Former resident wins Blues competition

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

— Robert Joel "Joey" Smith has won the first two phases of the 2009 annualKing of the Blues competition sponsored by over 200 Guitar Centers across the nation.

King of the Blues is theworld's largest search for the nation's greatest undiscovered blues player.

Smith competed in the Fayetteville store preliminary contest on Aug. 20.

Upon winning this, he proceeded to the store finals held Thursday, Sept. 10, also in Fayetteville. As the winner of this phase, he will now travel to Dallas to compete in the district finals Wednesday, Sept. 30.

King of the Blues districtwinners will participate in a regional competition in Dallas on Oct. 21, with those winners going on to the grand finale in Los Angeles, Calif., in November. Prizes are awarded throughout the competition levels, culminating in a grand prize worth over $35,000. Other supporting sponsors include Gibson's, Levi's, Ernie Ball, Marshall, Boss, Vox, Guitar World and Tunecore.

Smith is a former resident and graduate of Pea Ridge. He resides in Bella Vista with his wife, Rachel, and son, Toby. He is employed at Harrison-French Architecture Firm in Bentonville, Ark., and attends Northwest Arkansas Community College. Smith is the son of Diana Smith-Vigil of Washburn, Mo., and Bob Smith of Pea Ridge.

Community, Pages 6 on 09/30/2009