"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…

"Blues knows no color at least not with the people I know we never talk about black or white some of the things making news today are not even talked about in my circles. The music binds us together."

R.D. Olson: The Real (Mr. Dynamo) Deal

R.D. "The Real Deal" Olson brings high-energy blues to fill your soul and move…

"The blues has always in my experience been about bringing people together for a good time. The older generation remember this, and appreciate it for what it is and continue to keep enjoying the music and festivals, but if a little excitement is not brought back into this genre, then will loose the younger audience, and risk fading into the sunset."

Mitch Grainger: Down Under Blues &…

"Keep bringing people together, keep making people feel good."

Corky Siegel:

The Different Voices of Chamber Blues

Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning…

"Blues and Soul is music of hope, originated by a people, who had to survive on hope. The feeling of despair and repair are still felt today. Memphis struggles with poverty and maybe is one of the most impoverished cities in America. I just want to help people feel better and performing songs about familiar troubles might make a person feel less lonely."

John Németh: Greetings From…

"As far as race is concerned, young blacks will never go back to blues because they were raised differently, in cities mostly, it will never be country blues like it was. American blacks will be the lowest percentage of people into the blues. Young blacks ain't interested and some older blacks don't want to be reminded."

Wallace Coleman: Acclaimed Bluesman…

"My hopes is that a blues musician will be heroic as a player and a person and the money guys will back him all the way. Blues has resurgences. We just need a hero. My fear is that I won’t be able to pay my mortgage this month."

Michael Rubin: I’ll Worry If I Wanna

Michael Rubin was conceived in Memphis in 1969. He went to Woodstock in the womb,…

"The Blues might be a lament but it makes you happy. All music at it's best heals."

Matt Lomeo: When You Call The Blues

Uttica, NY native Matt Lomeo received his first harmonica at 9. He soon began singing and playing in bands with his older brother Adam on guitar, and in 1999 became the youngest artist ever invited to perform at a…

"The blues means everything to me. I have grown up loving this music and making friends with some of the greatest of blues musicians. Most of life’s lessons have been learned in the context of this music. The greatest life lesson I have learned is to follow your heart and to believe in yourself."

Bob Corritore: Nothin' But The Blues…

"My hope is that the music affects people in the same way it affected me – brings them enjoyment at the same time as giving them access to the same tools I gained through listening to blues music."

Lyle Odjick: Through The Rain

Originating from the Algonquin reservation of Kitigan Zibi, QC, now based in Ottawa, ON, Lyle Odjick went from living in…

"Blues music is an existential music. It comes from the unfathomable pain that lies within the Afro-American’s experience, the agony of despair behind slavery and racism, as well as the experience of rejection because of the color of one’s skin. It remains that we all have the blues in some form or another. We all are trying to make sense of what it means to be alive. Most of us will experience aloneness, and physical or spiritual…

"Americans are proud of being American. Blues music originated in America. Blues music is the mother of nearly all the “popular” music we have today. So, let’s recognize this and hold the blues up to its’ rightful place as one of the greatest American creations."

Tim Gartland: Nothing But The Truth

Harmonica player/songwriter/singer Tim…

"I hope that any art form speaks for itself. With music, because it’s such a universal language that touches and moves people all over the world, for all the ages of time, I hope that people can experience the music purely. I know that music can open people’s eyes and open people’s hearts to all kinds of racial and socio-cultural implications and realizations, so I would hope for the best in humanity in this way."…

"The fact that music can save lives is true, but not more than a baker when you are starving or a doctor when you are sick, so be grounded, kind and respectful to others giving them the best music you can."

Riccardo Grosso: Blues On The Road

Italian musician Riccardo Grosso is playing harmonica for a living and has been around since early 2000s,…

"I want to authentically share experiences and those of the community around me, and I hope it's well received, or at least heard and respected."

Memphissippi Sounds: Roots Keepers

A custom blend of North Mississippi hill country blues, Memphis blues and soul, rock, pop, and…

"Music, in fact art in all forms, has always been a vehicle for inspiration and change in our world, at least in Western society. Sometimes art impacts our world at large indirectly through cultural influences, be it fashion, language, recreation, etc. Sometimes it's a more direct approach through protest songs, or songs that simply call attention to issues that affect specific communities."

Charlie…

"The Blues and I are the same. My life is the blues and blues is my life. The blues deals with all the basic raw elements of life; good and bad, plain and simple."

Boo Boo Davis: Nothin' But The Blues

He was born and raised in Drew, Mississippi in the heart of Delta. It was the richest cotton land in the South and the large amounts of field…

"Because it (Blues) connects with people on an emotional level and gives expression to pain and joys that we all feel in our lives. I wish for blues music to stay alive without ever losing its own roots."

Rob Stone: Nothing But The Blues

Long renowned as a blues harmonica wailer and forceful vocalist, Rob Stone combines tough Chicago blues…

“Before fans used to come to concerts to listen to the music, to enjoy themselves, to spend time with friends and to have a memorable experience. Nowadays more and more people are coming to hang out with their smartphones, to just take pictures and videos of artists as a token, “look I was there, “instead of enjoying the live performance; especially the younger fans.”

Tomislav Goluban: Express…