The Mississippi Valley Blues Society will celebrate Black History Month by presenting Blues in the Schools (BITS) artist-in-residency Fruteland Jackson to area schools and open-to-the-public venues from February 4 to February 8.

As an oral historian, Fruteland has taken his extensive knowledge of blues history to schools, colleges and universities all over America. Fruteland created the award-winning “All About The Blues”™ series Blues in the Schools programs, bringing his love of the blues and its important contribution to music in the world to every venue and classroom he is invited. He has received awards and acclaim across the country for his research, innovation, curriculum and presentation of the history about the people and music that make up the blues. Fruteland has just published a study guide for third through eighth graders, to orientate them the blues through stories, word games, poetry and more.

Fruteland Jackson - Photo by Gary Collver

“Fruteland Jackson is a rare blues talent, and we’re lucky to be able to host him again,” says education committee chair Ann Ring. “He’s one of our most requested artist-in-residencies, so I know area teachers and kids are looking forward to his visit.”

MVBS’ educational programs would not be possible without the generous support from: the Riverboat Development Authority, the Illinois Arts Council, The Lodge, KALA-FM, Sears Manufacturing, Kraft Foods, LinguiSystems, Alcoa, WQPT, and the River Music Experience.

Mr. Jackson’s open to the public schedule has not been finalized as this issue goes to print, but he will be playing the Bettendorf Library 7:00 P.M.–8:00 P.M. on the fifth. More information will be available on our web site, www.mvbs.org and in the February BluesNews.