FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                Media contact:

March 6, 2007                                                                                   Sam Veal, Executive Director

(904) 465-2426

saveal@bellsouth.net

 

Blues in the Schools brings music history, performances to classroom

Roger “Hurricane” Wilson visits local schools April 2-5

 

(JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL) – Although Blues music originated from extreme hardship and oppression experienced by African-Americans after the Civil War, Roger “Hurricane” Wilson has a knack for helping today’s students feel the blues.

“I’ve asked them to picture themselves in a large cotton field with a searing hot sun beating down on them, knowing they’ll have to work that field all day, bent over without a break,” said Wilson. With the image in mind, Wilson may belt out a work song or “holler” that many say is the precedent for the Blues.

From April 2-5, students in several beaches area schools will get that experience. Wilson is a volunteer educator for Blues in the Schools, an interactive program established by the Blues Foundation designed to teach students the history and evolution of the Blues through performance and stories. The program is made possible by George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival, held annually at the Seawalk Plaza in Jacksonville Beach. This year, the festival will be held April 6-8.

Wilson takes kids through the history of the Blues by performing songs or melodies of many styles, among them Delta, Chicago, Memphis and Piedmont. “You could give kids all kinds of stats and dates for a history lesson,” said Wilson. “But actually hearing and experiencing a live performance is much more fun and lasting,” he added.

Wilson hopes the performances leave kids with an appreciation for the Blues. “I hope the music is something they carry with them,” Wilson stated. “It’s what America is about.”

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Wilson’s love for music began when he was nine years old, when he began playing the guitar. As he grew up in New Jersey and Atlanta, Wilson’s musical interest was influenced by the sounds of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, Booker T & the MGs and B.B. King. After graduating high school, he took a job teaching guitar in a private studio, eventually taking over the business. Wilson began playing professionally in 1972 and over the years has jammed with Stevie Ray Vaughn, Les Paul, Albert Collins, and Charlie Musselwhite. He’s played shows and festivals with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Little Milton, John Mayall, Delbert McClinton, Taj Mahal, Savoy Brown and Leon Russell, among others. Wilson has released 7 CD’s, and is currently working on his 8th.

Wilson is scheduled to play George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival with his band on Friday, April 6 at 5:30 on the West Stage and Saturday, April 7 at 1:30 on the Main Stage. He will perform a solo acoustic set on the West Stage on Sunday, April 8 at 12:30.  For more information on Roger “Hurricane” Wilson or the festival, go to www.springingtheblues.com.

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