"Lafcadio Hearn’s legacy in terms of race and social consciousness is demonstrating the need for tolerance of people of different races, nations and religions. And not just to tolerate them, but to learn about them and get to know them as fellow human beings. He also displayed the importance of helping those in need."

Steve Kemme: Lafcadio Hearn's Open Mind…

"What I miss the most is real music record stores...real radio too. The whole industry today is pretty awful...everything is too overexposed and there is no myth or legend about bands anymore. Back in the day, the only way you could see the band was if they had a picture on the record or if you went to a show or saw them in a fan magazine or on a tv show like Ed Sullivan."

Mike Onesko: Musical Dreams…

"Some of the most important lessons I have learned are: Never quit because it's hard, you can never stop learning, this is a very brutal business, don't be afraid of NO's, you're going to hear plenty of them, nothing good comes without busting your tail, not all is always as it appears. There are so many lessons from music and life in general that are very important."

Kurt Allen: Blues Rock &…

"The blues is a gift that African Americans gave to American music. The blues was always there at the heart of everything, but it wasn’t expresses with such feeling."

Rusty Ends: Hillbilly Hoo Doo Blues

Rusty Ends is the real deal, a true link between the rock and blues of the 50’s and 60’s and the 21st century. Rusty learned his craft as a…

"The message is immediately accessible in heart and soul. So, I think the music that was being created that addressed these issues was had a huge impact on the thinking of that generation and deeply motivated activism and getting involved to go down and go on civil rights marches in the south and protest the Vietnam War and everything since."

Maria Muldaur:…

“Music is magical, it can perform miracles. It can provoke feelings such as happiness and sadness. For instance, I have seen demented people not able to communicate verbally react to music. Music is the only tool that can join people across cultures, religions and language barriers.”

Vigdis & Blå Tråd: Rainbow's Blues…

"The blues is more than music, it’s a document of survival, resistance, and resilience. It tells the story of people who were never supposed to make it, yet did, with soul intact. It carries history in every bend of the note. I want the music to remind people of their strength, their humanity, and their right to feel deeply."

Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport:…

“Try to treat everyone with respect. Music can be the great unifier. Teach those who want to learn. Never think you are the best, continue to improve, never think you know it all.”

Jimi Bott: Feeling the Beat & Rhythm

Jimi Bott is an award winning blues drummer, recognized across the globe as one…

"My inner life is the source that determines how I write about what I am experiencing. What influences me is everything that I experience. By this I mean from love and friendship to politics, the working world from tech to traffic to social media, rain walking, etc."

Fred Hostetler: Blues Back Pages

Fred Hostetler is an indie artist, American…

"It’s time to all join hands. We’ve got to live together. It’s time to stand up united as one through the hard times and stormy weather. I say hey, hey, the Blues is all right!"

Forrest McDonald: Songs From My Soul

Award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist Forrest McDonald has been performing and recording earthshaking,…