The Huntington Blues Society and Grayson Gallery & Art Center joined forces Friday (July 17, 2020) for a membership drive and jam session at the arts center in Grayson.
Many of the musicians wore masks during their time on stage and audience members were required to use face coverings and practice safe distancing while inside the former fire station.
Proceeds will also be used by the HBS to hold their annual Greater Huntington Blues Challenge for prize money and sponsorship of the winner for a trip to Memphis, TN for the International Blues Challenge. Another program which will benefit by funds raised will be the annual Diamond Teeth Mary Blues Festival in Huntington, WV. The HBS was established in 2013 and has been hosting an open jam for Blues musicians each month at only a few choice locations since that time.
Director Dan Click: “We have always enjoyed working with musician/music historian Karen Combs, the current HBS President. along with other officers and various members. Several of the organization’s member-musicians have participated in the Gallery’s monthly Second Saturday Shindigs in the past. In addition, a group of players headed up by Combs – The Appalachian Ladies Revue – was formed and performed during the annual “Women in the Arts” event at the GGAC many times; they donate their contract fee to local womens & children’s charities. Personally (I’m sure I’m not alone in this) I’ve learned that the roots of the Blues and its players from the past have influenced much of what we know as rock as well as many other genres of music. Being able to promote “the” Blues via the GGAC as its own unique genre truly appeals to those who love almost any kind of music!”
The Huntington Blues Society hosts a radio show called the Diamond Duck Blues Hour each Monday at 3:00pm on WMUL (88.1 FM) so be sure to tune in. Check out their Facebook page for more information. Contact Dan Click, Director, for other GGAC events and projects via email: graysongallery@gmail.
Photos by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post