced and we were off and running.

   In 1984. the name was changed to the Aurora "Festival of Lights" and continued until 1985. If you lived in Aurora, or have recently moved to Aurora, let me share with you our programs. Our lineup through out the years have included the following performers: Albert Collins, AshbyOstermann Alliance, Asleep at the Wheel with Ray Benson, Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows, Blue Riddum, Corky Siegal Band, Dave Rogerts Swingtet, Dealn', Deluxury, Fabulous Thunderbirds with Jimmy Vaughn, George Faber, Gloria Hartman, Gypsy Farl, Juggular, Jump'n the Saddle, Koko Taylor, Legendarv Blues Band with Pinetop Perkins and Jerry Portnoy, Lonnie Brooks, Mighty Joe Young, Mr. Myers', Neville Brothers with Aaron Neville, Nighthawks with Jim Thackery, Son Seals, Tampa.

   As you can see, we laid a solid foundation for blues festivals. After the "Festival of Lights" disbanded, Mike "Mic" McDonough, with help from fellow band member Kevin Rogers, continued the blues promotions with a variety of productions. Most recently booking for Tremors and O'Bryan's, which attracted some of the biggest and best Blues musicians in the industry including Larry McCray, Kenny Neal, Luther Allison, Joanna Conners, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Tinsley Ellis, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, C.J. Chaneir, Big Time Sara, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, and Koko Taylor.

This foundation, coupled with a loyal following of blues fans that enthusiastically support the local Blues scene, made the Fox Valley an excellent choice for our organization. Which brings us up to date. The Fox Valley Blues Society is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. All of our activities are planned, organized and carried out by a staff of dedicated volunteers. I can't say enough about how important volunteers are to any organization. Following is a list of committees that will be formed that will require the assistance of volunteers:

• Entertainment
• Advertising/Promotions
• Fund-raising
• Newsletter/Publicity
• Membership
• Festivals
• Education
• Grants

I have been asked what we will do with "all the money" we generate for F.V.B.S. It will go in several directions.

First, there are operating expenses, i.e., professional services, musicians, newsletters, mailings, telephone, equipment, etc. Only after all expenses are met will any remaining funds be allocated to upcoming Blues festivals, "Blues in the School", miscellaneous entertainment and other associated programs. Also, members will receive a periodic newsletter, discounts on F.V.B.S. tshirts, hats, etc., as well as concert tickets, but mostly an opportunity to invest in the children in the Fox Valley.

Notice at no time did I mention that any member of the Blues Society was paid; we are all volunteers doing this for the love of the music.

I am looking forward to seeing and working with all of you at up and coming events, and remember to support the people that support the Blues and the music we love.

        Thanks for your support!

                                                                                                                 Mark S. Baum
                                                                                                                         President

                                     Goals of the President:

1.   Develop the"Blues in the School" program: a) donating books, CD's, etc. (leaming- materials) to       local libraries and schools in order to foster an appreciation of blues as an indicenous America       art form: b) hold workshops for those interested in leaming to play an instrument.

2.  Actively seek out "grants" and "humanities endowments" for local talent.

3.  Subscribe and financially support a variety of blues museums, foundations. societies schools.

4.  Get involved in the local  "arts" community, especially public access television, radio,
     newspapers.

5.  Establish a F.V.B.S. computer database.

6.  Collect used instruments and redistribute to needy children.

7.  Plan an annual "Blues Cruise" with the F.V.B.S. of Lake Michigan.

8.  Establ.ish a Fox Valley Blues Festival.

WHAT:      Sonny Boy Williamson Plaque Dedication and Festival; sponsored by the Fox Valley                    Blues Society and other sponsors.

WHERE:   Historical Stolp Island located in beautiful downtown Aurora, IL.

WHEN:      Saturday, April 26 or May 10 , 1997 from 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm

WHY:         To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Sonny Boy's first recording "Good Moming,                     School Girl" originally recorded May 5, 1937 at the Leland Hotel in Aurora.

TICKETS: Tickets will be $5.00 (children are free) and will be available at several locations in the                     Aurora area. F. V.B.S. will donate a portion of the proceeds to local libraries in the                     Fox Valley for the purpose of acquiring books and CD's to educate children on the                     history of the blues.

CONTACT:  Mark Baum, President
                       Fox Valley Blues Society
                       P.O. Box 797
                       Oswego, IL 60543
                       (630) 585-3955