King Biscuit Blues Society

Planning for the annual King Biscuit Blues festival in downtown helena, ar, providing three days of impressive Blues artists performing their music had to be halted due to health concerns surrounding the covid19 crisis in the united states and the world from november 2019 through november 2021. The city of helena-west helena would not be able to handle such a possible explosion of infections because of limited medical and first responder capailities. Therefore, the event was cancelled for 2020, and for the duration of this health crisis.we did start ticket sales and sponsorships during 2021 before the festival was ultimately postponed. The ticket holders and sponsors had the option to roll the tickets/packages to 2022 or receive a refund. We refunded the ones who chose that option. Festival deposits and some items were ordered in preparation for the event before it was cancelled. Merchandise was sold over the phone, social media and shipped to the buyers.

Organized and presented the delta roots festival to allow participants to experience the sounds and tastes of the Arkansas delta, including all types of Blues music. The delta roots festival was presented with extremely careful protocols in place to protect musicians and participants from covid19.

Participated with the Arkansas arts council to promote education about Blues music, Blues artists, and Blues history in the delta. This was continued in 2021 with also taking great care to protect against covid19 spreading to participants.

We produced four mini Biscuit bashes with grant funds for small pandemic events. Each event was free of charge and limited to 50-75 people depending on the size of the venue with covid restrictions. Food was available for purchase b the venue where the event was held allowing the venue to have a boost to their income during the pandemic.