What We Do

About Us

"The blues is my business,

and business is good."

Etta James (1928 - 2012)

American Singer & Songwriter

Artist Performances

In keeping with our mission, the Idaho Blues Society books and hosts performances by local and touring blues bands at various venues throughout the year. Previous touring artist shows have featured performances by Texas Bluesman Hamilton Loomis, Portland’s Ben Rice & the PDX Hustle, and First Lady of the Blues Anni Piper. We’re looking forward to bringing Blues Music Award-winning Sugaray Rayford, Portland’s Lisa Mann & the NW All-Star Band, and Australian Blues-Rock Singer-Songwriter Kara Grainger to Idaho this year. View Calendar.

Blues Jams

The Idaho Blues Society hosts a monthly jam at which local musicians are invited to take the stage and showcase their talents. The jams are a great place to meet other musicians and provide a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Blues fans are invited to attend and enjoy the music as well. Musicians, view these guidelines for participating in IBS-hosted jams.

Youth Enrichment

The Idaho Blues Society conducts a variety of programs designed to teach youth of all ages about blues music and foster their interest in keeping the blues alive for future generations.

• Blues in the Schools
  For more than 20 years and at no cost, IBS musicians have visited elementary, middle and high schools where they share the history and culture of blues music, demonstrate instruments we use to play the blues, and perform blues songs for students. The goal of our Blues in the Schools program is to encourage interest among young people in blues music, with an eye toward keeping the blues alive for future generations. Student and teacher reception has been overwhelmingly positive among all age groups. Learn more about our BITS program.
  

• Youth Scholarships
  Periodically throughout the school year, we award $500 scholarships to assist students in 1st through 12th grades in developing their musical skills. In addition, we have partnered with the Riverside Hotel in Garden City to establish two endowment funds aimed at attracting talented music students regionally and nationally to the music program at Boise State University. Find out more about scholarship opportunities we offer.
  

• Instrument Repair and Donations
  We collect used instruments, including guitars, bass guitars, horns, and violins and other stringed instruments, that we have repaired and then either donate to middle and high school bands and students or sell online to raise funds for repairs.  Learn how to donate a used instrument or apply for one for your school.

As an all-volunteer organization, we are always on the lookout for volunteers to help conduct and grow our community outreach programs. There’s a spot for you! Check out volunteer opportunities here.