The Blues and Older Minority Musicians -- More Than Just Music XXXII

TL;DR

The Blues connect older minority musicians and communities in Seattle through cultural heritage and social justice.

Contribution

This paper highlights intergenerational cultural connections through Blues music in the Puget Sound region.

Findings

Seattle’s Blues events foster community and cultural heritage exploration.

Older Blues musicians share insights on resilience and productive aging.

Events combine lectures, performances, and social activities to engage audiences.

Abstract

The Blues may have emerged in the Mississippi Delta but its influence and music is mightily represented today in the Puget Sound! Seattle’s Blues Bash, Blues Awards, and the Rhapsody Project make intergenerational cultural connections between the Blues and the community by tuning into cultural heritage exploration and social justice. With a lively array of bars, clubs, and iconic Blues musicians with insights into their lives, influences, resilience, and productive aging, this popular session draws an enthusiastic crowd of GSA members for a lecture/interview and “mini-performance” with a leading older musician. But Wait! There’s more- later that evening, a complete performance and party at a local Blues joint guarantees good music, dancing, libations, and Blues swag. This is a “don’t miss” combo with 32 years of GSA history.