The Philadelphia Blues Society is set to host its first annual blues festival at Temple University’s Ambler Campus on October 11.
This daylong event promises to bring together both local and internationally recognized blues musicians, alongside food trucks, craft vendors, and a beer garden for attendees to enjoy.
Greg Gaughan, a board member of the Philadelphia Blues Society and one of the festival’s organizers, emphasized the festival’s objective.
“Our mission is to promote and preserve the blues,” Gaughan stated.
He added that the festival aims to unite blues lovers, providing them with a glimpse into the current blues landscape while allowing everyone to enjoy a splendid day filled with vibrant music.
“The blues is at the root of all music genres, and its origins can be traced back to African roots,” he noted.
The festival is a significant step in the Philadelphia Blues Society’s ongoing mission to cultivate the blues scene in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Jamey Reilly, owner of Jamey’s House of Music in Lansdowne and a co-founder of the society, remarked on the importance of blues as a cultural expression.
Founded in 2023, the nonprofit emerged largely because Philadelphia was one of the few major U.S. cities without a dedicated blues society.
Reilly described the blues as “America’s original musical art form,” emphasizing its deep roots in the cultural and artistic expressions of enslaved individuals in the South.
“The music, which originated from Africa, served as a means for unity and communication among enslaved people working in the fields,” he elaborated.
As the genre evolved, blues music traveled northward, influencing and intertwining with various music scenes across the nation.
“The blues scene exploded with the introduction of the electric guitar, and the music quickly spread across America and beyond,” Reilly explained.
He illustrated the diverse range of blues, from Texas blues to West Coast and Piedmont styles, noting that they all share a common heritage.
Ultimately, the goal of the Philadelphia Blues Society and the upcoming festival is to ensure that this vital cultural cycle continues to thrive.
Reilly also mentioned plans for a “blues in the schools” initiative aimed at educating the younger generations in the Greater Philadelphia area.
This program would facilitate live blues performances in schools, imparting essential knowledge about the music and its significance in American culture.
Renowned blues guitarist and singer Clarence Spady expressed his excitement about performing at the festival.
At 64, Spady reflects on his early start in blues music at the age of 5, thanks to his father’s guidance.
He conveyed the profound influence that blues music had on his life, particularly as a Black child growing up in a segregated Scranton, Pennsylvania during the late 1960s and 1970s.
“For all Americans of color, the blues is very vital,” Spady remarked, showcasing the profound connection many feel with the genre.
Critically, Spady challenged the idea of inventing a ‘new blues,’ noting that the essence of blues transcends the need for novelty.
“There’s no new blues. The essence of the music doesn’t change; it’s about what’s inside you,” he stated.
He emphasized that blues represents emotions rooted deep within individuals rather than just specific musical elements.
In another effort to spread awareness about the blues genre, Spady volunteers as a music teacher at elementary schools, working to enrich young people’s understanding of the art form.
“I teach the children for free as part of giving back what I have received,” he shared, underlining the significance of nurturing the next generation of artists.
This year’s festival enjoys support from various sponsors, including Conshohocken Brewing Co., March Forward, Shanahan Consulting, WSFS Bank, Herr’s Foods, Jamey’s House of Music, Greg Gaughan, Cindy Amoroso, and Khadijah Renee.
Tickets for the event are priced at $40 and can be purchased online.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs, though outside food and drinks are prohibited, ensuring a focused experience on the music and vendors.
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