"I think blues and roots music were a kind of freedom of expression to people who didn’t have a whole lot of freedom. In later years (60s) the music probably helped spread a political message too, but to what extent is not up to me to say!"

Machiel Meijers: Tailgatin'…

"Jazz music dissembles the brainwashing of bigotry and racism for a period of time…but like a rubber band stretched...the programming snaps back into place over time..."

Knoel Scott: The Sound of Spirit …

"Well obviously, I miss the ability to see some of my greatest inspirations live in concert – Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and the Doors, John Coltrane to name a few."

Keith Dion: 3:05 AM... and Beyond 

San…

"Art is here, alright. It just works in more subtle ways than a pamphlet. But is here when is needed, sometimes leading, sometimes walking along, but always present."

Zoiss Louvaris: Athens City Blues…

"Blues has its roots in the African-American culture dating back to the time of slavery.  It has had a huge impact on the music of our time not only in America, but all over the world.  Blues music crosses racial, political and socio-cultural lines."

Liz VanHouten: Sacramento…

"Historically music has always been connected to social and political movements. As I said before the Pagliacci should alert the audience. The song must protect the heart from freezing. It's your friend when you are alone, it gives you power to move, it covers your back when you fight, it gives the pulse to the crowd."…

"Everyone is the same on this planet when music has a great message, strong melody and a killer groove that touches them. I've seen it. Sun Ra once said "Music is Language" I believe that, it is a universal one."

Randy Jacobs: Shake The Planet…

"Rock music is a huge cultural influence and it sets trends and moves people in interesting new directions. Our hope is that the music that our group is writing and other groups like us can speak to people to open their minds to be more accepting of all people. And not just be thinking about business and money but what's right for the…

"The best advice anyone gave me was be yourself and never give up."

Allan Atkins: Dawn Of The Metal Gods

Allan John Atkins is an English heavy metal vocalist, best known for his association…

"Our music and our actions helped to end the Vietnam War and put Lyndon Johnson out of business. We also developed the changes that led to the Civil Rights Movement, the American Indian Movement, and the feminist movement."

Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Healer of…

"Music moves people emotionally. That bypasses a lot of bullshit. But music can also be used to sell you a car or a candidate. Who knows."

Jimmy McDonough: Literary Blues

Jimmy McDonough is a biographer…

"Music has been at the forefront of social change and it remains that way today. Bands are more integrated between race, gender and nationality than ever before. That is the way forward."

Likho Duo: Blues And The World Beyond…