Blues For Kids Meeting
Sunday, May 18th at The Coffee Grounds
The Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society has scheduled a meeting for adults who have an interest in our Blues for Kids program. Invited is anyone who is interested in the program.
At the meeting, we will review past events, take a look at what plans are in the works, and brainstorm the future. We are looking for additional Blues for Kids volunteers and will cover what’s involved in joining our committee. You are not obligated by attending.
Date: Sunday, May 18, 3:00pm
Place: The Coffee Grounds, 1579 Hamline Avenue, Falcon Heights, Minnesota
Please RSVP if you plan to attend!: gtcbms@att.net
Thanks,
Doug Spike
Blues for Kids Coordinator
(05/03/08)
Blues for Kids at Girl Scout Jamboree
Blues for Kids at
Girl Scout Jamboree
Twenty-one Girl Scouts and their leaders participated in a Blues For Kids workshop held on July 20 in collaboration with the Minnesota Dreams Girl Scout Jamboree.
In the two hour hands-on workshop, instructor Clint Hoover covered the basics of playing blues harp as well as showing off his extensive collection of harmonicas and teaching the history of the instrument. Clint did a remarkable job of stimulating the desire of these future musicians, resulting in the comments from one attendee, "Workshop time was just right; though you definitely wanted more...we are pepped up and want to continue learning Blues Harp". — Doug Spike, Committee Chairman
First Blues For Kids Event Held at Coffee Grounds
Mike Fugazzi listens
for the pure single note.
The Twin Cities metro area has 8 new harmonica players thanks to a successful Blues For Kids workshop held July 14. The attendees received free harmonicas and a professional lesson.
Korey Hicks & Mike Fugazzi
Instruction covered practice techniques, ways to play harmonica notes, chords and scales. The group learned a common blues riff and two songs. Recommended artists for learning by listening as well as on line resources were shared. Most of all, the kids learned to have FUN with music.
Thanks to Mike Fugazzi and Korey Hicks from the band NiteRail for their valuable instruction and to The Coffee Grounds for hosting the event. — Doug Spike, Committee Chairman
GTCBMS Launchs Blues Educational Program for Youngsters
Blues For Kids has been initiated to fulfill one of the stated missions of the Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society: "to provide learning opportunities related to this American-roots music genre."
Blues For Kids introduces children to the blues by providing a free professional harmonica lesson and harmonica. Scheduled through community organizations and events, our first programs were held in July 2007 at the Coffee Grounds in St. Paul and in collaboration with the local Girl Scout Council. Additional event opportunities are being sought.
Volunteers are needed in many aspects of the Blues For Kids program, from assisting with events to fundraising. Email us at gtcbms@att.net for more information.
Pete Berglund
(Photo from Armadillo Jump)
Funding for Blues For Kids has been provided by the GTCBMS as well as generous contributions from:
Pete Izmirian, Portraits in Blues
John Coburn, in memory of Pete Berglund
Pete Berglund was passionate in music and was a member of local blues band Armadillo Jump. As "Uncle Puffy" he enthusiastically excelled at harmonica and guitar. Pete passed away unexpectedly in May 2006 and was loved by his friends, respected by his peers and is sorely missed by all who knew him.
— Doug Spike, Committee Chairman
site design j. harrington/ j. jacobson
page last updated:
Saturday, May 3, 2008
