“Spotlight on Industry”

The Chamber’s “Spotlight on Industry” started in January with Tobul Accumulators in the spotlight. Turns out Tobul Accumulators is already a pretty bright light. In these economic times, many companies are just trying to hold on until the economy turns around. It was great to hear that Tobul’s business has been growing. Tobul has been hiring workers, while many industries are laying off or even closing down. Bamberg County is certainly lucky to have such a healthy company as one of its corporate citizens. The Bamberg County Chamber is proud to count Tobul Accumulators among its members and supporters. Congratulations to Jim Tobul and his entire team for making Tobul Accumulators the successful company it is, and thanks for making Bamberg County a better place by being a good corporate citizen.

Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing Company will be the industry in the Chamber’s “Spotlight on Industry” for February. You can help celebrate Bamberg County industries and businesses by joining the Chamber’s Facebook page and sharing stories about what county industries and businesses do to make life in Bamberg County better.

"The Julius Daniels Memorial Blues Festival"

The Julius Daniels Memorial Blues Festival is moving to the last Saturday in February. The third JDMBF will be on Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Dane Theater in Denmark SC. Juke Joint Johnny will open the show. Juke Joint Johnny is the harmonica player who played with Beverly "Guitar" Watkins at the 2010 JDMBF and at the 2011 Dogwood Festival. Elliott & The Untouchables will close the show with their version of the blues. Tickets start at only $10. The JDMBF is sponsored by the Historic Society of Bamberg County to raise funds to establish a Bamberg County Museum. Call Nancy Foster at (803) 245-1000 for information on becoming a sponsor.

Since Elliott & The Untouchables have never preformed in Bamberg County, you might not be familiar with their unique blues style. So, I'm including some information to introduce the band to you. From the first note to the last note, Elliott and the Untouchables deliver deep blues drenched with raw emotion. From gritty Chicago boogie to swampy Delta blues to Texas shuffles to West Coast jumpin' blues. The Untouchables serve up thick guitar tones, a smokin' horn section, and sizzlin' keys on top of a red-hot rhythm section. Powerful music soaked with energy and soul.

The band has taken their high-energy show to clubs and festivals across the U.S., including the House of Blues, Indiana's Bean Blossom Blues Festival, The Cape Fear Blues Festival, The Charleston Blues Bash, Asheville's Bele Chere Festival, the 3 Rivers Music Festival in Columbia, SC, and on Memphis' Beale Street at the Crossroads Music Festival.

The Untouchables traveled to Ireland, opening for music legend Van Morrison at the Monaghan Rhythm & Blues Festival. To find out more about Elliot & The Untouchables go to www.elliottandtheuntouchables.com.

The purpose of the JDMBF is to raise the funds needed to establish a Bamberg County Museum, bring great live music to the people of Bamberg County, while honoring Denmark’s own blues legend, Julius Daniels. Even if you don't consider yourself a blues fan, you'll love the music in this year’s JDMBF. You can help keep the Julius Daniels Memorial Blues Festival an annual event by inviting family and friends to join you at the Dane Theater on February 25, 2012.