Last week, the City of Long Beach held a recognition ceremony for the Long Beach Blues Society and New Blues Festival, honoring their achievements at FestFormus as well as their contribution to the greater Long Beach community .
The Long Beach Blues Society, an Arts Council grantee, was recognized for all they have achieved and contributed since their formation in 2014. It has been the LBBS’s mission to promote and teach all styles of blues music in an effort to uplift and educate Long Beach’s underserved communities, particularly impacting students, veterans, and seniors. They have since been able to engage thousands through programs such as Blues in Schools, Blues for Vets, and Blues for Seniors, presented by the combined efforts of the Long Beach Blues Society and the New Blues Festival. These achievements were underlined earlier this year at the 2019 FestForums conference where they were presented with the award of “Best North American Music Festival” in the Charity category.
While accepting the City’s Certificate of Recognition, Long Beach Blues Society co-founder and New Blues Festival founder William Grisolia expressed his appreciation for the city and community’s support. “It does take a village, it does take a city, and so for that we’re very grateful.”
