Blues Schoolhouse is an interactive, live musical presentation that traces the history of the blues from its roots in African musical traditions through its emergence as an American musical form. Participants see how people use music to tell their stories, preserve their memories and create a sense of community. The program weaves major historical events narrated across an American history timeline and demonstrates how music can reflect social conditions, drive social change and how African and African American music and cultural traditions influence the music enjoyed today.
Blues SchoolHouse Boston reaches thousands of students annually through the generous support of Music Drives Us.
Music Forward is proud to bring Blues SchoolHouse to the Philadelphia community beginning in Fall 2024. The program will be hosted at The Met Philadelphia presented by Highmark.
John is an accomplished musician, piano teacher, and piano technician. As part of the Boston music scene, he has been playing a variety of musical styles for 25 years. After more than a decade with the Blues SchoolHouse Band, John continues to find joy in educating young people about the history of American music.
Ayeisha Mathis is a Boston native. At the tender age of 5 she fell in love with the drums and percussion. She quickly rose to become a sought-after drummer showing extraordinary talent and a promising future in music. Due to her musical success, as a teen she was invited to join the Zildjian and Vater families as an endorsed artist. Currently, Mathis is a Professor at Berklee College of Music.
Katani is one of the original MC’s of the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues, is the featured lead vocalist for Gospel Night at the Pops, bandleader of “Katani & the Krew,” and has been a singer/songwriter and educator for over 25 years.