Coffee House of Blues performance
Friday, August 22, 2008 • 7:00 p.m.
HCTC First Federal Center
Admission: $10 per person (age 5 & under free)

A coffee house performance that may just be the cure for any “back to school” blues you might be feeling. Reverend Charlie Edmonds, the Preaching Bluesman,” is an acoustic blues soloist who has a mission to preserve this art form. Originally from western Kentucky and the son of three generations of sharecroppers, Edmonds has been playing music since childhood. His parents were musicians and he learned to play piano at the age of 8 and guitar at the age of 11. He grew up singing gospel jubilees and being influenced by his father, who also played gospel in church and acoustic blues at social gatherings. So Reverend Charlie’s musical career is pretty much a continuation of what his father played. Edmonds has been a Baptist minister now for over 30 years and a professional musician for over 15 years, and according to Reverend Charlie, “My ministry is primary and my music is secondary, and preaching will always come first.” This is probably why he earned the title of the “Preaching Bluesman.” Reverend Charlie plays a mixture of blues, ballads, Ray Charles classics, and superb original songs which he composes with inspirational spontaneity!

Arts Education Programs: Reverend Charles Edmonds “Birth of the Blues” Educational Programs/Residency

Available to come to your school during the week of February 2–6, 2009 Single assembly program $250
Single day residency program $400

The “Birth of the Blues,” addresses the emergence, development, and establishment of the Blues as a music art form in America. It is an historical, panoramic overview of the process. Beginning with the cruel, inhumane conditions of the slave pens of West Africa, and continuing through the horrible experience of the trans-Atlantic passage in slave-ships, the brutal conditions of chattel slavery, and the years of unjust treatment through segregation and oppression in the United States; the program follows the diverse paths of Blues music through the turn-of-the-century, concluding with post-World War II. The program includes demonstrations and encourages group participation. It is designed to be approximately ninety (90) minutes in length, however an abbreviated version is possible. Reverend Edmonds is available to come for a single assembly program, or for a residency conducting multiple workshops or programs that are spread out during one day or over multiple days. “Birth of the Blues” has been enthusiastically received by students and educators alike in schools K -12 and at colleges and universities across the U.S., as well as Argentina, Germany and the Netherlands. Musically, Reverend Edmonds has worked with B.B. King, Koko Taylor, and Chubby Checker among others.  In light of the economy and budget cuts for many schools, Reverend Edmonds is willing to work with schools on negotiating fees, especially for multiple schools/dates.

Call the performing arts office to schedule a workshop or residency at your school, or for more information. Phone 487-3067 or 800-246-7521 ext. 73067.