Blues Powerhouse Joanna Connor Headlines Women in the Blues Showcase in Bentonville
Chicago’s Joanna Connor and the Wrecking Crew are set to headline the Women in the Blues Showcase, part of the Summer Concert Series produced by the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas. The event, taking place on September 7th, promises to be a truly unforgettable night of blues as Joanna Connor brings her exceptional guitar skills and powerful vocals to the stage.
Joanna Connor, best known for her incendiary slide guitar solos, has had a long and storied career. Having grown up in Worcester, Massachusetts, she was exposed to a diverse range of music from a young age. She began performing professionally at the age of 17, eventually moving to Chicago in 1984 to immerse herself in the blues. Her time in Chicago was marked by collaborations with blues legends such as Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and Otis Rush, which greatly influenced her musical development.
Connor has released numerous albums throughout her career, with one of her most notable works being “4801 South Indiana,” produced by Joe Bonamassa. The album showcases her raw emotion, passion, and fire, respecting the tradition of blues while staying vibrant and engaging. Throughout her career, she has shared stages with blues, rock, and jazz greats, including Luther Allison, BB King, and Jimmy Page.
The Women in the Blues Showcase will feature opening acts Divas on Fire and the Tina Cossey Band, making it a truly special night of blues. Tickets are available, with general admission priced at , reserved seating at , and reserved balcony seating at . This event is not to be missed, as these legendary artists come together to deliver a nostalgic yet modern blues experience in Bentonville.
Ozark Blues Society’s Summer Concert Series and Upcoming Events
The Ozark Blues Society, which has partnered with Good Day NWA, hosts regular blues jams and morning music sessions twice a month. These events, sponsored by Music Moves, take place at the Music Depot. The society has also announced its next board meeting on September 3rd at Gusano’s in Rogers/Lowell. All members are invited to attend.
In addition to the Women in the Blues Showcase, the society has scheduled upcoming blues jams on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, with the next jam set for September 12th. These jams are free and feature support from the OBS Core Players. The society is also supporting other local music initiatives, such as the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society’s series of events.
For those interested in performing at the blues jams, they can contact the society’s jam coordinator, Diane Rudolph. The Ozark Blues Society continues to celebrate blues music in Northwest Arkansas through these events, ensuring a thriving blues community.
