PREVIEW: The Capital Region Blues Network Presents “Blues in the Schools” Benefit Concert
5/18 @ The Hangar on the Hudson, Troy
“Blues in the Schools,” the program run by The Capital Region Blues Network (CRBN), is the subject of a benefit concert this Sunday, May 18th at one of North Troy’s gems, The Hangar on The Hudson.
“Blues in the Schools” brings regionally and nationally recognized artists to local area school districts, BOCES, special education programs, and afterschool programs, providing educational classes and the unique opportunity to explore one of America’s founding music genres from the artists currently carrying the torch into the future. These programs are provided at no cost, reaching every age range from preschoolers to high schoolers.
“The future of blues music resides with the next generation so our Blues in the Schools program is fundamental to our mission of preserving blues heritage and expanding awareness of the blues,” says Richard Green, President of the Capital Region Blues Network. “We’re excited to present this show which will contribute to the financial stability of the program and also promises to be a fun musical experience.”
The benefit concert features Castleton’s own, the Amy Ryan Band, whose latest album Brighter & Brighter, currently stands at #10 on the Roots Music Report Blues Chart, joining Grammy-recognized Blues legends Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd, as well as two-time Blues Music Awards’ B.B. King Blues Performer of the Year, Tommy Castro in the top 10. For their set—in addition to their brand of blues—expect special guests, including for their first time ever, a live horn section.
Opening the show will be NY Blues Hall of Famer Mark Tolstrup, and sultry voiced Texan, Jill Burnham performing as Mark & Jill. Their sound is described as where the Delta of New Orleans meets the Rio Grande of Austin. For this special performance, they will also be adding bass and drums for a portion of their set.
If incredible live music wasn’t enough, there will also be a silent auction, featuring some cool blues related items, a 50-50 raffle, and of course the opportunity to learn more about the CRBN, their work, and how you can become a member.
Doors are at 2pm, with Mark & Jill hitting the stage at 2.30pm and the Amy Ryan Band going on at 3.45pm. The Hangar on the Hudson is located at 675 River Street in Troy.
General admission tickets are available in advance for $20 (plus fees) via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-capital-region-blue-network-blues-in-the-schools-fundraiser-tickets-1333516356319?aff=oddtdtcreator. Tickets will be available on the door for $25. All proceeds benefit Blues in the Schools.
