Blues In The Schools: By The Numbers
Blues in the Schools: By The Numbers with Colin Aberdeen
Blues Ignition
In addition to the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues in the Schools, the New York State Blues Festival’s youth development program is proud to present Blues Ignition.
Blues In The Schools
Education is a huge part of the mission of the New York State Blues Festival and we are happy to share the importance of the blues in American culture with children in CNY schools. In 2023 our Blues in the Schools (BITS) program made its return to area school districts following a 3 year pandemic break.
CFCU KJ James Memorial Scholarship
The New York State Blues Festival is pleased to present the KJ James Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded every year to promising young performers. Kelly James is considered to be the father of the blues scene in Syracuse. He was responsible for creating and cultivating the thriving blues scene we enjoy today in Central New York, including starting the area’s very first blues festival on Burnet Avenue.