THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
BLUES SOCIETY
was formed in 1982 as a non-profit public benefit corporation to help keep the blues alive. The Blues Society's purpose is to promote, preserve and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an American cultural art form.
Since its inception over twenty years ago, the Blues Society has been actively involved in the community by presenting musical performances and special programs designed to promote and sustain the music we love. The Blues Society membership is a rich variety of blues music lovers, including blues music artists, corporate representatives, radio personalities and music fans who have a special passion for blues music.
The special programs of the Southern California Blues Society include the following:
BLUES SHOWS
The Blues Society has sponsored a wide variety of blues performances in Southern California including the Topanga Blues Festival, an annual outdoor event, as well as many other shows which in the past have featured such artists as Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, Etta James, Snooky Pryor, Pinetop Perkins, Cash McCall, Otis Rush, the Mighty Flyers and many more great blues performers, both local and national.
In addition to the Topanga Blues Festival, the Blues Society also sponsors Blues on the third Thursday of the month during the summer at Irvine Regional Park in the City of Orange and also Blues on the second Sunday of each month beginning on Mothers Day at Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura Hills. (Please check the calendar for specific dates and performances).
In the past we have also sponsored weekly Blues shows at numerous venues, which most recently have included Martini Blues, Triangle Square, and Curley's, to name a few.
These events have showcased some of the best local talent and promotes "keeping the blues alive" in the Southern California area.
WILLIE DIXON SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Named in honor of one of the giants of the blues, the Blues Society presents this scholarship each year to deserving undergraduate or graduate students based on their area of studies, scholastic achievement and financial need.
ARTIST ASSISTANCE FUND
Many blues music performers fall through the cracks of existing assistance programs. The SCBS Artist Assistance Fund is designed to provide immediate assistance to blues performers to help defray the financial burden of medical costs and other expenses placed on people in time of crisis. The legendary John Lee Hooker lent his name and likeness to help raise awareness about this worthy program. The long-term goal of this program is to establish a retirement residence facility for blues artists.
Your contributions to the Artist Assistance Fund have made it possible for The Blues Society to come forward with needed financial assistance within recent months. We thank those of you who have contributed and encourage your continued support of this worthwhile cause.
Send donations to:
Southern California Blues Society
2870 Los Feliz Pl., #204
Los Angeles, CA 90039
All donations are completly tax deductible.
BLUES IN THE SCHOOLS
This program introduces elementary and secondary school children to the origin and history of the blues and helps them develop an appreciation of different blues musical styles and the influence of this music in American culture. In school presentations have been made by blues artists such as Margie Evans, blues radio host Ed "The Geezer" Archer, Blues Society members and other interested parties.