The West Coast Blues Hall of Fame and Awards Show will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2006. Presented by the Bay Area Blues Society and the City of Oakland, this annual event honors blues, jazz, and gospel artists for their contributions.

This year's event will include live performances by some Hall of Fame inductees and winners. Artists will pay homage to legendary artists too. Tickets start at $20 for more than 4 hours of fun, music, and fellowship.

The 2006 West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Award Winners are:

Best Dressed Female Artist of the Year — Zakiya Hooker
Best Dressed Male Artist of the Year — Lil Junior Crudup
Blues Band Leader of the Year — Guitar Mac
Blues Band of the Year — J. C. Smith
Blues Bass Player of the Year — Anthony Davis
Blues Comeback Artist of the Year — Joe Louis Walker
Blues Corporate Sponsor of the Year — Yamaha Corp of America
Blues CD of the Year — Henry Odin by Henry Odin (Globe Records)
Blues DJ of the Year — Mick Martin
Blues Drummer of the Year — Willy Jordan
Blues Electronic Media of the Year — KPOO Radio
Blues Female Vocalist of the Year — Roach of Café R&B
Blues Guitar Player of the Year — Chris Cain
Blues Harmonica Player of the Year — Lil Jimmy Reed
Blues Journalist of the Year — Dorothy Hill
Blues Keyboard Player of the Year — Dan Daniels
Blues Male Vocalist of the Year — Frankie Lee
Blues Management of the Year — Boogie with the Hook
Blues New Artist of the Year — Lil Gabe
Blues Nightclub of the Year — JJ's Blues Club
Blues Non-Profit Organizaton of the Year — Reno-Tahoe Blues Festival
Blues Photographer of the Year — A. V. Ervin
Blues Print Media of the Year — Listen & Be Heard
Blues Publication of the Year — Blues Festival Guide
Blues Record Company of the Year — Fantasy Records
Blues Record Shop of the Year — Rasputin Records
Blues Saxophone Player of the Year — Sahar Miller
Blues Social Organizaton of the Year — Velma Landers, Sunday Blues & Jazz Club
Blues Songwriter of the Year — Bobby Rush
Blues Song of the Year — "My Feet is Achin'" by Billy Dunn
Blues Trumpet Player of the Year-- Mike Rose
Bob Geddins Lifetime Achievement Award — Jesse "Chuy" Varela
Bob Geddins Lifetime Achievement Award — Emmit Powell
Gospel Group of the Year — Oakland Silvertones
Jazz Group of the Year — Paul Smith Jazz Group
R & B Female Vocalist of the Year — Linda Tillery
R & B Male Vocalist of the Year — Johnny Rawls

The importance of recognizing those who make the Blues a thriving entity has never been higher. The recording industry does little to celebrate its Blues roots. Regional, national, and international Blues organizations have worked hard to pick up the slack and acknowledge Blues superstars.

Additionally, the preservation and promotion of the Blues takes many forms, not the least of which is the outstanding Blues in the Schools programs that most societies actively support. By taking the music to children, a new generation is touched by the rich, home-grown art form. Each society has its own special projects and promotions.

Support your local Blues community and enjoy the music...