“The blues isn’t just a genre of music; it is a collaboration of a variety of cultures and lived experiences, including, but not limited to, moments of trauma and celebration. Preserving and spreading this music is essential in preserving American history, acknowledging and giving a voice to the stories and lives of those before us, who were often silenced.”…

“Blues music is an American institution and should never be forgotten or tossed aside.  It is important to preserve the genre because it is really the root of all music today.”

Ernie Pinata: Delta Wires Play Chess

The Delta Wires band was created out of a love of the…

“Technique is building muscle memory so you can execute your ideas clearly. All those hours of practice are done to allow the emotional component of your playing to come through effortlessly and, more importantly, fearlessly.”

Greg Douglass: Guitarist For The Stars!…

"It is about having your health. Feeling good and your body working well enough to make music. Music is very physical, takes a lot to play and instrument and sing. Life can be a struggle and people use drugs, liquor and bad relationships to cope. That stuff just breaks you down and you can't go on. Your music and voice is not as good if you do not take care of yourself."

Brad "Guitar"…

“Great music is made all over the world by people from all walks of life. Borrowing from and being influenced by differing styles is what keeps music exciting and new.”

Allison August: Fly to the Blues Soul Moon…

“Blues music from its inception has been a pure and honest depiction of the struggles of human kind. Efforts must be made to share the magic that comes when humans share their pain, suffering and even happiness in simple & honest terms. Blues Music must be shared to keep this pipeline to the soul open.”

Crooked Eye Tommy:…

"The Blues is a genre that crosses all borders. It feeds everything and is fed by everything. It's a free flowing emotional rollercoaster that we need in our lives. Simple enough to allow feelings to develop while feeling safe enough to share. It is based in a history of pain and suffering and a true story of surviving that suffering through words and music."

Kelly Zirbes: The Blues Remind…

"It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere."

John Clifton: Coast to Coast Blues

As a co-founder (w/ brother Bill Clifton) of Fresno's The MoFo Party Band, John Clifton has solidified himself as one of…

"I believe preservation of all American Roots Music is imperative and needs to be ingrained with current and future generations. Just playing recordings of music from the past is not enough. When the youth of today witnesses a performance, it has more of a cultural impact which subsequently breathes new life into the genre."

Kirk Nelson: Savor The Moment…

"I miss the improvisation aspect in some of today's music, and the fact that back then all the musicians had to be together to record a track. I hope that a lot of the traditional aspects come back in style. I fear that musicians in the future won't pay as much attention to the history of their instrument or just music in general such as the blues."

Anthony Cullins:…

"Music has always been at the forefront of world cultural issues and expression. It could possibly be the best non-aggressive way to express an opinion about any subject. We just want our music to relate with people. We want you to have a good time at live shows and let the music take you away when you need it."

Robert Jon & The Wreck:…

"I have no fear of the future for that kind of music… What I miss I guess and what I hope for is more venues to do such in, and for club owners and the like to realize that if they build it, people will come… And to trust that music that comes from that place will always be needed… and people will always look for it… Because it is a soul healer…"

Jon Geiger: Rockin' The Blues…

"I believe music, at certain times in our lives, in society, is one of the ONLY ways to reach and connect with people! We know that from the '60s."

The Refugees: Back To The Roots

Folk/Americana trio The Refugees to release CALIFORNIA, an homage to harmony-focused California bands of the 60s & 70s on May 19th,…

"Blues will always survive in one way or another.  Of course, there was a time when it was part of what was called "race music," when it was more of an underground art form. It is the living root of jazz and rock music, and has been a significant influence in country and even pop music. Though the mass popularity of traditional blues may skip a generation now and then, blues will survive because of the honesty,…

"I hope the blues affects people similarly to the way it affects me - I hope it provides some relief from their day to day struggles, and fosters a sense of community - I hope it helps people see that we’re all in this together."

Rick Estrin: A Genius Blues Nightcat

Rick Estrin was born in San Francisco, California in 1949, and grew up fiercely…

"I’d never claim to understand the meaning of life, but I am sure it has something to do with loving and respecting one another and trying to leave the world a better place than we found it. Trying to bring joy to the world is so important. That may seem simple and cliche’. I truly believe in the power of music to make the world a better place."

Alastair Greene: Alive In The New…

"Blues was the foundation of rock music, but the more rock sound took over. music has to come from the heart, you must have music knowledge, but playing from the heart is the key."

Delta Wires: Rocking Big Band Blues

The DELTA WIRES is a big, high-energy harmonica and horns blues band from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area. They were Finalists…

"If you are true to yourself and really know yourself as an artist and know what you’re laying down is the real deal, then you rise above all the noise and the crap that’s involved."

Buddy Reed: The Real Blues Deal

Ivan Elmo "Buddy" Reed got his start playing the blues in San Bernardino,…

"The music will affect everyone differently; as far as the socio-cultural implication, my hope is that the music affects people in a positive way-stirs something in their soul."

Douglas Avery: Pure Emotion of Music

Douglas Avery considers himself a lucky man able to live his dream as a musician. Born in Los Angeles, Avery got an early start…

"...the shamanic components of blues. This music is deep. I'm hoping that people continue to feel it from their souls to their feet."

Kim Lembo: Shamanic Blues Bay

Kim Lembo is a Bay Area Blues Singer, Songwriter and Producer. After recording 4 albums in the 90's and early 2000's with indie label Blue Wave Records, as well as French label Sky…