Unlike Jazz and Classical Music education programs, respectfully, there are far fewer funding sources and endowments when it comes to supporting nonprofits with a focus on Blues pedagogy.
By making Blues Kids Foundation your charity of choice and pledging your tax-deductible contribution, today, you will help ensure cultural, social and emotional enrichment opportunities for Blues Kids. Your support helps sustain current programs and establish new ones for student musicians, parents and community members. Music programs, in general, are too often undervalued and underfunded.
"Donors can deduct contributions they make to you [Blues Kids Foundation] as provided in IRC Section 170. You are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts under IRC Sections 55, 2106, and 522."
- Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service
Tips on how you can become a Strategic Partner:
• Ask your HR department about their Matching Gift Giving program.
• Host a fundraiser or special event at your home or favorite venue.
• Volunteer at our events.
• Be creative and think of something cool.
• Spread the word about us.
As a “soft fundraiser”a percentage of the proceeds from food and beverage sales, that day at Americanos, will benefit Blues Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information on how you and yours can be involved visit BluesKids.com/Chicago. Throughout the year, Blues Kids Foundation presents Blues Camp(s) and workshops for youths and adults, internationally, at no cost to the participants. If interested in making a donation or becoming a strategic partner visit BluesKids.com/Give.
The Blues Angels
Blues Kids Foundation International Partners
Mary Barnes Donnelley Family Foundation | Lefort-Martin Fund | Allstate
Knotty Luxe Arts Foundation | Brookins Funeral Home | Matthew's Childlren's Foundation
Chicago Community Trust | Columbia College Chicago | Jim Dunlop USA
Chicago Federation of Musicians (Local 10-208) | D’Addario Foundation | Hohner
Facebook / Network for Good | Dr. Eddie Bleier & Friends | Tom Liebman | Shure
The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield | Edward G. Irvin Foundation | The Gray Realty Group
The Chicago Metro Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Blues Kids Foundation Friends
NAMM | Fender Musical Instruments | DCASE | Navy Pier Chicago
Chicago Public Schools | Chicago Police Department | Pullman Community Center
Chicago State University | A Sound Education | Tokyo School of Music and Dance
WGN TV | Logan Center for the Arts (University of Chicago) | IL Blues Magazine
Tennessee State University | Los Angeles Unified School District | Blues Foundation
Downbeat Magazine | Old Town School of Folk Music | Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
Bruce Iglauer | School of Rock (Oak Park, IL) | Reggie’s Rock Club
Community Partners
Thanks for making us your charity of choice.
Give without remembering.
Four Year International Partner • $250K
Two Year International Partner • $150K
One Year International Partner • $75K
One Year National Partner • $50K
Partner of the Week • $7.5K
Blues Kid of the Year Partner • $5K
Sponsor a Blues Kid • $2.5K
Musical instruments, performance space
and transportation + lodging donations welcome, too.
Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp International
In-residence at Columbia College Chicago’s Music Center
Matching Funds Supporters
Microsoft | FirstGiving.com | United Way | Grainger | Amgen | Toyota | AXA Foundation
Photo by Glenn Kaupert
Blues Camp on Around Chicago at Esmond 2:23
Blues Camp w/Ana Belaval at Esmond (1:13)
Blues Camp Florida
Blues Camp Florida Short News Clip
These Campers Aren't Homesick, They Have The Blues
Blues Camp International Online 2020 on WGN TV
Windy City Live BKF
Welcome to Fernando Jones' Blues Camp by Quincy Rycraw Cochran
This is my NAMM: Sinbad on Fernando Jones' Blues Camp. BluesKids.com/EarlyBird FernandoJones.com/Bio
Fernando Jones' Blues Camp Miami
Fernando Jones' Blues Kids: Meiza
This is my NAMM: Morris Hayes of New Power Generation (Prince's music director) on Fernando Jones' Blues Camp.
