January 2026 Newsletter

A Word from the President

Scott Russell, President

Greetings, friends!

I’m honored to serve my first term as president of the Western New York Blues Society and excited about the year ahead. We have a strong, engaged board and a shared commitment to keeping the blues alive—and thriving—throughout Western New York.

Our priorities for 2026 include:

Expanding our geographic reach, including Rochester and the Southern Tier
Strengthening partnerships with venues, festivals, and music organizations
Improving communication with our members and the broader blues community
Exploring new fundraising opportunities to support programs and events

Western New York is blessed with incredible blues talent, and everything we do is made possible by your support—as fans, musicians, volunteers, and members. I look forward to connecting with more of you in the months ahead and welcome your ideas, feedback, and involvement as we move forward together.

Yours in the blues,
Scott Russell

Meet the board, committee chairs, and program chairs

Scott Russell – President A longtime Western New York resident, Scott brings over 40 years of experience in business development, hospitality, event management, and nonprofit leadership. He has served on the WNY Blues Society board for three years, including as vice president in 2025, and has worked with organizations such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association, and Harrison’s Playmakers.

Ray Geska – Vice President brings decades of experience in Buffalo broadcasting and a lifelong passion for blues music. Since joining the board in 2025, he has become a familiar face as Master of Ceremonies at Society events. A self-described musicologist, Ray’s communications background and people skills help expand outreach and strengthen connections across the blues community.

Timm Goodrich – Treasurer After a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, Timm now brings financial stewardship and community commitment to the Society. An active blues advocate, Timm plays harmonica in local music settings and has performed with blues ensembles, helping amplify live music across the region. His passion for the blues and sound fiscal leadership supports the Society’s growth and mission.

Patricia Flaherty was born and raised in Buffalo and brings more than four decades of experience in human resource management across the parking and healthcare industries. She currently serves as HR Director for Healthcare Solutions WNY, an affiliate of Catholic Health. Patty has organized the annual Blues Cruise for the past two years. When she’s not promoting the Blues Society, she enjoys pickleball, volleyball, yoga, and skiing, always finding new ways to help keep the blues alive in Western New York.

Welcome New Board Members

Steve Schouten

Steve has lived in Buffalo since 1992 and was raised in Watkins Glen. With more than 35 years of experience as an accountant, he currently works with National Fuel. Steve enjoys live music, sports, golf, biking, and staying active, and looks forward to contributing his professional experience and community perspective to the Society.

Carolina Torres

Caroline brings over a decade of experience in digital strategy, communications, and change management, working with organizations including bp and Cognite. Deeply involved in the Rochester blues scene, she helps produce and promote the Son House Blues Night at Record Archive and is a founder of Twang House Records. Carolina has been married for 40 years to blues musician Son Henry and they are the proud parents of four children.

Debbie Cavers

Debbie (Deb) is a mission-driven leader with deep experience in fundraising, community engagement, and nonprofit growth across Western New York. She serves as Development Director at Community Missions of Niagara Frontier and has held senior leadership roles with Harrison’s Playmakers, supporting large-scale events, partnerships, and volunteer teams. A certified grant writer and lifelong music lover with vocal training, Deb is passionate about preserving the blues and helping the WNY Blues Society grow for future generations.

Committee Chairs

Education – Open

Marketing – Carolina Torres

Development – Debbie Cavers

Membership – Open

Volunteer – Open

Program Directors

Nurs’n Blues – Fran Denk/Patti Parks

AmJam – Jeff Stromberg

716 Blues – Jeff Stromberg

Blues Cruise – Patty Flaherty

We need you! Want to help your community, have some fun, and hang out with the cool kids? Become a Committee Chair! Email Scott Russell at srussell@wnyblues.org

Events

Mark Your Calendar!

One mission: Keeping the Blues Alive in Western New York. Two cities; two monthly series – see attached pull-out schedules for Buffalo’s 716 Series and Rochester’s Son House Blues Night. For more Blues events in Western New York, check out the Events Calendar at https://wnyblues.org/events/

Upcoming Special Events

February 5
The Pat Harrington Trio, with special guest Jeremy Keyes
7-10 PM at the Tacoma Performing Arts Center
351 Tacoma Ave, Buffalo NY 14216, (716) 507-9899
Food & Drink Available
$10 cover, $5 for members $10 cover

Calling on Volunteers

“Love the Blues? Give 2 hours a month.”

The WNY Blues Society runs on volunteer energy. Whether you’re interested in helping at events, supporting education programs, assisting with communications, or serving on a committee, we’d love to hear from you.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:

Events Team: Door duties for 716 Series Concert for Feb 18, You get free entry & a beer! email jstromberg@wnyblues.org

Marketing & Media Team: I’m looking for volunteers to post flyers/posters, do digital promotion, event photography & videography, and write post-event recaps & reviews.Email torresfc88@gmail.com

Your time and talents make a real difference. Thank you for being part of our blues community.

Western New York Blues Series

716 Blue Series Sportsmen’s Tavern 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7-10 pm $10 GA / $5 members		Son House Blues Night The Record Archive Backroom Lounge Last Thursday of the month, 6-8 pm $5 donation
Jan 21	Jamin’ Gypsies	Jan 29	Winter Blues – The Smokin’ Section
Feb 18	Rusty Fisher Trio	Feb 26	Mardi Gras Blues – Funkyard Brass Band
Mar 18	Son Henry & The Revelators	Mar 26	Country Blues – Fred Vine, Mathis & Benoit (Blues from France!)
Apr 15	Tommy Z	Apr 30	Cinnamon Jones & Art Beatty
May 20		May 28	HarMAYnica Mayhem – Big Mike, Tom Hanney, Richard Storms
Jun 17		Jun 25	Jazzy Blues – Darryl Parker
Jul 15		Jul 30	Funky Blues – Tony Berkley Blues Funk Groove from Troy NY
Aug 19		Aug 27	Joe Beard
Sep 16	TBD	Sep 24	G and the Bitter Truth
Oct 21	TBD	Oct 29	Murder Ballad Night
Nov 18	TBD	Nov 19	TBD
Dec 16	TBD	Dec 17	Year End Pro Jam