Students at Wynn Elementary School and Caryville Elementary School received an interactive blues music program ahead of the Louie Bluie Festival, according to WLAF. The Campbell Culture Coalition organized the Pre-Festival Friday Performance in Schools, funded by the Appalachian Regional Fund.
WLAF reported that Grammy nominee Candice Ivory, a professor of contemporary voice at Washington University in St. Louis, performed at both schools with pianist Ben Levin. Students clapped along, stomped percussion, and participated in songwriting during the sessions.
Ivory told students she became a professional musician at age 14, performing on Beale Street in Memphis, and emphasized that maintaining good grades and completing chores were requirements for her to play late-night club gigs. She also highlighted women’s contributions to blues, citing Memphis Minnie, WLAF reported.
Levin told students he began performing professionally around age 11 or 12, according to WLAF. Campbell Culture Coalition Executive Director Manuel Mesa said the programs aim to offer unique opportunities to students, opening doors they may not know exist. WLAF noted the program reaches students who may not attend the festival to hear live music.
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