Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Whitmer. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Joe Whitmer has been working in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Joe has produced national and international critically acclaimed events that have showcased performances from many different musical genres.
From planning to execution, providing a safe and secure environment for the fans and ensuring the artists have the necessary tools to deliver the best entertainment experience possible are the top priorities. Event Producer of The International Blues Challenge – from 2000 to current. Annual international competition held in Memphis, Tennessee which showcases over 260 acts from around the world competing in 21 venues for 5 days on historic Beale Street.
Producer of the Blues Music Awards – from 2000 to current. An annual event that is held at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis Tennessee. This event is considered the “Grammys of the Blues”. It is a 7-hour show with a sit-down dinner. The show includes over 25 performances from nominated artists. An abbreviated program is produced for a PBS broadcast.
Has served on the Music Selection Committee for the Memphis in May-Beale Street Music Festival. An Annual 3-day event attended by tens of thousands of music fans.
Joe can also be found offering assistance to other local non-profits and community action fundraisers, such as Blues on Reid and Florida Scallop, Music & Arts Festival, held in Port St. Joe, Florida.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The music business in general is known for its ups and downs. Between the weather and a world pandemic, recent struggles have affected everyone.
Beginning a festival is not for the weak of the heart. Building partnerships, booking talent, and selling tickets is a small part of founding an event. Cooperation with the weather is important, especially for an outdoor event on the beach. Hurricane Michael in 2018 devastated our plans. As we pulled the pieces together, the world closes as COVID-19 takes over. We made it to the other side, learned a lot, and are geared up to entertain the masses!!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of being an active part of rebuilding The Blues Foundation and its events. Managing the largest gathering of Blues musicians in the history of the world, year after year is not an easy task. Each year The International Blues Challenge gets bigger, and the talent continues to better each year. Producing the biggest night in Blues Music, the Blues Music Awards, each year is especially rewarding.
Making sure the creators of this genre continue to be recognized for their contribution to keeping the Blues Alive is an important part of our society and music heritage. Producing events that introduce music fans to this uniquely American art form in a small community in the panhandle of Florida is a dream come true!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite memory as a child was visiting my cousin’s house and getting to listen to their records. Some relatives enjoyed pop, and some rock, and what I noticed is everyone loved anything Elvis, rhythm and blues, and gospel music.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.forgottenmusicfestival.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenMusicFestival/
Image Credits
Forgotten Media
