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Jenn & Greg on Music on the Couch Radio Show

March 02, 2015

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Music On The Couch
With Vinny Marini

Back in January at IBC 2015, Jenn & Greg were interviewed by Vinny Marini on Music On The Couch about the release of "Blues on Beale Street: Memoirs of The International Blues Challenge."

We are so grateful for this opportunity! You can listen to the interview here or by clicking the player to the right!

Jenn's 2015 IBC Experience

February 26, 2015

Can I just say I feel like a million bucks! I’m so honored and grateful to say the release of my first photo book was exactly what I’d hoped and nothing like I feared.

It has been a humbling experience to feel all the encouraging support as it lifted me up and guided me through this creative milestone. The passion and creative inspiration that brought Blues on Beale Street: Memoirs of the International Blues Challenge to fruition doesn't only live in Greg and me, but in the many who contributed to—and continue to support—this project and its mission.

My 2015 IBC story is a very humbling one. As I danced for joy in celebration with Greg and my friends and family on Beale Street during the 31st IBC, I gratefully took in every moment, savoring and loving each one. Though I tried to stop and take it in one moment at a time, Jordan's rock solid skills with the iPhone and her play-by-play social media documentation definitely helped me soak it all in too!

Here are a few I moments I would love to share… (Scroll down to the bottom to see more official photos from the Blues on Beale Street VIP Release Party!)

Kofi unpacking the first shipment of books because I was too excited — Kofi unpacking the first shipment of books because I was too excited

The books arriving right on time: The truck had to back down the street, and I watched as each box was unloaded. Then, yes, I avoided opening the first box. But without hesitation my friend took his keys and started in and took the first five books out. That's when my dance began! The third page in I started to cry. Tears of joy and accomplishment came first, then tears of fear that quickly turned into tears of gratitude. When the overwhelming rush finally calmed down, my friend wiped my tears, and we finished looking through every single page. Thanks, Kofi, for standing in that place with me and allowing me to feel it all and embrace the experience of seeing my work published for the first time. If it wasn't for you, I’m not sure how long it would have taken me to open the first box!

Pat Pepin and Kelly Thornton seeing the book for the first time

Thanks to Kelly Thorton for texting at just the right time to ask if I needed help, and then being the first fan to see the book as you helped me unload.

Greg and Joe seeing the book for the first time on Beale Street!

Greg and Joe Whitmer standing on Beale Street, seeing the book for the first time: This is where Greg and I took our favorite photo with the book. The fruits of our labor held comfortably in our hands, together at last!

The first time Greg and I saw the book together

Saying thanks to Greg: I took a moment to give Greg something as a thank you for being such an important part of my dream, and I lost it again! The gratitude I have for this person, who so willingly wanted to be a part of this project, can never be expressed fully. Thank you, Greg, from the depths of my heart and soul. The book would not be as amazing without your efforts and talents.

Shirley Waring of Vicksburg Blues Society & me

Selling a book to Shirley Waring and signing it right in the middle of the street: Jordan had the iPhone ready and Jesse swiped her credit card. I took a breath, paused with Sharpie in hand, and just took it in. When I finished signing I shut the cover and handed the book back. "Love, you are my very first signature—not only of this book but EVER in my history!" We were both tickled to share this moment, and I was able to return the same excitement for her as the Eddie Cotton Band won the band finals—her second win in a row!

Thanks to my brothers who came to celebrate this book release with me. They inspire me, as well as push to be better and stay true to my vision. I am the photographer I am today because of them, and having them there gave me a sense of wholeness I can't fully explain. I stood a little taller because my brothers were right there.

Chris Ocken truly is the SOB of the family HA but we love him!

Michael Frank jamming with Jonn Del Toro Richardson and Hawkeye Herman at the VIP Release Party

The VIP book release party: The VIP Release Party took place at the Silly Goose in Memphis right at the foot of Beale on Peabody Place. We were so blessed to have that space! Watching the amazing set of musicians perform there was like listening to the IBC dream team. What an honor. And on top of that, all the friends who surrounded Greg and me with love and support was humbling and wonderful. The party was an absolute success. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Scroll down to the bottom to see more official photos from the Blues on Beale Street VIP Release Party!

Jonn Del Toro Richardson and Sean Carney jamming at the VIP Release Party

Presenting books to all the Youth Participant kids at IBC. Here's the kids from Third Time Round from Australia!

