Click the link below to read the whole feature story on Joe Louis Walker, courtesy of the Spooner Advocate.

http://www.spooneradvocate.com/news/community/article_0ad24a0e-c2e2-11e2-b1f0-0019bb2963f4.html?_dc=737663635518.4019&cbst=53

Click here to view a feature article by the Spooner Advocate on the Northwoods Blues Festival and 2013 festival artists Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max!

See video, courtesy of the Spooner Advocate, of the JEM Grant check presentation and interviews with the NBF Promoters by clicking here!!

NORTHWOODS BLUES FESTIVAL RECEIVES $20,000 TOURISM MARKETING GRANT

Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented Spooner Area Chamber with grant

SPOONER, Wis. (April 16, 2013) – The Northwoods Blues Festival will have a marketing boost with the help of a $20,000 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Department of Tourism, presented by Secretary Stephanie Klett. The festival, May 25–26, 2013, is a partnership between the Heartwood Conference Center in Trego and the Spooner Area Chamber of Commerce and is expected to draw 2,000 attendees and generate an economic impact of $162,800 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores. 

“The Northwoods Blues Festival is a fantastic way to kick off the summer and showcase the beauty of the Spooner area,” said Secretary Klett. “The increased marketing efforts will help the festival draw a larger crowd to the area and create a positive economic impact in the community.”

This year the festival will be held Memorial Day weekend, May 25-26 and established as an annual kick off to the summer in the Spooner area. The festival features two days of live music of local and nationally acclaimed blues musicians. This year, Joe Louis Walker, Ana Popovic, Kenny Neal, and Chris Beard will headline the festival, with others providing soulful music throughout the day. There will also be onsite parking and camping available. Funds provided by the JEM grant will help organizers execute an integrated marketing plan that reaches potential attendees through a number of media including newspaper, online and radio advertising in Minnesota and throughout Wisconsin.

In fiscal 2012, the Department funded 50 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of over $1.1 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $29 million. 

JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects, but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun. By executing industry-leading marketing programs, providing reliable travel information and establishing strategic partnerships, we will play a significant role in delivering exceptional customer service and generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.

http://www.spooneradvocate.com/news/community/article_db6bb5c0-8114-11e2-80e9-0019bb2963f4.html#.US6DQhYmgXY.facebook

For Immediate Release

TREGO, WI — Concert promoters Jack Hemming, Steve Rheaume and Jim Downey are proud to announce the Artists that will perform at the Second Annual Northwoods Blues Festival to be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 25 & 26, 2013, at Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat in beautiful Northwestern Wisconsin.

Saturday May 25th
2 PM – Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max
4 PM Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys
with special guest Westside Andy
6 PM Chris Beard
8 PM Joe Louis Walker

Sunday May 26th
2 PM The Rhythm Roosters
4 PM Mojo Lemon
6 PM Kenny Neal
8 PM Ana Popovic
Visit the NBF website at www.northwoodsbluesfest.com for more information on the bands or how to be a part of this exciting event as a Sponsor, Vendor or Volunteer. Please contact Jack Hemming at jack@windigowoods.com or by phone at 715-638-2204 with questions or to arrange interviews with Board members.

NBF encourages Blues fans and those yet to discover the Blues, to start the summer with the second annual outdoor Northwoods Blues Festival.

For Immediate Release

TREGO, WI – Concert promoters Jack Hemming, Steve Rheaume and Jim Downey are proud to announce details of the upcoming Second Annual Northwoods Blues Festival to be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 25 & 26, 2013, at Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat in beautifulNorthwestern Wisconsin.

The event has been expanded to a two day festival with eight premier blues bands performing. The band line up for the two-day event will be announced soon. Additional changes for 2013 will include on-site parking, plenty of camping areas and overnight room deals at Heartwood Conference Center & Retreat.

Northwoods Blues Festival (NBF) is pleased to announce two additions to the Board of Directors of NBF. Social Media Liaison Holly Solveson with Social Butterfly by Holly and Marketing ConsultantCathy Larson, both bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the festival.

NBF is currently searching for vendors, volunteers and event sponsors. Visit the NBF website at www.northwoodsbluesfest.com  for more information on how to be a part of this exciting event.  Please contact Jack Hemming at jack@windigowoods.com  or by phone at 715 638 2204 with questions or to arrange interviews with Board members.

NBF encourages Blues fans and those yet to discover the Blues, to start the summer with the outdoor Northwoods Blues Festival.

Now you can buy Northwoods Blues Festival shirts. Short sleeve t-shirts are just $15 and long sleeve shirts are $25. Free shipping. Get your shirts here.