The Crossroads Blues Society from Northern Illinois held a benefit concert to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts to support musicians in need. The benefit was held in Byron at Leombrunis Italian Village on Saturday, December 3rd from 9 PM to 1 AM. Over 80 tickets were sold for the event and we had a great turnout despite a significant snowstorm that was going on that night. The great local bluesmen Ernie and the Po Boys volunteered their time to play as did an all-star group of artists from Teardrop Records. The J.B. Ritchie Power Blues Band and Scott Bradbury came out from Chicago to support our benefit. Joining them on keyboards was Bob Lowther, Crossroads former President. Ernie and his band played an extended set to open the evening that had the crowd excited and up on their feet. J.B. and Scotty then did an extended set of their own that also wowed the blues fans in attendance. A silent auction was held that raised over $450 dollars and nearly another $100 was raised with a 50-50 raffle. With the tickets and additional donations, a total of $1,500 was raised. The funds were evenly split between the Music Maker Relief Foundation, Tipitina’s Artist Relief Foundation and the Tab Benoit Blues for Katrina Fund. We would like to thank all of the artists who donated their time, Leombrunis who donated the use of their facility, American Furniture and all of the businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction and door prizes, and all the Crossroads members who helped put this event together. We managed to make this a great event despite the adversity of the weather. Our blues society can be proud of their efforts. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this a great event and to everyone who came out and supported hurricane relief efforts!

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