Blues 101: A History of Blues Music in America

"Ramblin" Dan Stevens will guide attendees through the history of blues music in America. His educational and entertaining multimedia presentation will include classic blues pieces played on authentic vintage instruments.

The music is traced chronologically through its development in different regions of the south and follows the great African American migration to important centers like Memphis, Chicago, and beyond. The roots of rock and roll, jazz, and even hip hop can be traced to this important form.  Of special interest are pieces performed on Dan's homemade, three stringed "Cigar Box Guitar" and one stringed "Diddley Bow", both primitive instruments used by early bluesmen and played with a "bottleneck" slide.