KJ James Memorial Scholarship
Sponsored by Beginnings Credit Union
The New York State Blues Festival is pleased to present the CFCU KJ James Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded every year to promising young performers.
Kelly James is known as “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. He played with the band, Triple Shot, then formed Dr. Blue and the Kingsnakes, who toured nationally, before going solo as Dr. Blue.
Kelly James’ big heart and spirit of generosity and support for up-and-coming blues musicians was legendary in the Central New York area and beyond.
Fellow musician, Terry Mulhauser said, “Kelly was a blues activist–whether he was putting together a show, a band, or out on the road with his solo blues act. He always worked to raise the level of appreciation and respect for the music.”
Awards
- First place winner will be awarded $3,000.
- Second place winner will be awarded $2,000.
- Third place winner will be awarded $1,000.
Applicants must be no older than 19 years of age. Please submit completed applications by May 18, 2025 to scholarship@nysbluesfest.com. Additional details provided in official application.
KJ James Memorial Scholarship Winners
2025
Joey Trovato (1st place)
Nova Spires (2nd place)
Madison Humphrey (3rd place)
2024
Aiden Hanas (1st place)
Enrique Hernández (2nd place)
Mira Grimm (3rd place)
2023
Eamonn Hubert
2022
Anna Fontaine
2019
Jett Collura (1st place)
Wyn Pitnick (2nd place)
Joey Trovato (3rd place)
2018
Sera Bullis (1st place)
Rebecca Turner (2nd place)
2017
Jacob Fitzmaurice (1st place)
Jacob Lawless (2nd place)
Luke Puglisi (3rd place)
2016
Neil Minet (1st place)
Eamonn R. Hubert (2nd place)
Connor Stassi (3rd place)
2015
Dunham Hall (1st place)
Cecil Nelson (2nd place)
Dustin Stout (3rd place)
2012
Mikey Dufresne (1st place)
Chandler Carter (2nd place)
Katie Foley (VP Marketing & Sales CFCU), Madison Humphrey (3rd place), Bill Crane (Chief Production Officer CFCU), Carol James (KJ James’ widow), Joey Trovato (1st place), Nova Spires (2nd place)
Katie Foley (VP Marketing & Sales CFCU), Bill Crane (Chief Production Officer CFCU), Eric McElveen (NYS Blues Festival Director), Carol Hogan James (KJ James widow), Joey Trovato (1st place)
Katie Foley (VP Marketing & Sales CFCU), Nova Spires (2nd place), Allison Schad (NYS Blues Festival Board President), Eric McElveen (NYS Blues Festival Director)
Joey Trovato (1st place), Nova Spires (2nd place), Madison Humphrey (3rd place), Eric McElveen (NYS Blues Festival Director), Allison Schad (NYS Blues Festival Board President)
More Youth Development
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.
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…