"Music is communication, from one heart to another, and can be a consolation, a reassurance, a kick in the butt. It can be your best friend or really piss you off, but it communicates. As long as we can communicate this world has a chance!"

Burleigh Drummond:

Tin Drum (Talented) Family Band…

"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…

"The popularity of the Blues always goes up and down, but it’ll never die. Right now, there’s a whole new generation of exciting young blues artists emerging who’ll keep the music alive and who’ll keep spreading the news to future generations."

Rick Estrin:

The Nightcats Hits Keep Coming…

"If it wasn't for the blues music rock and roll wouldn't never exist which eventually shook up the world's culture. In today's emotional coldness, the sounds and lyrics of that kind of music provide a direct outlet to real human essence, building a world that is more sensitive and hopeful."

Giotis Kyttaris: Blues, Roots & Black Jug

Athens…

"For those of us who have experienced the magic of that music, it is a worthy pursuit to try to convey that magic to others. It is important that we honor those who created and shaped that music, not just the famous names but also lesser known artists who despite their obscurity have created something profound."

Carl Sonny Leyland: Boogie Woogie Party…

"My travels have confirmed to me that music brings people together in ways that politics, culture or religion never can. I was in Austin, Texas in the early 70s when Willie Nelson brought the hippies and rednecks together. It was amazing. And I was blown away when I first went to Italy to find people who understood no English were huge Townes Van Zandt fans.  As long as music can continue to lead the way to our similarities as opposed to our differences…

"Roots music, plays a role today by connecting us to our cultural roots and reminding us of our shared experiences. In a fast-paced world, roots music provides a sense of grounding. It celebrates diversity, hopefully bridges divides, and understanding for people from different backgrounds. It's a timeless reminder of the power of music to bring us all together."

Shaun Murphy: The Voice of…

"My hope for the future is that the Blues gets more attention than it does, even the Grammy Award for Blues is not considered primetime worthy; to me that’s unfair. My fear is programming is the demise of American Blues Music."

Chris BadNews Barnes: Aristophanes Blues

Recent Nashville transplant Chris BadNews Barnes is a humorist, both by design…

"The impact of blues music on socio-cultural implications is far reaching, touching on themes of emotion, social justice, cultural exchange, community, and artistic expression. It inspires and resonates with people across generations and cultural boundaries."

Ground Zero Blues Club:

Celebrating the Heritage of Blues…

"I miss the honesty of music’s past. I miss great albums, where 8 out of the 10 songs were hits. I miss putting on a record and walking across the room to sit down, because you were invested, and you knew you were in good hands for the next 45 minutes, or so. Nowadays, it seems everyone is chasing that 1 hit. And the album is just the vessel to hold it. I miss really great records."

Cryin’ Out…