Ed. note: While this post about A Day of Blues is from Long Beach, CA, it is about a free online music event accessible here in the Treasure Valley. In addition, Blues in The Schools is online for all students
A Day of Blues is the Long Beach Blues Society’s answer to keeping the music, events and important charitable donations going during the COVID-19 crisis. Featured artists will include Robert Cray, Keb’ Mo’, Tommy Castro, Diana Rein, Sugarray Rayford, Blind Lemon Peel, New Blues Revolution and many more. The event will be streamed live on Thursday, September 24 at 1Pm ET. The live streamed show including some of the hottest blues stars not only in the U.S. but in the international blues scene will be free for all. However, donations will be gladly accepted, with 100% of the donations going to help support Give A Gig, Blues In The Schools, Bedside Beats, Long Beach Gives, and the Long Beach Blues Society.
One of the most exciting things about A Day of Blues is the international aspect of it. While blues music is truly an American art form, it has not only been enjoyed in other countries but is now being performed by many international groups. A Day of Blues will feature The Hobsons Crew from Australia, South River Slim from Canada, Valencia Blues Society and the Javier Tijuana Band from Spain, ASM from Nepal, Split Whiskers from the UK and Ambarish Nag from India. This is a rare chance to hear how the blues is interpreted through the ears and mind of those in many other countries.
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Not only a man who is a hard working musician, with his group New Blues Revolution, and the driving force for the hugely successful New Blues Festival series of concerts in Long Beach and Huntington Beach, Bill Grisolia also wears other hats these days. As Incorporator/Secretary of the Long Beach Blues Society, he helps determine where their charitable funds go. He said, “The Long Beach Blues Society is honored to have been chosen as a nonprofit participant in Long Beach Cares! Recognizing the direct relief efforts mounted by the Blues Society during Covid and programming for youth, seniors, vets and underserved through music, Long Beach Gives provides a real, direct and expansive platform to connect with the community and support this important work. Thank you to Long Beach Gives and all the friends, fans, Volunteers and supporters of the Long Beach Blues Society, the New Blues Festival and our associated Musicians. A particular shout out goes to our Steve Proctor for leading the charge and Silissa Uriarte Smith, a Long Beach Cares Veteran, for her leadership with the Blues Society team.”
A Day of Blues has put together an immersive showcase of live blues sure to please fans everywhere. With the livestream, fans all over the world will be able to hear their favorite blues acts. But in this new COVID-19 world, it is often hard to remember how important our local charities are, as well as what role music plays in helping direct our youth onto a positive path. It was clearly said though by Nicolassa Galvez, Campaign Director, Long Beach Gives, when she said “The Long Beach community needs nonprofits – for our mental health, art and musical expression, neighborhoods, and to address the current climate we are all facing with the pandemic and efforts for social change. Due to the pandemic most nonprofits had to cancel and reimagine what fundraising and programs have looked like in 2020. Long Beach Gives is an opportunity for the community to give back in a big way, to show nonprofits that we care about them just as they have cared for us- and that we want them to endure the uncertain future. We feel so privileged to support organizations such as the Long Beach Blues Society!”
Come and go as you please to A Day of Blues. Enjoy some time listening to an act in a small Danish blues club or the Big Blues Bender Festival in Las Vegas. Help support musicians, music, youth and the future of the blues. Just remember, you Can’t Stop The Blues!
A Day of Blues
Thursday, September 24, 1:00PMET/11:00AMPT
Bedside Beats