Helping To Keep The Blues Alive In Minnesota Since 2002
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Upcoming Blues Society Events
- Next regular MnBS Board Meeting, 6:30 pm, Thursday, February 11, via Zoom.
![]() The past year of 2020 was tumultuous and confusing. Many friends were lost. We would be remiss if we failed to mention the passing of Clem Duffy, a great friend to the MnBS and the blues community. He somehow slipped past us in May of 2020. — Jake Jacobson "Duffy, Clement T. Age 94 of Minneapolis, MN passed away peacefully on May 14, 2020 at Sunrise in Edina. Clem was born March 13, 1926, in Albert Lea, Minnesota and was the oldest of five children. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II. Subsequent to his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in June 1947, he attended Northwestern University on the G.I. Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating from Northwestern, he embarked on what would be a 70-year career in the insurance industry, making lifelong friends and earning awards along the way. He worked for Washington National, Mutual of Omaha and then, at the age of 60, he started his own health insurance agency, the Duffy Agency. He loved his work and cared for his clients. He finally retired at the age of 91, after repeated prompts from his family. Clem lived in the River Towers in Downtown Minneapolis for over 50-years. He was known for his jokes, stories and warm smile. He was kind and generous, helping both individuals and several organizations, ranging from the American Refugee Committee to the World Wildlife Fund. For 45 years he organized an annual holiday party for his neighbors in the Towers. Admission to the party required the donation of a new toy or a monetary donation to the Extraordinary Kids Fund, to benefit the young boys and girls being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center. This resulted in Clem being the 2013 recipient of HCMC's Guiding Light Award for Generosity. Clem's journey included two prior marriages, Jane Hockert (deceased) and Sue (Gilbertsen) Duffy, friendships of over 70-years, very close relationships with all his siblings and being a loving father and grandfather. Clem loved all things Irish, chocolate and music, especially the Blues. His love of the Blues resulted in friendships with many musicians, including Jonny Lang and members of the Lamont Cranston Band. He frequently espoused that in life 'when someone hand's you a lemon, make lemonade.' When recently asked what he'd like his grandchildren to know about life, he responded, 'Be kind to everyone. It's the people and experiences you have with them that matter most.' Clem is survived by his sons, Dr. Michael (Donna) Duffy, Tim (Missy) Duffy, Jon (Lindsey) Gilbertsen, siblings Eileen Lujan, Harold (Mary) Duffy, Morris (Helen) Duffy, sister-in-law, Margaret Duffy, grandchildren, David, Daniella, Keegan, Finnegan, Macgregor, Finn and Ike, and several adoring nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Duffy and Elizabeth (Tennis) Duffy, brother Leo Duffy and brother-in-law, Joseph Lujan. Due to current circumstances beyond our control, there will be a private ceremony for immediate family only at 10:00am, May 30, 2020 at St. Olaf's Catholic Church in Minneapolis. However, there will be a larger celebration of Clem and his life, once it is safe to do so for everyone, on another date and location TBD. Clem will be dearly missed but we are grateful for the many years we were able to share. For those interested in making a donation on behalf of Clem's cause: Extraordinary Kids Fund, HennepinHealthcare.org Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996" Published on May 24, 2020 in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune |
(01/15/21)
Call for Musicians

Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon trail is an Art Cafe that strives to connect food, art, community, and nature right off the Lake Wobegon Trail in Holdingford, MN. Art in Motion hosted several socially distant live music performances outside on Saturday nights in 2020. They were well attended, greatly enjoyed by all, and inspired plans for a full season of music in 2021. Art in Motion is currently seeking fresh, unique, and timeless musicians to entertain on their patio this upcoming summer. Art in Motion does take cover charges for patio performances and musicians will be paid for their work.
Musicians can learn more and answer the call at:
Art in Motion
This Application will close on January 30th at 5 pm Central Time.
(1/4/2021)
Blasts from the Past!
Minnesota Blues Society KBA inductee Jake Jacobson has pored over numerous photos that he and others have taken of past MnBS events. He has created slideshows from many of them. For an enjoyable trip down memory lane, please check out these blasts from the past.
(1/4/2021)
Here's another way to
support blues musicians!
Read about "Can't Stop The Blues."
Go to the Can't Stop The Blues Facebook page.
