Most students have heard of the blues, but haven’t really listened to them. They may know the names of a few blues legends, like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, but they’d be hard pressed to name an artist alive today who plays the blues.
All that could change at the fifth annual Evening of Arts and Blues tonight at 6 at the historic Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion at 1305 Greensboro Ave. The event, which is the Alabama Blues Project’s biggest annual fundraiser, aims to offer a lot of culture to the community.
“There will be live blues on two stages – one inside, one outside,” said Cara Lynn Smith, program director for the Alabama Blues Project. “We’ll also have food, a cash bar and an auction with incredible art from all over the nation.”
The auction will include a guitar autographed by Derek Trucks, a football autographed by Nick Saban, as well as the work of folk artists from across the country.
But the most important thing the night will offer could be an opportunity to listen. After all, the Blues Project’s mission is to preserve Alabama blues, and Smith believes the most effective means of preservation is education.
“There are so many misconceptions young people have about blues,” Smith said. “We need to teach it to children. People just don’t realize Big Momma Thornton hit it big with ‘Hound Dog’ before Elvis did, and she’s from Alabama.”
Events like this are just one part of the Blues Project’s long tradition of education.
“We started as a boys and girls club in a small area,” Smith said. “Now we have summer camps and after-school programs where children can play guitar, harmonica, drums, bass guitar and vocals.”
If students bring an open ear, they’ll have the opportunity to hear blues from 2BLU and the Lucky Stiffs, Dr. Burt, Henderson Huggins, Elnora Spencer and the Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band. Smith believes all of these artists bring something special to the stage.
“2BLU are so cool to watch – rockin’ blues with a classic hint,” Smith said. “Spencer just blew me away with her voice. Dr. Burt has a Muddy Waters style going for him, and Huggins is an old-school blues piano guy.”
2BLU harmonica player and vocalist, Bruce Andrews, contends that it’s difficult for young people to develop an ear for blues.
“When I started playing in bands in high school, classic rock was on the radio; so that’s what we played,” Andrews said. “We didn’t realize guys like Clapton and the Doobie Brothers all have a blues base.”
Andrews also has a long history with the Blues Project. The past couple of years he’s taught harmonica and art in their blues camps. Identifying with the challenges his students, mostly special-needs children, face, Andrews said he believes blues can help, even if just by nurturing confidence.
“I was always the kid that was distracted; I can relate to that kid,” Andrews said. “A lot of times that’s an affliction of someone who is creative. Teaching harmonica shortens the learning curve. They can accomplish something and see progress in a couple of hours with the harmonica. It gives them hope. Their whole outlook can change.”
The Alabama Blues Project strives for those breakthroughs. Building self-esteem and promoting cultural diversity earned them the “Keeping the Blues Alive” award for education presented by the Blues Foundation, the world renowned authority on blues preservation.
Of course, Blues Project students get a healthy dose of blues history, especially Alabama blues.
“Alabama just hasn’t been emphasized, [and] Alabama blues artists get forgotten in the mix,” Andrews said. “But some of these blues icons are still alive, still doin’ it. We need to be aware of that.”
Tickets are $25 at the door for adults and $10 for students.
The event is sponsored by Harrison Galleries, the University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences, First Federal Bank, Alabama Credit Union, among other organizations and individuals.
For more information visit alabamablues.org.
