Youth Development
The board of directors for the New York State Blues Festival truly enjoys bringing exceptional blues acts to Chevy Court at the NYS Fairgrounds for its annual event in June, but we also like to focus on community outreach. Education is part of our mission, and we are happy to introduce the importance of the Blues in American culture to children in Central New York.
Response to our Youth Development programs through the years has been outstanding. Our programs feature Blues in the Schools, the KJ James Scholarship Fund, and the Blues Ignition project. Despite a few setbacks due to the pandemic, our board continues to invest its resources to grow these programs each year.
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…
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…