(11/22/2020)
Please Help Save Independent Music Venues! As you doubtless understand, many music venues are struggling to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic. The U.S. Congress has provided financial support for many individuals and organizations during this time. The Minnesota Blues Society encourages you to ask Congress to provide support to save independent music venues and thereby the future of local live music around our country. You can do so through the National Independent Venue Association at the "Save Our Stages" link below. Thank you for supporting the Blues and all live music! |
(07/26/2020)
Be sure to check our new or updated content:
- Joe Flip @ Live Streaming Show, Jan. 25
- Jaybee & the Routine @ Minnesota Music Cafe, Jan. 27
- Scottie Miller @ Crooners Lounge & Supper Club, Jan. 29
- GB Leighton @ Minnesota Music Cafe, Jan. 29
- High & Mighty @ Minnesota Music Cafe, Jan. 30
- Tom Hunter @ Minnetonka United Methodist Church online, Jan. 31
- Charlie Parr @ Live Streaming Show, Jan. 31
![]() Joe Flip @ Live Streaming Show Monday, January 25, 7:30 pm |
![]() Jaybee & the Routine @ Minnesota Music Cafe Wednesday, January 27, 6 pm |
![]() Scottie Miller @ Crooners Lounge & Supper Club Friday, January 29, 8:30 pm |
![]() GB Leighton @ Minnesota Music Cafe Friday, January 29, 9:30 pm |
![]() High & Mighty @ Minnesota Music Cafe Saturday, January 30, 7 pm |
![]() Tom Hunter @ Minnetonka United Methodist Church Sunday, January 31, 10:45 am |
![]() Charlie Parr @ Live Streaming Show Sunday, January 31, 8 pm |
(1/24/21)
Join or Renew Your
Minnesota Blues Society Membership Online Now!
Say "Hi" To The Bands
& Tell 'Em You Saw Their Gig Here!
Check the Online Calendar for the most-up-to-date listings:
We can make no claims as to the accuracy of this calendar.
Always check with the musicians or venues when in doubt.
Please send your future gigs to , not Facebook. Deadline for publication in the Monday Blues Notes is Thursday prior to publication. Thanks, The Web Team
Sunday, January 24, 2021 | |||
8:00 PM | Blues Radio International - Hillsboro Beach, FL | 2019 Blues Foundation, Keeping The Blues Alive Award recipient | |
8:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | IDA MAE- A WINTHROP R&B PRESENTATION | |
9:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | PINETOP PERKINS MASTERCLASS - VIRTUAL COLLABORATION SHOWCASE | |
5:00 PM | Dubliner Pub - St Paul, MN | Alexander Craig TAFKA Crankshaft | |
7:00 PM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blues Before Monday - KMSU Radio The cure for your end of the weekend blues | |
8:00 PM | Live Streaming Show - Internet, USA | Charlie Parr Charlie Parr + friends Sunday Residency Livestream-First Avenue | |
10:45 AM | Minnetonka United Methodist Church - Minnetonka, MN | Tom Hunter | |
10:00 AM | WHYS Radio - Eau Claire, WI | Blues On Sunday w/ Snapshot Best station in the valley | |
Monday, January 25, 2021 | |||
11:00 AM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Blue Monday in Chicago host Nancy Rice | |
1:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | Check events anytime - awash in previously unknown talent. | |
10:00 PM | KFAI Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Spin with Cyn - KFAI Radio with Cyn Collins - Eclectic, Rock, Roots | |
6:00 PM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blue Monday - KMSU Radio Hosted by Mark Halverson (Marconi M. Milquetoast) | |
7:30 PM | Live Streaming Show - Internet, USA | Joe Flip Every Monday at 7:30pm - https://www.facebook.com/JoeFlipMusic/live | |
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | |||
1:00 PM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Keeping the Blues Alive hosted by The Mighty Quinn | |
8:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | MINDI ABAIR’S WINE+MUSIC SESSIONS | |
10:00 AM | KFAI Radio - Minneapolis, MN | East of Here, West of Now - KFAI Radio with Jackson Buck and Nicholas David - Americana, Blues, Funk, Gospel, R&B, Rock, Soul | |
2:00 PM | KFAI Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Songs of the Soul - KFAI Radio with Lady J - Arts & Culture, Blues, Jazz, Roots | |
11:30 AM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blues Break - KMSU Radio Your midday Blues oasis | |
7:00 PM | Wilebski's Blues Saloon - St Paul, MN | The Wilebski's Jam and Dance' | |
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | |||
6:00 PM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Keeping the Blues Alive hosted by The Mighty Quinn | |
8:00 PM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Blind Boys Blues Hour with Host Kenny Coleman | |
12:00 PM | KFAI Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Big Blue Train - KFAI Radio with Mark Slim Stevens - Filled with 16 Tons of Blues, Soul, Roots Rock 'n Roll -- Always available on the Web | |
4:00 PM | KFAI Radio - Minneapolis, MN | House Party - KFAI Radio with Harold Tremblay - Harold brings a mix of new and old blues, roots/Americana and more. Weekly live in studio performances, interviews and the “What’s Happenin'” music calendar. | |
11:30 AM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blues Break - KMSU Radio Your midday Blues oasis | |
