“The view from here” – with President Salty Trevarthen

 

Well the blues is alive and well down under!

What incredible news from Memphis where Frank Sultana (representing Sydney Blues Society) garnered top place in the solo/duo category – 2023 International Blues Challenge. That is a huge deal for blues in Australia and the world, and follows on from our earlier winners Fiona Boyes and Jimi Hocking (representing Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society). Congratulations Frank from all at Blues Music Victoria. I’m sure you will be able to catch Frank around Vic with the Blues Roulette crew pretty soon.

 

BMV held our third Hall of Fame on 23 November 2023. And what a night! Massive respect for inductees Fiona Boyes and Andrea Marr who both gave emotional and heartfelt acceptance speeches Our new category of Industry Icon saw Helen Jennings OAM and Barry Hills inducted in recognition of their work for blues in Victoria over the last quarter century and more. The MEMO Music Hall was packed for this years event, and we are planning and looking forward to the 2023 Hall of Fame later in the year. Who will be this years inductees? That’s a big question for sure.

Our first Committee meeting for 2023 was held on 29th January at the Yorkshire Stingo Hotel in Abbotsford. There was lively and quality discussion on a range of matters ranging from alignment with vocational music schools, to sponsorship, scholarships, and development of the blues club network. We will be providing monthly updates on our progress on these matters, and as always your input is most welcome.

I was honoured to be nominated and elected to the BMV Presidents role last November for the coming period. Barry Maxwell has taken the vice-presidents role this year, and on behalf of the BMV community would like to thank Barry for his outstanding contribution as inaugural President from 2017. Barry is a champion of the industry in this State and we are so pleased that he will continue on in the new role.

All existing committee members and our ambassadors (Lloyd Spiegel, Kelly Auty, Charlie Bedford) were able to continue in their roles for 2023. We are also delighted to welcome two new members in Barry Hills and Em Langford. A hearty welcome and looking forward to their contribution with such a wealth of knowledge and insight into the blues community.

New members (supporters & industry) are always welcome, and remember that 10% of your membership fee is donated by BMV to Support Act Inc to help musicians and others in need. You also get free twelve months membership with Music Victoria to the value of $70+ Great deal!

Blues is the healer, ain’t that the truth! It is so good to see full venues, festivals and clubs with so many smiling faces.