What is the Emerald City Blues Festival?

Our objective is to bring the blues music and blues dance communities together under one roof.  Blues music has continued to be a part of mainstream American culture, but the dancing that went along with blues music when it was the popular music of the day disappeared as pop music evolved.  However, in recent years blues dancing has been experiencing a revival, so it's only natural to bring the two of them back together and showcase blues dancing as a full-fledged partner dance.  So what are we planning?

• Live blues music with the best of the Seattle blues scene covering a variety of blues music styles.
• Blues dance workshops with the best instructors in the country, with emphasis on both modern and vintage styles of dancing.  Multiple tracks will be available for beginner and advanced dancers.  No dance experience necessary!  If you've always wanted to learn how to dance, this will be a great way for you to get started.
• DJed music ranging from the Delta to Chicago, from pre-war acoustic to post-modern electric.
• Discussion sessions covering the history of blues music and blues dancing.
• A blues musicality session featuring live musicians and dance instructors, allowing you to hear and understand the differences in blues music styles and how to dance to them.
• A one-night juke-joint afterhours, where there will be no DJs or live music, only a jukebox.  You've got the quarters, you pick the music, just like in an old fashioned juke joint.   If you are a blues DJ and would like to contribute a CD to the jukebox, check out the submission guidelines.

Brought to you by the Washington Blues Society
and some of your favorite blues dancers.