NOT SURE WHAT WE DO ?

Since our founding in 2011 we have tried to make a positive impact on blues music, and specifically within our local blues community.
We continue to do this in a variety of ways.

  • Sponsoring music workshops.
  • Providing music instruments to students.
  • Initiating music programs like our local Blues in the Schools, (at elementary, middle school, and college level presentations).
  • We help promote our member Venues, Musicians, our Business Members, Sponsors and other Sponsored Events.
  • We provide a social network for like minded enthusiasts.  Sharing information through our e-Blasts and Newsletters.
  • As a Blues Foundation Affiliate member, we utilize our ability to promote our blues artists at the National level on a World Wide platform.
  • Optionally with National Exposure in the following ways:
    IBC “International Blues Challenge”
    Categories Include: Youth Showcase, Solo/Duo and Band.
    Best  Self-Produced CD
    With one of our Artist’s Submissions
    KBA Award
    “Keeping The Blues Alive”
  • These are some of the things your society is involved with.

REGIONAL IBC

We have been involved with the Blues Foundation since our inception in 2011 and sending artist to Memphis for the “International Blues Challenge.
The adjacent video clip features International Blues Legend “Bryan Lee” (who was also a Regional IBC Judge that day) playing with two of our Youth acts in one of our after jams.  The two Youth artists are, (right to left from Bryan) are Johnny Jensen and Trey Wanvig.

We can only suggest the future of Blues here in Southwest Florida is in good hands with the likes of Johnny Jensen and Trey Wanvig.  Both have competed for and were selected to perform during the Youth Showcase at the Memphis IBC’s. 

Over the past several years we have often have Youth Acts competing for a spot ending up on the road to Memphis.  Having our local and regional acts engage this fantastic opportunity (Bands, Solo/Duo & Youth Showcase acts) is one of the main reasons “we do what we do”.  

 

Blues In The Schools (BITS)

A Guitar Workshop for Diplomat Middle School, was just one of the many things the Southwest Florida Blues Society has organized to support music education.

Utilizing the knowledge base and skills of Local, Regional and Nationally routing artists, we are able to provide insight into the blues genre’ from a working musicians perspective.
We believe todays working artists can express to students their connection to the music, some of its historical relevance, as well as who and how it has influenced their own creative evolution.

Often these workshops are instructional discussions, including hands-on interaction with the artists and the specific instruments covered during a particular workshop.

Other times it may consist of a regular class room setting where the music teacher will instruct students through structured classes, (eg.) “Intro to Blues Harp”, culminating in a presentation of the instrument (in this case “Harp”) by one of our artists, with some student interaction, usually including a Q&A session.

We have identified this program as the Southwest Florida Blues Society, “Blues in The Schools” program.  This will be an ongoing and evolving program, keep in mind you can, donate specifically to our Music Education programs.

Blues Harp Class @ Pine Island Elementary School

Our Blues in the Schools music education programs range from Elementary School to Middle School, and College level programs.

Diplomat Middle School

Workshop With Artist:  Rick Russell