"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…

"He was ever creative, and embarked on many new pathways of exploration in his lifetime. Had a refined appreciation of music, and took improv piano lessons during his 60s and most of his 70s and composed several songs, including words and music. I loved witnessing him building this new creative expression. He had a vast collection of music which he cultivated and employed in his journey work."…

"Happily, there is good and great music in every era. However, today's popular music often seems less heartfelt than the music I grew up listening to. I pray that the current younger generation will nurture the best of human culture, contribute to it and take us closer to a world of peace and harmony."

Eric Bibb: Blues Storyteller & Philosopher …

"AI doesn't concern me at all. Music is a thing people do. We get together and we communicate, we dance, sing, celebrate, praise and commiserate. It's not a passive object we just observe and admire."

Jon Gomm: The Knight & His Excalibur

Jon Gomm is a singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer based in Yorkshire, UK, known for his…

"I learn to keep myself disciplined, to have fun and enjoy the people around me."

Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith:

Keeping The Blues Alive, Well and Fresh!

Kenny Smith was unquestionably born into blues royalty. He grew up in the same house where Muddy Waters once lived in Chicago, the home of…

"I hope people never forget about the Blues as the 'root' of it all, and I hope people continue to 'grow' within the Blues, and use it for their own creativity, not just to copy…."

Arlen Roth: Playing Out the String

Arlen Roth is a true guitar legend; part of the list of who he's recorded and toured with contains folks like Simon…

"Blues music is a universal truth, everyone gets the blues. I would like to see ALL the stereotypes associated with the blues disappear."

J.P. Reali: All About... Blues Since Birth

A veteran of the D.C. music scene for almost thirty years, J.P. Reali has played in numerous venues throughout the city. From his days as the lead guitar player in the…

"I miss real live performances and fun music from the 50s. Huge fan of the golden oldies. Wish songwriting that gets big was still good and clever. Really worried about AI music just taking over and clogging up the American music toilet."

Taylor Hollingsworth: Electric Folk

Taylor Hollingsworth, the fingerpicking songwriter hailing from…

"I try to make people have a trip though my music. The goal is to make them stop thinking about all the alienating stuff in their lives, and just start feeling what’s really there instead of making life projections. Simply put, to give them vacations away from their brain."

Amaury Faivre: Americana Experiences 

Harmonica player, guitarist and…

"The blues speaks to pain, loss, hope and love, universal experiences that anyone can relate to. It can be structurally simple but musically and emotionally complex."…