Bluzapalooza Concert Series held at Camp Liberty. A video from LiveLeak.com...CLICK BELOW
"The blues is all about feeling good when you're feeling bad and that's exactly the message that we are bringing to our troops; no matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, no matter how you are feeling, the blues will make you feel better." Steve Simon, Producer
"Some people think it's ironic we're bringing the blues to the troops. Don't they have enough already? But the blues is really joyous music. And this tour is going to be one joyous party." John Hahn, Producer
“It’s all about the soldiers. Thousands of miles from home doing their duty. Whether you support the war or not, these are our young uns.” Bobby Rush, Performer
"This great American art form called Blues Music is all about surviving and celebrating that we do! It's about getting through to the other side of whatever struggle you happen to be in. Blues is the music of the people. I can't think of a better message to try to carry to the men and women in Iraq. Hang on, hang on, we will get through this and come out the other side. We will see you home soon!" Janiva Magness, Performer
"Protecting this great nation's interest abroad and defending our country is what the men and women of our American troops have been called to do. They serve PROUD AND STRONG…. Music is what I do and what I am. To be called to serve the troops as a musician and entertainer is a real blessing - the chance of a lifetime. I’m gonna give 'em everything I got because that's what they're giving me and this country!" Billy Gibson, Performer
L to R: Bobby Rush, Janiva Magness, John Hahn, Steve Simon, Billy Gibson, Tony Braunagel (photo courtesy of Mark Goodman)
BLUZAPALOOZA, the first Blues concert tour to go to a war zone, has just returned home victorious after its inaugural 9 day tour of military bases in Iraq and Kuwait.
“Mission Accomplished!” stated BLUZAPALOOZA creator and producer Steve Simon.
“We gave our troops a Blues experience that they will always remember and our troops gave us a life experience that we will never forget,” Simon said.
Created by Blues producers Steve Simon and John Hahn and presented by Armed Forces Entertainment, this inaugural BLUZAPALOOZA tour starred Blues icon and four-time Blues Music Awards (BMA) nominee Bobby Rush, two-time BMA Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year Janiva Magness, Beale Street Entertainer of the Year Billy Gibson, and Tony Braunagel from The Phantom Blues Band who headed up the BLUZAPALOOZA All-Stars Blues Band.
"BLUZAPALOOZA was the most exciting and inspiring blues experience of my life. I was so touched by our troops. I can’t wait to go back,” stated John Hahn, co-producer of BLUZAPALOOZA.
Plans are well under way to return to Iraq and Kuwait in October for BLUZAPALOOZA II starring Shemekia Copeland and in December for a huge BLUZAPALOOZA CHRISTMAS CONCERT.
This inaugural BLUZAPALOOZA tour was made possible with the help of Armed Forces Entertainment, The Blues Foundation, Blind Raccoon, Blues Revue, Gibson Guitars, Alligator Records, NorthernBlues Music, Delta Groove Records, Blind Pig Records, Hohner Harmonicas, Telarc Records, Sony Corporation and Ruf Records.
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For further information contact Steve Simon at SteveSimonLive@yahoo.com or at 340-643-6475
Thanks for the invite! The Blues Phoenix appreciates it! Swing by our site here, if you get a chance, and check out the tunes, the pix, etc, and leave us a comment and let us know what you think. Thanks. And, as a vet, thanks for supporting our troops!Peace!
Thanks for the invite. I really dig your music. Very cool. Thanks for supporting the troops and sending a message of love and peace via the Blues. All the best. Peace, Love and Blessings to all.
Thanks for finding us ....it is a great thing you do to support the troops overseas. We wish you continued blessings in your efforts ! The SOME x 6 Band
thank you for bringing the music to the troops....patriotic thing to do....i support our troops 100%....god bless them for answering when their country called...
How cool is it that musicians like you take the time to entertain our troops overseas?!?! If there's ever anything we can do to help in that endeavor, we'd love to! Let us know if you're ever in Atlanta. Thanks for what you do!
Jimmy (Proud Uncle of a US Army Ranger...AND SHE (YES SHE) CAN SING!)
Hello ! Thank you so much for the invitation and the friend request . I am a veteran of the Vietnam conflict and "still kickin in the stall Y'all". LOL to you from San Francisco California and to all blues fans all over the globe. Gald the tour was a success, would have loved to be there with Bobby Rush.
Just another blues boy trying to find his way home. Best Regards Eddie Neon
Hello , Thank you for your friendship and support, it's greatly appreciated! Your invited to come by and sign our new G.R.I.T.S. World Guest Book. It is a rectangle under our calendar of events on the upper righthand side. Upload a picture and say 'Hi!' Please come through anytime. Have a plum pleasing, fantastic day! -The Sledge G.R.I.T.S. Band GIRLS Raised in the South Keiko and Kariel, Mimi and Bo-pah Sledge!
