Omega Events, Inc., the event production company behind the Doheny Blues Festival, launches the Doheny Blues Foundation in conjunction with the festival’s 20th Anniversary celebration.
On Wednesday, May 17th, there will be a pre-party at Mozambique in Laguna Beach for the Doheny Blues Festival that will serve as an initial launch party for the Doheny Blues Foundation with local blues artists performing and proceeds from that event benefiting the foundation. A 20th Anniversary Doheny Blues Festival commemorative book is being created and will be available for purchase at the 2017 Doheny Blues Festival, with proceeds also benefiting the foundation.
The Doheny Blues Festival will be held in Dana Point Harbor on May 20 & 21, 2017. Headlining this year’s anniversary celebration is the legendary Joe Walsh, Melissa Etheridge’s MEmphis Rock & Soul, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, roots rocker Chris Isaak, and soul legend Mavis Staples. Single Day tickets are on sale now on the web.
The newly-formed 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation will aim to inspire appreciation for the blues by cherishing its history and promoting its future. The mission of the foundation will be to promote awareness of blues music and provide education about its history, cultural significance and relevance to the present – resulting in greater appreciation and understanding of the uniquely American art form.
For 20 years, the Doheny Blues Festival has created a festival environment like none other. The cornerstone of the event is three alternating stages of blues, rock and soul music, with legendary artists alongside rising stars, all held at the beautiful beachfront venue of Doheny State Beach. This history of supporting blues artists in Southern California and the strategic relationships developed over the years with musicians, music industry executives and other key industry players serve as an important advantage when it comes to the initial launch of the Doheny Blues Foundation.
Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events and founder of the Doheny Blues Festival, is proud to be launching a foundation that will further the mission of bringing blues to Southern California, stating “the launch of the Doheny Blues Foundation is the logical next step in completing our goal of not only bringing the blues to Southern California, but ensuring that the music grows and thrives here for generations to come.”
The five-year plan for the work of the foundation includes two main strategies, each developed to accomplish a strategic goal aligned with the mission of the foundation.
- The Musician Community Program honors and supports the blues community – financially and by providing a sense of community and purpose
- The Youth Educational Program educates youth and fosters an appreciation for the blues with a multi-faceted educational approach
Several tactics will be used to accomplish the two main goals of the foundation.
- Membership will build a sense of community among musicians and provide opportunities for mentorship
- Performances to provide a sense of giving back to the youth community
- Financial Assistance for musicians during difficult periods will build a sense of financial stability
- Education for local youth will be the backbone of the foundation’s work with an integrated 4-step approach to blues education to foster greater understanding and a lifelong appreciation for blues music
- Doheny Blues Foundation Award will be given out annually to a member of the community providing leadership and guidance that strengthens the blues community
- Scholarships are to be awarded to graduating seniors who aspire to study music as musicians or music historians
The board of directors is currently being formed and Patti Compton, Director of PR for Omega Events, will serve as the Executive Director of the foundation. Her role will be to plan and facilitate strategies and tactics to achieve the mission of the foundation – to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the blues. Doheny Blues Foundation official start of operations is slated for September, 2017.
About Doheny Blues
In 1998, the Doheny Blues Festival was born; twenty years later, the festival continues to receive praise and recognition as one of the top blues music festivals in the nation, featuring 24 sets of music on three alternating stages, plus tasty food, microbrew sampling, eclectic vendors and family fun. The festival is held at Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre California State Park, with sandy beaches, great views, overnight camping and a scenic waterfront grass park. Two main stages are placed at opposite ends of the large grass field, with a third stage, The Backporch, in its own tree-lined bowl, which offers intimate sets of music throughout the weekend.
About Omega Events
For over two decades, Omega Events has been a leader in live entertainment, bringing world-class musicians and their fans together at a variety of music festivals, winery concerts and special events. Omega Events’ team specializes in every aspect of event production, including talent buying, sponsorship, marketing, beverage sales, vendor relations, cash-management and concert production.
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