The HVBS Ian Bennett Blues in the Schools Fund was established to offer the opportunity for students of all ages to learn about the evolution, history, and traditional barriers and genres of past and current-day Blues music.
Who was Ian Bennett? For many years, Ian Bennett was an important part of the Hudson Valley Blues scene. He was a 40-year veteran of sax, harp, and vocals, an HVBS Member, and a New York State Blues Hall of Fame recipient. Ian Bennett died in 2019, after struggling with serious health issues. Ian loved to educate budding musicians and singers about the Blues, and in that same spirit, we could not think of a better way to honor his memory. The Ian Bennett Blues in the Schools Fund will offer programming to engage students all over the Hudson Valley to learn about this wonderful art form.