Giving a book to each of the Youth Showcase participants was the highlight of my week. Seeing those kids so excited about being on Beale Street was heaven for me. It's awesome to see the blues community across the world supporting and cultivating these young musicians and teaching them to give back to a community that has given so much. I saw the gratitude and excitement on each of their faces. Bravo to The Blues Foundation and the affiliates who invest in these kids and their dreams.

Kids from Young Band Blues Nation of Baton Rouge viewing the books they were given

I could go on and on… but I’ll stop. You get the idea.

Again thanks to all of you who shared in these moments with me throughout the week. And a huge shout-out to the photographers who captured me on the street! Y'all, I felt like a movie star! And for those who couldn't be with me during the week, I felt your support and love all around me, and for this I am also thankful.

In all its glory, the book release was...well, frankly FAN-F#%@ING-TASTIC! And one last time, thank you for being a part of my Blues on Beale Street dance. And forever peace love live the blues.

documentingBlues photographer

Showing Lionel Young the book for the first time

Micah Kesselring & I at the VIP Release Party

Rebecca & I celebrating her birthday. Photo by Steve Mack

Blessed to have been able to do many radio interviews over the past few months to promote the book! FM with Earle Farrelle

The "J Girls" seeing the book for the first time

Jordan, Jess, Rebecca, me and Rebecca's mom celebrating Rebecca's birthday on Beale!

Micah Kesselring with his dBlues Ladies!

My brother Bob Black Ocken photographing me and Greg at the VIP Release Party

Photos from the Official Blues on Beale Street VIP Release Party

Blues on Beale Street is at Spruce Shop in Memphis!

February 09, 2015

We are here today at spruce shop in Memphis with Brave Design jewelry!

You can now buy "Blues on Beale Street: Memoirs of The International Blues Challenge" at Spruce, or here online in the dBlues Store.

Be sure to stay updated with us across all of our social media accounts!

documentingBlues at The International Blues Challenge 2015

January 27, 2015

Here’s what people are saying about

Blues on Beale Street, Memoirs of The International Blues Challenge …

Jay Sieleman, President of The Blues Foundation - "This book is really well done. Because you two understand the IBC you were able to ‘document’ it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge is something special or to anyone who wants to be inspired in print about the music they love to hear."
Michael Frank of Earwig Music, Chicago, IL - "Buying the book was the icing on the cake for me (at the IBC in Memphis), Jenn and Greg."
Reinald Jerome Pineda, pianist for the 2015 band finalist, Brat Pack from the Philippines - “You’re skill and passion for photography is just great!!! The world will see and hear the blues with your shots!”
Terri Robbins, National Women in the Blues - "I absolutely LOVE my Blues on Beale Street! The book is absolutely fabulous! I can't put it down!!!”
Karen Lovely, past IBC finalist from Portland, OR - "LOVE the book! It is now one of my most treasured possessions."
Vinny Marini, host of Music on the Couch - "The book is AMAZING!!!!”
David Hughes, President of Spa City Blues Society, Hot Springs, AR - "You two have done a great thing with this book. Well done and congratulations."
Joe Whitmer, producer of IBC and Chief Operating Officer at The Blues Foundation -“THANK YOU!!! The book is awesome!!!”
Earle Farrell from KWAM 990 Memphis - “You are a pure talent with no hype! Rare!!! I like you and your book! Memphis real!!! Yes!!”
Jennifer Pina, Mother of the Pina Brothers Youth Band from Wichita, KS - “Blues on Beale Street, Memoirs of the International Blues Challenge will be something to treasure and pass down. You can definitely see the passion and love poured into this great work!”
Tony Frederickson, President of the Washington Blues Society Seattle - “I knew this book would be a good representation of the International Blues Challenge, but when I was actually able to have it in my hands and see the photographs and read the quotes attached it went way beyond my expectations. The passion and care that went into this is the first thing that grabs you, it is a very powerful presentation of what the International Blues Challenge is all about. The quality and attention to detail is top shelf. You quickly realize that the International Blues Challenge is not so much about the competition of musician to musician or band to band, but rather a celebration of music and all that it adds to our lives. The fellowship and mutual support between all who attend the International Blues Challenge just leaps out. This book is a great addition to anyone’s library! “
Linda Collier, Fishers, IN - "A beautiful historical look at the IBC over the last 11 years. Bravo!!" -
Dr. Annette Cargioli, Fishers, IN - "Beautiful Book!! Great project!!"
Michael “Hawkeye” Herman, musician and IBC final's host and judge - “It was an honor and a pleasure to be included in this most worthwhile project. Thanks so much to my Lil Sistah Jen Ocken and good friend Greg Johnson/SlimLively for documenting, in superb photos and text, the history of the International Blues Challenge via their fine book "Blues on Beale."
Tracey Tozier, mother of 2014 Youth Showcase participant, Ben Tozier - “Scott and I were so pleased to be able to provide some books for kids...Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your book's success, and for helping Baton Rouge Music Studios to put on a kids' showcase! It was a wonderful experience for everyone!

