May Blues News
May 14, 2026, Alabama blues musician Debbie Bond will receive the Alabama Arts Impact Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The biennial award recognizes outstanding Alabamians whose work has significantly shaped the state’s cultural landscape. A blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, She has spent more than four decades performing internationally and preserving Alabama’s blues heritage. Debbie worked closely with legendary blues artists Johnny Shines and Willie King and founded the Alabama Blues Project, a nonprofit dedicated to blues education, performance, and archival preservation. Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including a Presidential Coming Up Taller Award, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. She continues to perform, tour both nationally and internationally, and serve as an ambassador for Alabama blues. Debbie will receive her award at the Celebration of Alabama Arts to be held at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery on May 14. The work of the 2026 honorees will be recognized with mini-documentaries and memorable tribute performances. Birmingham's Eric Essex will also receive an award. TICKET INFO This is a free event.
Saturday May 16th is the Birmingham Folk Festival. An all-day event 10am-8pm at Avondale Park. A wide range of live music, food vendors, art exhibits, things for kids, and all FREE. The Magic City Blues Society is sponsoring the Jimmy Guitar Allen Band at 3pm. Do come out to support him and the MCBS. More details Birmingham Folk Fest | Folk Music | Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Also Saturday May 16th there is a CD release party for Earl "Guitar" Williams at the Woodlawn Theatre. Doors open at 7:30pm, Earl and friends will play music 8:30pm-10:30pm and all FREE. Come enjoy a "Can of Alligator" !!!! You have time to make the show after the Folk Fest. Woodlawn Theatre . Check out the article on Earl Williams in this month's Living Blues Magazine, page 30.Living Blues Article All blues lovers should subscribe to this magazine!
June 7th at 4pm is our First Sunday blues concert at Elysian Gardens. Mark your calendars. Emanuel Blackmon and his Phase II Band will perform. More info soon.
Our Battle of the Blues Bands is set for Saturday October 10th at the Woodlawn Theater. it's not too soon to start planning how to enter and win!
Upcoming Jam's:
1st Friday Jam at Ranelli's - June 5th @ 7:30pm
3rd Thursday Jam at True Story Brewing - May 21st @ 7:30pm