Blues in the Schools

One of my favorite endeavors for the past 5 years has been my involvement in a program, sponsored by the good people of the Sacramento Blues Society.


I am involved with 2 phases of this: First is the BITS band, which usually consists of Mick Martin(vocals, harmonica, lecturer), Lew Fratis or Paris Clayton(guitar,vocals), Pete Phillis or Kenny Nichols(drums) and yours truly on bass and vocals.What happens is
first Mick and a guitar player go to a school(usually high school or middle school) and does a lecture presentation to music students. I week or so later the band comes and does a concert and lets student musicians play with us.

The second phase is what they call "Artists in Residence". In my case, Lew Fratis and I have been teaching a weekly after school blues class at Rosemont High School for the past 5 years. We create a band or 2 of students and they play at a Blues Society Event.
This year the show is here on May 7th at 7:00
Swabbies On The River
Restaurant & Bar
5871 Garden Highway
Sacramento, CA 95837
(916) 712-7277

Our kids this year are good crop, and Paul Oscher is the headliner.

I love doing this, and the kids really connect with the music, it never fails!!!!It is part of our continuing mission to preserve the best of American culture before it disappears!!!!!

The Blues Society works hard to keep the program funded, they believe in compensating the teachers at a professional level which is a welcome change for the way we are often treated. These last couple years, grants have been hard to come by, we rely on you all to help. Come to the show and support a worthy cause.

The music never stopped!!!!!!