American Literature

On July 12 the The James Supra Blues Band won the local International Blues Challenge (IBC) competition sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Blues Network (LVBN). The LVBN is an affiliate of the Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve blues history, celebrate blues excellence, support blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. As the winner of the annual competition, the James Supra Blues Band has the honor of representing the LVBN and the Lehigh Valley at the Blues Foundation IBC held in Memphis TN from January 20th to the 23rd.

The James Supra Blues Band, along with Bluzin with BC & Wayne Smith, is holding a combined fundraising event on Sunday November 8th at the Emmaus Fire Company No. One from 1pm to 9pm. All proceeds will help to defray travel expenses to and from Memphis for the IBC where the JSBB is entered in the band category and Bluzin is entered in the Duo category. This fundraising event is being co-sponsored by Women in Art in Pennsylvania (WIAIPA) and The Lehigh Valley Music Awards (LVMA)

Live entertainment at the event will include: JSBB, Bluzin, Slim Bob and the New Electrics, Friars Point, The Ric Toole Band and Groovitude (LVMA nominee for best youth band). Other activities include 50/50 raffles, door prizes and cash menu/bar. Advance tickets can be purchased from the band’s Web site at www.jamessuprabluesband.com.

The James Supra Blues Band collectively has more than 75 years of professional music experience. Band members have been nominated and won numerous awards for their talent and have shared the stage with a notables list that reads like a Who’s-Who of modern Blues: Jason Ricci, Cat Fish Hodge, Whop Fraser, Charlie Musselwhite, Tommy Castro, Kid Bangem, Bobby Radcliff and Carey Bell. When they hit the stage they bring you a tight, high-energy driven groove worthy of international recognition.

JSBB is a four piece band including James Supra (harmonica, lead vocals) Thom Palmer (guitar/vocals), Al Wanamaker (Drums), and Ray Grimmer (Bass). These four musicians of varying musical backgrounds have found common ground in high-energy blues.