Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1986, the Baltimore Blues Society has been a model of consistency, annually producing six to ten shows featuring national touring blues artists along with local and regional bands. It regularly sponsors acts appearing at local festivals and events, and collaborates with clubs and other venues to present shows. Five or six BBS productions a year are held at an American Legion hall and regularly draw over 250 people. Look at the BBS website’s “Years in Review” section for a who’s who of major blues artists that have appeared over the years. In 2016 the BBS celebrated the 20th annual Alonzo’s Memorial Picnic, held on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This event features three or four national acts along with two or three local/regional bands, and is a continuance of a backyard party hosted by original member Alonzo Bennett for over 20 years prior to his passing. The society’s newsletter, BluesRag, is one of the best, with well-researched feature articles along with reviews and outstanding photo spreads. Originally published monthly, it is now published quarterly, with much activity switched to the website and Facebook pages. The BBS has enjoyed a remarkable stability in its cadre of volunteers and officers, most notably its presidents. Only three individuals have served as president in the past 30 years: founder Dale Patton (ten years), Marcia Selko (four years), and current president Bob Sekinger.
