Blues nominated for ADDY Award for 2023-24 pregame open video

The St. Louis Blues have been nominated for a national ADDY Award by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) for their 2023-24 pregame open video, “Are you ready for the Blues?”

The video will vie for national prominence at the National Awards Gala & Dinner on May 31 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

ADDY awards are given out annually, recognizing the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

“Are you ready for the Blues?” was produced through a collaboration between Blue Note Productions, Germany-based music production company 2WEI, and St. Louis-based Ryval Studios which helped with the creative concept and day-of-production services. Featuring the song and music written by Blues music ambassador Marquise Knox, the video set the tone before each Blues game at Enterprise Center during the 2023-24 season. Shot in a ballroom at Stifel Theatre, the production took fans inside a speakeasy bar and married the setting with the smooth and building sounds of Knox’s electric guitar and the flashy images of Blues players. The vision and creative direction of the video was the visual and musical realization of the Blues’ marketing campaign that launched in 2023-24, ‘Rhythm and Blues.’

“This video was really the first time that we have been able to so closely match our pregame open with our marketing campaign,” said Blues Vice President/Executive Producer of Blue Note Productions Trevor Nickerson. "This was a full team effort from our Blues production staff, to Ryval, 2WEI, Marquise and our players, and it’s great that all the people involved are getting some well-deserved appreciation for their efforts.”

 "Working with the Blues the last two seasons to help produce their annual open video has been a great experience" said Jon Morgan, Founder and Executive Producer of Ryval Studios. "This year's concept to kickoff the Rhythm & Blues campaign was especially unique and we were excited to play a big role in its success alongside the Blue Note Productions team, Marquis Knox and 2WEI. It's a huge honor to see our collective work recognized on a national level alongside some of the best creative work in the country."

2024 marks the Blues’ first national ADDY nomination.  The video earned nomination by winning gold at the District 9 regional competition. 

Previously, the organization has won five regional EMMY Awards.