2009 5K Run Application Now Available

Applications for the 2009 Kenneth Freemyer 5K Run and 2-Mile Walk are now available for download. Time is winding down before the festival kicks off on October 8, so don’t delay, reserve your spot in this year’s event now!!  This year’s run will begin at 8:30 am!!

Click on the form below to download:

• 2009 Kenneth Freemyer Memorial 5K Run/2-Mile Walk application (pdf)

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2009 Volunteer Application Now Available

Good morning, and happy Monday!!! The application for volunteering at the 2009 ABHF is now available for download. Please take time to fill out this application and email back to ds@bluesandheritagefest.com, or mail to:

P.O. Box 118

Helena-West Helena, AR 72342

For more information, please contact Daniel Sims at 314.580.3764.

Please click on the form below to download:

• 2009 ABHF Volunteer Registration Form (pdf)

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SBBS Announces ABHF Executive Director and Associate Director

Sonny Boy Blues Society officials announced today the return of Munnie Jordan as the executive director of the annual blues celebration, and newcomer Daniel Sims as associate director. Jordan, a native of Helena-West Helena, served as festival director for the then King Biscuit Blues Festival from 1992 to 1997, when the event was owned by Main Street Helena. The Sonny Boy Blues Society (owners and producers of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival) board of directors approached Jordan in June to assist with the coordination, execution, and fundraising for the annual three day festival. At the time the society approached Jordan, she was reluctant due to the scope of the festival and the limited time to logistically and financially execute such an event, but with Jordan’s passion for the festival and community, she accepted the task and has “hit the ground running.”

When asked what made her return to the festival leadership position, Jordan responded: “I watched the festival grow from a Main Street Helena creative idea into one of the largest blues festivals in the country. I have a passion for this festival and our community. It has given our community and state worldwide positive publicity and has allowed us to brand our region as the home of the blues and allow us to capitalize on our heritage.” Associate Director Daniel Sims is also a native of Helena-West Helena, and came on board with the festival in early April in an attempt to help the organization with grant-writing efforts. He took on his current position when Jordan agreed to return to the helm of the event. Sims stated: “This festival has put Helena on the map in a very meaningful way over the last 23 years. The only way that we can ensure its continued success is to come together as a community, and it is my goal to bring everyone to the table and work towards that goal.”

For more information, contact the festival at 870.816.1106 or 314.580.3764. The festival can also be reached by email at ds@bluesandheritagefest.com or mj@bluesandheritagefest.com

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Hats Off To…

This week’s long overdue Hats Off To is dedicated to Reba Russell and her band. They were very kind to perform during the SBBS fundraiser held on June 11. Everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed great performances. SBBS would also like to give a special thanks to Stan Street, Darryl Starks and Rico Smith for accompanying Sterling Billingsley during his performance. Be on the lookout for a full story with photos from the event soon!

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Hats Off To….

Happy Monday!! This week we will start a series of salutes to local organizations and citizens who are helping make this year’s festival possible. Today’s Hats Off is to Kathy Dulaney and the Arkansas Delta Arts Partnership (ADAP). They have taken over the judging of our annual poster contest and have done a phenomenal job at judging the entries. Look out for more information on the unveiling of this year’s winner later on this week!!!

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