The Ozark Blues Society was formed in May 2001 and incorporated as the Ozark Blues Society of NW Arkansas, Inc., a non-profit organization, on 1/15/2002.  The Society was approved as a 501(c)(3) public charity on 5/6/2002.  Ozark Blues Society is staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers.

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the Ozark Blues Society is to foster the development in the community of an appreciation of all types of blues music by promoting and producing meetings, lectures, seminars, concerts, musical productions and entertainment involving the blues; to promote public knowledge of local, national, and international blues music; and to promote historical research into blues music in order to perpetuate the memory, spirit, and music of blues artists who have not received just popular recognition.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

¨      Successfully produced/presented annual Blues in the Natural State Festivals since 2002.

¨      Hosted monthly jams at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville

¨      Produces/promotes Blues Series concert events

¨      Donated blues resource materials to Fayetteville Public Library

¨      Initiated Blues in The Schools partnership with Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club

¨      Annually holds battle of the bands competition and sponsors the winning local band and Solo/Duo performers to compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis

¨      Publishes organization's website at www.ozarkbluessociety.org & MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/ozarkbluessociety

¨      Submits grant applications to obtain funds for the educational portion of Blues in the Natural State Festivals and Blues in the Schools program.