Make a Donation to Blues For Kids
Blues for Kids teaches children of all ages the joy of Blues music, fulfilling one of the stated missions of the GTCBMS: "to provide learning opportunities related to this American-roots music genre." Blues for Kids workshops are scheduled through schools, community organizations, festivals and events. Workshops are custom designed to meet the needs of the audience and can include guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals, or Blues history. Our most popular workshop provides kids with a free harmonica and lesson.
To Volunteer or for more information, contact Joe Byrnes, Chairman, at email: blues4kids@gtcbms.org
Calendar of Events
2010
- No additional 2010 events are currently scheduled.
Past Events
2010
- March 24, 6:00 pm. @ Hamline-Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave., St Paul, MN. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. Open to the public, ages 8-18. Registration required, call 651-643-0293 to register.
- May 1, 10:30 am. @ Dakota County Galaxy Library, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. Open to the public, ages 8-18. Registration required, call 952-891-7045 to register.
- May 11, 10:20 am. @ Edison High School, 700 - 22nd Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. As part of curriculum for Music Exploration Class. Not open to public.
- May 18, 10:20 am. @ Edison High School, 700 - 22nd Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. As part of curriculum for Music Exploration Class. Not open to public.
- June 5 @ Smokin' in Steele BBQ & Blues Fest, Owatonna. Harmonica and instruction. Mike Fugazzi, instructor.
2009
- April 20, 4:30 pm. @ North End Elementary, St. Paul. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor.
- May 19, 5:00 pm. @ Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice St, St Paul, MN. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. Open to the public, ages 8-18. Registration required, call 651-558-2223 to register.
- May 30 @ Smokin' in Steele BBQ & Blues Fest, Owattona. Harmonica and instruction. Mike Fugazzi, instructor.
2008
- July 18, 3:00pm @ Deep Blues Festival. Free to the public. Harmonica and instruction. Everett Smithson, instructor. Limited to first 25 kids.
- July 19, 3:00pm @ Deep Blues Festival. Free to the public. Harmonica and instruction. Everett Smithson, instructor. Limited to first 25 kids.
- July 20, 3:00pm @ Deep Blues Festival. Free to the public. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. Limited to first 25 kids.
- July 26, 2:00pm @ The Coffee Grounds Music Festival. Free to the public. Harmonica and instruction. Nigel Egg, instructor. Limited to first 25 kids.
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
(7/20/07)
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
(7/14/07)
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 info@gtcbms.org 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
(3/29/07)
Contact GTCBMS: info@gtcbms.org
page last updated:
Thursday, July 29, 2010
