2005 RAMI Award for Musical Outreach Organization

The 14^th Annual Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) Awards were given out on Thursday, April 21^st at the Tebala Shrine Temple.  Crossroads Blues Society was nominated for the Musical Outreach Award along with several other notable groups: Bach Chamber Choir Mendelssohn Club, Rockford College Music Academy, and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.  CBS President Mark Thompson and several other members were enjoying the evening at the event with no expectations of winning.  Ann O’Keefe from the Rockford Area Arts Council read the Musical Outreach nominees and popped open the envelope with the winner’s name.  The name she read was Crossroads Blues Society!

All of the CBS Members in attendance were ecstatic and amazed.  Mark and Harmonica Joe went up to receive the award on behalf of the club.  Tears were flowing, both at the table where the members sat and on the podium.  Feelings of joy, pride, accomplishment and fond memories of those who helped begin our efforts welled and were expressed.  Mark commented that this award was even more meaningful coming on the heels of a successful Blues in the Schools effort that we had just completed that very afternoon.  Our efforts would not be possible without the generous support the Rockford Area Arts Council.

Mark commented to all members in a note sent out that night, “Congratulations to everyone!!!! Tonight the Crossroads Blues Society won a RAMI Award in the Musical Outreach Organization.  It was quite an honor and a big surprise to all of us that were there.  A huge thank you to all of our members for your support of the Blues in the Schools programs. This award proves that the area music community appreciates the work we are doing.  Again - congratulations !!!!  Mark T.”