Blues In The Schools

New York State Blues Festival Youth Education Initiative

Sponsored by J.J. Lane Construction

Education remains a central part of the New York State Rhythm & Blues Festival’s mission. Through our Blues In The Schools (BITS) program, students across Central New York discover the roots, history, and cultural significance of the blues while experiencing live music in an engaging, interactive setting.

Led by acclaimed musician and educator Colin Aberdeen, along with special guest artists, Blues In The Schools introduces students to the influence of blues music on American culture and modern music styles. Programs include live performances, songwriting workshops, classroom discussions, artist Q&A sessions, and hands-on musical experiences designed to inspire creativity and self-expression.

For 2026, the program continues to expand throughout Central New York with appearances in Syracuse City Schools, East Syracuse-Minoa, Liverpool, West Genesee, Jamesville-DeWitt, and additional regional districts. The 2026 spring schedule includes elementary schools, middle schools, assemblies, classroom workshops, and special educational events connected to the New York State Blues Festival.

2026 Spring Program Highlights

• Multiple school districts throughout Onondaga County and Central New York
• More than 1,400 projected student participants
• Classroom workshops and full-school assemblies
• Expanded middle school programming
• Special festival-week educational partnerships
• Featured guest artist workshops during festival week

A major highlight of the 2026 program will take place on Friday, June 12, when the New York State Blues Festival brings nationally touring artist Vanessa Collier and band into the Syracuse City School District STEAM School for workshops, student interaction, and a live performance experience as part of the JJ Lane Construction Blues In The Schools Program.

2026 Participating Schools & Programs

• West Genesee East Hill Elementary
• West Genesee Stonehedge Elementary
• East Syracuse-Minoa Elementary
• Syracuse City School District HW Smith
• Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School
• Liverpool schools
• ESM Woodland Elementary
• All Saints Elementary
• Syracuse STEAM School special festival-week program

The Blues In The Schools program is proudly supported by JJ Lane Construction and is part of the New York State Blues Festival’s broader youth development mission, alongside Blues Ignition and the KJ James Memorial Scholarship.

The New York State Blues Festival believes the blues is more than music — it is an important part of American history, storytelling, and cultural expression. Through Blues In The Schools, students experience that legacy firsthand while discovering the power of live music and creativity.

BITS is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during April, May and through June 11, when the festival begins. Please fill out the form on this page for more information.