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(not active link)
Join the Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association
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Blues
in the Schools
education
The KVBA's Education Committee is once again taking
the blues to the Kalamazoo area classrooms. A 45-minute presentation is offered
to any schools that responds to an invitation mailed to them
by Dennis Massingill.
the places
The KVBA presenters are Mike Irelan and Doug
Beckman. Mike tells the story of the blues from its early Delta origins through
its influence on modern rock and roll. Doug lends his musical talents on his
"cigar box" guitar and his National Steel guitar as only he can do. Sometimes
the students help out by playing harmonicas or kazoos provided by the KVBA.
Overhead pictures of famous blues artists and sound bytes of their work are all
part of the presentation. It is a successful blend of history, humor, and music.
They even have blues coloring books to give to the little ones. If you watch
them perform you quickly realize that Mike and Doug not only love the blues,
they love working with students.
Some of the schools that they have visited are: Winchell Elementary, Comstock
HS, Mattawan HS, Alamo Elementary, North Glade Montessori, Hillside MS, Woods
Lake Elementary, Maple St Elementary, Vicksburg HS, Green Meadow Elementary,
Dorr Elementary, Lakeside Academy, Moorsbridge Elementary. This program is
offered absolutely free. There are still open dates available.
If you are interested in booking a presentation, you can contact
(via email) or (269)
694-4530.
Doug Beckman
Doug Beckman & Mike Irelan
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