Step By Step Appalachian Blues Camp 2023

A Celebration of the Blues

Step by Step’s first Appalachian Blues Camp was the culmination of workshops with artists in both our coalfields and Charleston after school and summer programs this past program year. Master Artists Lady D (Doris fields—first lady of WV blues), Jonathan Wesley (and his band the Unit), and Guitarist Neil Curry were among a dozen musicians and visual artists who have been part of after school, Big Ugly Community Center’s Saturday arts program, and our Charleston and Big Ugly summer programs.

They provided an intensive week where over 50 students, from both Charleston and Lincoln County, followed tracks of history and songwriting in the blues, percussion, guitar, painting, and performance for four full days at the Roosevelt Community Center, ending with a performance at Resurrection Church (former Capital theater).

Photo Gallery

Lady D & Songwriters

Lady D presents her WV Blues songwriters in performance.

Drum Performance

One of four drum performances by students at the Blues Camp.

Guitar Students

Guitar students at the SBS Blues Camp.

Student Performers

Student performers gather at the Blues Camp performance.

Thank you to our sponsors!

This project is made possible by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions program with additional support from Tamarack Arts and the Berea College Appalachian Fund Folk Arts and Culture program.

Thank you!