Page 67 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2022

live performances and intimate interviews with these talented
musicians who found new ways to monetize their careers
during the global pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting effects on the
gig economy, arguably forever. This is evident by the amount
of music venues that caved under financial pressures and the
musicians who were forced to pivot to new careers. Fueling
Musicians Program will continue to motivate, inspire and uplift
musicians who need a boost. As a result, not only will those
musicians find the means to thrive in their talents, but aspiring
youth who want to pursue music as a career will have examples
to look up to. The mission is to preserve music, preserve the blues
and help musicians get back on the road. It’s because of the
tremendous generosity of Joe, the program’s supporting artists
and all its fans, as well as the dedication of the KTBA staff, that
this program continues to prosper.
To donate to the Fueling Musicians Program and support
touring musicians, visit keepingthebluesalive.org/fueling-
musicians. Here, you can also read more about the musicians
and apply for funding. Applications close December 1 for
st
the calendar year.
All photos courtesy of the Fueling Musicians Program.
Joe Bonamassa, founder of Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation and the Fueling Artists pictured (l to r): Randy Leasman, Jack Hadley, Kate Voss
Musicians Program.
(top), MB Padfield (bottom), Mick Hayes and Selwyn Birchwood.
more than one genre, and decided it would be better to
focus on all touring musicians. As a result, the organization
has accepted applications from pop singers, metal bands, Messages of Gratitude from 2020
orchestra performers and anyone with a proven touring “A sincere thanks to Keeping the Blues Alive and my
history. good buddy Joe Bonamassa for the way they are helping
To date, over 300 musicians have received funding artists out during these crazy times.” – Eric Gales
through the program, which has raised just over $500,000. “The concept of me not being able to do what I love for the
In addition to funds raised through the Stream-a-thon, KTBA unforeseeable future is painful to comprehend. Struggling
also sells specially branded Fueling Musicians Program t-shirts to stay afloat financially and mentally has been a huge
which benefit the program. challenge for me and every other musician out there. It
The pandemic and FMP cause also inspired the creation is people like you who remind me that this depressing
of Keeping the Blues Alive Records. In 2021, KTBA Records situation can only be temporary, and that soon enough I
released a collaboration digital album created by Jimmy Vivino will be back on the road earning a living and changing
(music director of the late-night show Conan) to help Joe raise people’s lives as well as my own. This donation has never
money for the cause. The band, called The Blue Quarantinos, been more needed than right now, and I will never forget
showcases Jimmy on guitar/vocals, Jesse Williams on bass and what you guys have done for me and what you continue
Rob Paparozzi on harp. The album Phoning It In was recorded to do for many hardworking musicians out there.”
quarantine-style via Zoom, Skype and studio tracking, and – Kevin Prochnow, Just Friends
features numerous guests including Dion, Bonamassa, North
Mississippi All-Stars and Shemekia Copeland. The album is “I wanted to send my deep gratitude as a recipient of
available for purchase on ktba.org, and 100% of the proceeds the Fueling Musicians Program grant. It has been a true
benefit the Fueling Musicians Program. game changer for me, and the gas card is going to make
Industry partners stepped in alongside J&R Adventures to getting back out on the road – as soon as it’s safe to – an
make contributions to the program as well. Among them were easily attained reality for the band. I cannot thank y’all
industry titans Gibson Brands, Gibson Gives, Sweetwater, enough for the support and even more, a light of hope
Norman’s Rare Guitars and Artistworks.com. Artistworks even and a sense of ease. It’s freed up space in my mind to
dedicated an entire broadcast on Giving Tuesday 2021 called be able to write and think of new strategies of how to
“Dispatch From Home” which featured Bonamassa, Guthrie keep the momentum going in different ways, until we are
Trapp, Keith Wyatt and Fueling Musicians recipients Tom free to tour and play out again. It’s huge.”
Laskey, Fernando Perdomo, Telisha Williams, Chris Condon – Tricia Tripp, Hearts Gone South
and Gina Romantini. This special streaming event featured

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