Western New York Blues Society
February 2026 Newsletter
1. From the President
Welcome to our newest members–we’re glad you’ve joined the Western New York Blues Society and look forward to seeing you at upcoming shows and events.
The past month gave us plenty to be excited about. Our January 716 Series show featured the Jamin’ Gypsies and they delivered some much needed heat on a cold night for a strong start to the year. Our February concert with The Pat Harrington Trio and Jeremy Keyes at the Tacoma Performing Arts Center was a great example of the depth of talent in our regional blues community. It’s encouraging to see audiences turning out and responding so positively to live blues.
Looking ahead, our focus for the coming month is on growing membership, strengthening ties in Rochester by connecting with new artists and music communities, reinvigorating programs including Blues in the Schools, youth mentoring and Memphis Bound, and refreshing our brand with a new look and improved communication.
As always, we welcome your ideas, input, and involvement. Whether you have suggestions for artists, venues, programs, or ways to strengthen the Society, we want to hear from you. Everything we do is guided by our mission of Keeping the Blues Alive in Western New York, and we’re grateful to have you with us as we move forward together.
- Scott Russell
2. Last Month in the Blues – Show Recaps
One of the most meaningful ways we can support blues artists is by giving them strong, thoughtful copy they can use to promote themselves beyond Buffalo and Rochester, to festivals, venues, and audiences who may not know them yet. We are looking for volunteers interested in helping us cover our monthly 716 Blues Series shows, along with special concerts and festival events, by writing short reviews or impressions for our newsletter and online channels. Reviews do not need to be formal. A short paragraph, a few bullet-point impressions, or notes on standout moments are perfect. Photos taken at shows are also welcome. Marketing Chair Carolina Torres is coordinating this effort and would love to hear from members who enjoy listening closely, reflecting on live music, and helping keep the blues alive in Western New York.
Contact: Carolina Torres at [email protected]
3. Artist Spotlight & Upcoming Shows
This Month:
Rusty Fisher is a Western New York guitarist and bandleader whose work is rooted in blues and shaped by influences from rock, jazz, and fusion. Leading the Rusty Fisher Band, he focuses on tone, groove, and interaction, allowing songs to develop naturally in live settings. His music is documented primarily through live performance recordings available online, capturing the feel and flexibility that define his approach.
Learn more here:
Rusty will be playing live at Sportsmen’s Tavern on February 18, 7-10 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for members
Next Month:
Son Henry is a Rochester-based blues and roots musician known for his work on lap steel, slide guitar, and original songwriting. A two-time British Blues Award winner, he has built a global career, touring and collaborating internationally. His music draws from blues, early gospel, and Americana traditions. His upcoming release All Blues is an anthology spanning 25 years of original blues music. He hosts The monthly Son House Blues Night at The Record Archive, and a weekly Open Blues Jam at the Main Place Tavern in Rochester.
Learn more here:
Son will be performing with the Revelators (The Son House House Band) at Sportmen’s Tavern on March 18, 7-10 pm. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for members
4. Program Updates
4a. Education
No activity – currently seeking an Education Chair
4b. Development
Debbie Cavers has joined the Western New York Blues Society as our new Development Chair and is already getting to work. In her first month, Debbie is focusing on learning the Society’s programs and priorities, reviewing current fundraising efforts, and identifying opportunities to better support our education initiatives, live music events, and long-term sustainability. She is also beginning to assess potential sponsorships, grants, and partnerships that align with our mission of keeping the blues alive in Western New York. If you know of potential sponsors, donors, or are interested in helping with development, please contact Debbie at [email protected].
4c. Marketing
In support of our mission to keep the blues alive, grow our membership, and reach new audiences, the Marketing Committee has been working on refreshing the Society’s look and feel across graphics and social media. Over the past month, this work has included updates to the newsletter, the development of new graphic templates for the 716 Blues Series and AMJAM, and the reestablishment of our Instagram presence. In the coming month, the focus will shift to updating the WNY Blues Society website and refreshing the logo. We welcome your input. If you have ideas or suggestions on how we can improve the website or social media presence, please contact Carolina Torres at [email protected]. .
6. Volunteer Opportunities
We’re looking for volunteers to help support and grow our programs.
Contact: Scott Russell [email protected]
- Officer Position: Secretary
Key duties include managing meeting logistics, recording and maintaining official minutes, keeping Society records, and advising on compliance with bylaws. The secretary is a critical administrative and governance officer, often acting as a liaison between the board and members.
- Education Chair
Lead the reestablishment of Blues in the Schools and youth mentoring programs. This role is ideal for someone passionate about blues education. - Volunteer Coordination Chair
Help ensure Society events are properly supported, and coordinate volunteers for concerts, festival tables, and membership drives. - Marketing Support Volunteers
Assist by taking photos and writing short reviews of shows we sponsor, and other blues events if interested.
Contact: Carolina Torres [email protected]
7. Closing Note
On behalf of the board, I want to thank our members, artists, volunteers, and partners for another great month of blues in Western New York. A special thank-you to Jamin Gypsies, Pat Harrington, and Jeremy Keyes for sharing their music with our community, and to the volunteers who make every event possible.
We hope you’ll join us for our upcoming 716 Series show featuring Rusty Fisher on February 18, and for AmJam on February 21. Be sure to stay connected with us on social media, and if you like what you see, please take a moment to comment or react. Those small actions help our posts reach more people and support the blues community we’re building together.
Thank you for being part of the WNY Blues Society.
- Scott Russell, President
