A message from NJBS President Cristy Benvenutti. October flew by like a witch on a broom! It was a rather quiet month for NJBS -- we held one event and published nine reviews of newly released music, and have stocked up on long-sleeved NJBS t-shirts - order yours here!. We also are proud to offer a free one-year subscription to Blues Music Magazine with every new membership, so join now! The monthly blues and brews at Montclair Brewery was off the hook with Charlie Apicella & Iron City featuring Madame Pat Tandy, also known as the First Lady of New Jersey Jazz. Mark your calendars for the next blues and brews on November 20th with The Fabulous Rhythm Aces featuring Son Lewis at Montclair Brewery, and save the date for the NJBS Fundraiser on December 4th at Whiskey & Virtue in Morristown - more details coming your way. Until next month, stay safe and continue to support live music!

Selwyn Birchwood is raising money for one of his dearest friends and bandmate for the past 13 years, REGI OLIVER. One year ago, a sizeable aneurysm was discovered in the right frontal lobe of Regi’s brain. An attempt was made last Thanksgiving to coil and secure the aneurysm radially via angioplasty. However, this attempt failed due to the size and abnormal shape of the aneurysm. He has no choice left but to undergo OPEN-BRAIN SURGERY which will allow his neurosurgeon the access necessary to remedy the situation. The alternative is an inevitable rupture, brain damage and or death. This surgery is survivable, barring any infection or ruptures. Regi could be back performing and touring, but he needs the financial resources to do so! Coming off of his first Blues Music Award nomination for “Horn Player of the Year,” this is his prayer and intention! The pandemic burned through Regi’s savings and he is now looking at complete financial ruin due to the extraordinary cost of this surgery! PLEASE lend your financial support during this most trying of times! ANY contribution is APPRECIATED MORE THAN YOU KNOW! Regi needs us NOW, more than ever!

11/6: Host: Al Gold, DVL Lounge, Montclair, NJ

11/30: Host: Bee Ro, Crossroads, Garwood, NJ

11/4: Johnny Charles, Raritan, NJ

11/5: Robert Hill Band, Union, NJ

11/8: Dave Keyes w/Strangeland, New York, NY

11/11: Brad Vickers with Bob Lanza, Asbury, NJ

11/11: Jump Back, Highlands, NJ

11/12: The Jersey Swamp Cats, New York, NY

11/18: Regina Bonelli, Tuckerton, NJ

11/18: Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans, Hartford, CT

11/20: The Fabulous Rhythm Aces ft Son Lewis, Montclair, NJ

11/26: Brad Vickers' Vestapolitans, Lambertville, NJ

11/27: Brad Vickers' Vestapolitans Trio + Special Guest Jerry Scaringe, Piermont, NY

11/27: Charlie Apicella & Iron City, New York, NY

Every Fri/Sat: Charlie Apicella & Iron City ft Madame Pat Tandy, Brooklyn, NY

Sponsors are among a small group of exceptional people and organizations who recognize the need to further blues music knowledge, preserve the history of the blues, and help the musicians in our community that provide us with so much joy. Sponsor members are entitled to all NJBS member privileges; additionally, will be listed on Sponsor web page and in the monthly newsletter, and will receive, on an annual basis, advertisements on the Events web page, in the carousel on the Home web page, and on social media.

The history of the blues is life with examples of popular artists - some of whom had already adopted stage names for the purposes of promoting a unique identity - who have attempted to avoid contractual obligations through the use of a pseudonym designed to conceal their identity. Can you match each of these dozen bluesmen with the name they used?

Key: 1=D; 2=A; 3=G; 4=J; 5=L; 6=B; 7=E; 8=K; 9=C; 10=F; 11=I; 12=H

 Credit: Jim DeKoster, The Dozens, Living Blues, May 2021