6:00 PM | Minnesota Music Cafe - St Paul, MN | Jaybee & the Routine After Work Sizzle featuring Jellybean Johnson | |
6:00 PM | Welsch's Big Ten Tavern - Arden Hills, MN | Red Hot Rock N Blues Jam hosted by Jimmy Love | |
Thursday, January 28, 2021 | |||
8:30 PM | Blues Radio International - Hillsboro Beach, FL | 2019 Blues Foundation, Keeping The Blues Alive Award recipient | |
1:00 PM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Keeping the Blues Alive hosted by The Mighty Quinn | |
8:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | MARCUS TRUMMER BAND - LIVE FROM THE BLUES CAN | |
9:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | DIRTY CELLO - NOT YOUR GRANDPA'S CELLO | |
4:00 PM | KFAI Radio - Minneapolis, MN | FreeWheelin' - KFAI Radio with Jackson Buck - American, Blues, Country Folk, Rhythm & Blues | |
11:30 AM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blues Break - KMSU Radio Your midday Blues oasis | |
5:00 PM | KUMD Radio - Duluth, MN | Beale Street Caravan - KUMD Radio Also on Saturdays at 3 PM | |
7:00 PM | Minnesota Music Cafe - St Paul, MN | Smilin Cowboys with Mary Elias opening 5-7pm | |
Friday, January 29, 2021 | |||
8:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | KRISTINE JACKSON- HANGIN' AT KJ'S | |
9:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | THE BASEMENT SESSIONS | |
8:30 PM | Crooners Lounge & Supper Club - Fridley, MN | Scottie Miller Solo - Poetry and Piano in the Dunsmore Room | |
7:00 PM | KBEM Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Bridge to the Blues - KBEM Radio with Bobby Vandell - Blues and allied styles, focusing on the 1970s to the present | |
9:00 PM | KBEM Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Bluesville - KBEM Radio with Kevin Barnes - Showcasing a wide range of local, national and international Blues and R&B artists | |
11:00 PM | KBEM Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Smokestack Lightnin' - KBEM Radio with Tommy Thompson, Paul Newnum, Rob McKinney & Marvin Rooks - the team presents ‘The Best Blues in the World’ | |
11:59 PM | KFOW Radio - Owatonna, MN | Hammered By The Blues Hosted by John Hammer. Now in its 15th year, HBTB has been faithfully broadcasting and supporting all brand new blues in Southern Minnesota. |
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11:30 AM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blues Break - KMSU Radio Your midday Blues oasis | |
6:00 PM | KUMD Radio - Duluth, MN | Blues Alley - KUMD Radio A mix of blues from its early years to the present. | |
9:30 PM | Minnesota Music Cafe - St Paul, MN | GB Leighton | |
5:00 PM | Whip Blues Radio - Manchester, NH | Hammered By The Blues Rebroadcast on the Wordwide WHIP Radio Network | |
Saturday, January 30, 2021 | |||
1:00 PM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Keeping the Blues Alive hosted by The Mighty Quinn | |
7:00 PM | Buddy Guy Radio - Chicago, IL | Blues Excursion host PJ Willis and Uncle Ray | |
8:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | KYLE ROWLAND- A GOLDEN GATE BLUES SOC. PRESENTATION | |
9:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | CHRIS CAIN- A CLUB FOX PRESENTATION | |
12:00 AM | KBEM Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Smokestack Lightnin' - KBEM Radio with Tommy Thompson, Paul Newnum, Rob McKinney & Marvin Rooks - the team presents ‘The Best Blues in the World’ | |
3:00 AM | KBEM Radio - Minneapolis, MN | Blues Before Sunrise - KBEM Radio with Steve Cushing - blues heritage showcase, presenting recordings from the beginning of recorded music up to about 1970 | |
3:00 PM | KBEM Radio - Minneapolis, MN | American Routes - KBEM Radio with Nick Spitzer - Insightful interviews and features in the fields of folk, rock, country, jazz, blues, gospel and Zydeco | |
6:00 PM | KTNF Radio - St Louis Park, MN | Wall of Power Radio Hour - KTNF Radio with Paul Metsa - music, entertainment, and cool people from all walks of life | |
12:00 PM | KUMD Radio - Duluth, MN | Saturday Afternoon Blues - KUMD Radio | |
7:00 PM | Minnesota Music Cafe - St Paul, MN | High & Mighty featuring The High & Mighty Horns | |
Sunday, January 31, 2021 | |||
8:00 PM | Blues Radio International - Hillsboro Beach, FL | 2019 Blues Foundation, Keeping The Blues Alive Award recipient | |
8:00 PM | Can't Stop The Blues - Facebook Music Venue - , | LRBC JAN. 2021 VIRTUAL CRUISE DAY 1- DRY DOCKED AND LANDLOCKED | |
7:00 PM | KMSU Radio - Mankato, MN | Blues Before Monday - KMSU Radio The cure for your end of the weekend blues | |
8:00 PM | Live Streaming Show - Internet, USA | Charlie Parr Charlie Parr + friends Sunday Residency Livestream-First Avenue | |
10:45 AM | Minnetonka United Methodist Church - Minnetonka, MN | Tom Hunter | |
10:00 AM | WHYS Radio - Eau Claire, WI | Blues On Sunday w/ Snapshot Best station in the valley | |
Monday, February 01, 2021 | |||
7:30 PM | Live Streaming Show - Internet, USA | Joe Flip Every Monday at 7:30pm - https://www.facebook.com/JoeFlipMusic/live |
Get your tees, mugs, sweats, and lots of other MnBS merchandise and support your local blues society and the local bands that they support.