The Mission

Our host band is BLUES REUNION, a new Central Missouri band of veteran area players that performs classic blues music — from down-home tunes to funky grooves.

BLUES REUNION roster: (how about this lineup!)
[Photo, L to R: Chris Parr (dr), Steve Smith (gtr/vox), John Turner (b), Jimmy Steffan (gtr/vox)]

• Jimmy Steffan (guitar/vocals) has been a solid contender on the Missouri blues scene since the mid-1980s; most recently with the Megan Boyer Band. His guitar influences include T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Jimmie Vaughn and Duke Rouillard.

• Stephen Smith (guitar/vocals) has played in rock and R&B bands in Missouri and Arkansas since the late 1960s, and for the last 20 years as a member of the Lake of the Ozarks band, “The Moondogs”. Steve credits Elvis Presley and “all of the Kings” as his major roots music influences.

• John Turner (bass guitar) “grew up on Freddie King and Joe Tex” and played professionally as a teenager in his hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri. John also toured the Midwest in the mid-‘60s with Carl Perkins and Conway Twitty. After moving to Columbia in the ‘70s, John has performed in a variety of jazz groups (Crescent) and R&B bands (Mo’ Betta).

• Chris Parr (drums) hails from Eldon, Missouri and played his first music shows in the early-1990s. Chris then developed his blues skills in Kansas City as a member of Lonnie Ray’s Blues Band. Chris has stayed busy on the Central Missouri scene over the last 15 years in area bands including The Late Night Benedictions.

After the BLUES REUNION opening set, guest jammers get their opportunities to step up on the stand join the fun!

Our mission statement is to “Promote, Support and Preserve the Blues”. Spreading the “good word” about the Blues is just one way we realize our goals. The MO Blues Association newsletter and this website are two of the best ways we have of communicating our message. Keeping people informed about Blues history and current Blues & news is important. Blues In The Schools is one of our major commitments to Preserving Blues music.

We are are public benefit non-profit Missouri corporation with Federal 501c3 tax-exempt status. Support our efforts in tax-deductible contributions!

We are a member based organization. Our membership categories include Student, Individual, Family, Band, Business, and Non-Profit. You can join MO Blues on-line at www.moblues.org and receive the many benefits of membership.

A strong jam is a true reflection of a healthy music community. See y’all Thursday, March 17!