WS Chronicle

Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) will hold its 36th Annual Carolina Blues Festival: Young, Black & Blues, on Saturday, May 21, featuring live music at Lebauer Park in downtown Greensboro. Live music continues on Sunday, May 22, with the PBPS food truck rodeo, Blues & Foods Market, at Center City Park in downtown Greensboro from 2-6 p.m.

NC Blues Week, May 14-21, features cultural programming, a formal proclamation from the Greensboro Mayor’s office, community blues jams in multiple cities, virtual events, and concerts in various venues.

The first Carolina Blues Festival was held in May 1987 and has grown significantly over the years, now extending over a two-day weekend. The nonprofit has also grown, adding such programs as Blues in the Schools. The program notes: “… the blues was created by African-Americans and is the first pure American music form to have originated in this country. Coming from the oral traditions of African-American folk music, the blues is the foundation for all other popular music forms students listen to today.” They provide performances and educational programs stressing the importance of the history of the blues music genre.

PBPS president Atiba Berkley states, “The theme ‘Young, Black & Blues’ was intentionally chosen to amplify the voices of younger African American players of Blues music and participants of Blues culture.”

The 36th Annual Carolina Blues Festival affords a unique opportunity to observe the range and depth of blues from the perspective of a younger generation of blues originators.

The complete lineup will be released in early April. Please visit PiedmontBlues.org for tickets on sale now, including the limited availability Blues Lover’s Bundle, which rewards those who buy tickets before the lineup is released. There are special discounts available at checkout by using promo codes. Public rducation employees get $5 off via the promo code BluesEd. U.S. military veterans and active duty service members are being honored with $5 off via the promo code BluesVet. Members of the various blues societies across the state all have access to deeper discounts by contacting their regional group leaders.

For more information about the festival and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.piedmontblues.org or email Atiba Berkley at President@piedmontblues.org.