For those of you who do not know, Jenn Ocken is not only a huge Blues music fan, but also a well respected photographer in the Blues community. For the past 12 years, Jenn has been attending The International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee as a volunteer and a photographer. For the past 2 years, Jenn has been working with Greg "Slim Lively" Johnson to self-publish the first ever book about IBC entitled "Blues on Beale Street: Memoirs of The International Blues Challenge." The book was sent to print just in time to be released at this year's IBC, which happened to be last week. Jenn brought me (Jordan) and our Office Manager Jess to Memphis with her to help with the release, and to experience IBC for ourselves!

The book's release was much anticipated and it could not have gone smoother. We were flooded with compliments and book sales, both for people and for kids interested in music. (20% of the book's preorder sales benefited The Blues Foundation's Generation Blues Fund.) With the help of these book sales, Jenn & Greg were able to put a copy of the book in the hands of all 103 Youth Showcase Participants at IBC. About 89 of these books were funded by random strangers, musicians, parents, and more. We are still looking to raise money for the last 15, and you can help by getting a book for a kid at www.documentingblues.com/IBC

Being a social media enthusiast for both myself and documentingBlues, we were able to document most of the week with our iPhones! We had a blast meeting new people and listening to some great live music. There really was no better person to attend The IBC with than Jenn Ocken. Re-live the week with some of the photos below, and stay tuned for more photographs from the VIP Release party in an upcoming blog post! -

Learn more about our mission here

Purchase your own Blues on Beale Street Experience here

Like documentingBlues on Facebook • Follow @tweet_dblues on Twitter • Follow @insta_dblues on Instagram

Special thanks to:

• Greg Slim Lively Johnson for being my partner in crime

• Jordan Hefler & Jessica Losee for being fan-freaking-tastic

• Daniel Masters of Silly Goose for making the VIP Release Party a success

• Joe Whitmer & Jay Sieleman of The Blues Foundation

• Tracey Tozier, Lisa Hume, Dave & Sheree Hughes, Ghost Orchid Films, & Priscilla Hernandez for the over the top book donations to the kids

• Steve Mack, Kelly Thornton, & Peter Sloane for always having a camera in our face!

• Jonn Del Toro Richardson, Sean Carney, Micah Kesselring, Brandon Santini, Lionel Young, Karen Lovely, Teeny Tucker, Michael Frank & Michael "Hawkeye" Herman for sharing their beautiful talents with us at the VIP Release Party

• Annette & Ron Cargioli, Linda Collier, & Adam Cargioli for being our merchandise pushers at the VIP Release Party

• Chris, Bob, & Noah Ocken for representing the Ocken Fam, Jessica Royer Ocken for editing the book, & Patrice Ocken for helping edit marketing material & all the rest of the Ocken Fam for your love and support!

• Sherry Hamilton for running around and making sure we were fed and taken care of during IBC sales

• Paige & Scott Smith & Donna Van Hoover for providing an excellent brunch and their support for promoting the book

• Ali Fowler for getting us in contact with Earl Farrel and getting us on the radio on KWAM990 Memphis!

• Cindi James of The Blues Foundation for your love and support during merch sales

• Carolyn Ray, Doug Gay & Nick Garrison of Baton Rouge Music Studios for providing back line and support through the Indiegogo Campaign

• Vinny Marini, Son Jack Jr., Spike Stephan, & Wild Bill Kenton for your major support in radio promoting pre-sales of the book

• Mark Puskarich from Blues for a Cure, Mick Kolassa, Randy Oxford, & Brandon Santini for donating CD's to help support our mission

• Lila Ruhland for being our beautiful documentingBlues poster child (Carrie & Andrew too)

To all the people who preordered on the Indiegogo campaign & the documentingBlues website: Y'all believed in our project and its mission before the book was even done!

To everyone who bought a book for themselves & for a 2015 IBC Youth Showcase Participant