Blues For Kids - Valerie Johnson and Al B Blue
Valerie Johnson & Al B Blue have presented this popular program in schools all over the US which, thanks to the strong recommendation from the Santa Barbara Blues Society, has been wildly successful in Santa Barbara.
Combining their talents of their voices, guitars and more, they help kids gain an understanding of Blues history and the various Blues styles through a variety of musical resources. Students learn about the stories and the songs that portray that history, as well as, having the opportunity to have a hands on experience playing a large variety of instruments that relate to Blues. In the past Blues for Kids has been supported by the Hightower Foundation and the San Luis Obispo Blues Society. Currently it is being sponsored by the oldest Blues society in the nation: Santa Barbara Blues Society - going into classrooms (Kindergarden - High School) throughout the Santa Barbara area. Want Blues for Kids to come to your area? Just let us know. You can have this talented team share their musical experience with you. For booking and further information please contact Valerie Johnson at vjblues.com, bluesyall@wildblue.net or call (805) 423-8592.
Below highlights some of what they do:
BLUES FOR KIDS - a completely interactive musical workshop
Tells History of Blues Gospel and Spirituals
Starting with with Slave Ships Working in Fields
Reasons for making up songs
How words and music were used with the Underground Railroad
Explain instruments made, used and demonstrated
Show how to make and play Kazoos.
Late 1800 to Early 1900's
Blues and Jazz
Different Style of Blues and Jazz from different areas of the United States.
Showing regional styles, from rural areas to cities and thier influences.
How Jazz & Blues got popular - Late 1800’s Important
People in Jazz and Blues
Using Blues as an Effective Communication process for players/singers and listeners
Show how a person can write and sing about anything -Facilitate song writing.
Interactive Workshops Offered
One Day - 45 minutes - Includes: All areas listed in the BLUES FOR KIDS highlights
One Week or longer: All participants will learn the all areas listed in the BLUES FOR KIDS highlights in greater depth, as well as, make primitive instruments used with the Blues, writing and recording their own songs. They will also learn basic instrument playing, performing technics and recording fundamentals. Students original songs are recorded and all participants receive a CD of the completed originals songs.
For booking and further information please contact Valerie Johnson at vjblues.com, bluesyall@wildblue.net or call (805) 423-8592.