My son, Darryn, always loved music, but his love of Blues began at the Fernando Jones' Blues Camp in 2011. He has since then attended 5 camps over two years, which has brought out a very different side of his musical talents. He has learned how to perform on stage, to improvise without always needing sheet music, play with a band and just have fun with music. In addition to developing his musical abilities he has had the privilege of meeting kids, musically talented like him, from all over the country. He looks forward to Blues Camp every year and says he wouldn't trade it for anything!
Sherry Azevedo (Darryn, Vocals and Keyboard)
My 14 year old son is currently in Blues Camp at Columbia College. His experience at the camp has been wonderful. At the end of each day I have asked him what he thinks about the camp, and each day his response has been more enthusiastic than the prior (and it started with amazing!) . . . he has learned much not only about the Blues but about himself. He has had a great opportunity to connect to not only kids from the Chicago area but from all over. Being able to play at venues such as Old Town School of Folk Music, Reggie's Rock Club and at House of Blues has been quite an opportunity for him, also. As a parent, I have been impressed!
Liz Tertell (Qinn, Violin)
Blues camp helped our son understand the deep history and context of the music he loves. The whole faculty was fantastic.
Dr. Angela Sorby Roth (Jonah, Guitar)
My daughter Fatima was adamant about NOT joining the Blues Kids this year. She even told Mr. Jones that she wouldn't. She came anyway. On day one she met Ms Nellie "Tiger" Travis. On day two she was singing a lead on stage! Blues Camp to her now is the greatest camp ever. She expressed interest in staying until she's 18, then teaching a class. From never to infinity. Gotta Love the Blues. Thank you Mr. Jones.
Yvette Jones (Fatima, Vocals + Sam, Drums)
Every Blues Kid gets to shine while learning to support peers in reaching common goals. Blues Camp is so much more than making GREAT music!
Jack (Colin, Guitar)
Blues Kids camp is an absolutely priceless experience for these kids . . . priceless!
Denise Walker (Chase Walker, Lead Guitar)
During the week at camp our son grew so much as a musician and a young man. He made some wonderful friendships, and the ensemble sessions with his teachers were priceless.
Joanne and David Hewko (Alex, Guitar)
Thank you again for all of your hard work and for making Blues Camp such an amazing experience for us.
Joanne Hewko (Alex), Victoria, B.C. Canada
Fantastic experience! Highlight of our summer! Standing ovation to the "Kids" of BLUES CAMP Chicago and the many volunteers and teachers who made it happen!!!
Rob and Karen Frank (Jared, Bass Guitar)
Blues Camp gave my daughter the opportunity to meet kids that love to jam. Mr. Jones is dynamic and it's because of his vision that these kids can dream.
Brenda Nelson (China, Vocals)
My son Robert Martin Walters returned from blues camp with greater confidence in his playing, new drum licks, and a deeper respect for the blues.
Bobby "Black Hat" Walters (Robert, Drums)
Before this life-changing camp, I used to spend my free time playing video games, basketball or watching television. But all changed when I attended Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp. From the first day of camp I was immersed into the world of blues and thoroughly enjoyed it. This experience was honestly the best experience I have ever had in my life. Since my first Blues camp I have been performing all over town with a group of kids that I met at the camp. None of this would have happened without Blues camp. Thank you Mr. Jones!
Darryn Azevedo (Blues Kid, Vocals and Keyboard)
Blues Kid Accomplishments
• Some of our high profile Blues Kids have performed at the BB King's, Buddy Guy's Legends, Chicago Blues Festival, the King Biscuit Festival, the Warp Tour and the House of Blues.
• This January, a few of our Blues Kids were invited to participate in the annual International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis, TN.
• Buddy Guy, BB King and Eddie Shaw have also invited some of our high profile Blues Kids on stage to perform with them and/or open for them. The list of our Blues Kids include: Savanah "The Teen Queen of the Blues" Coen, Ray Goren, William "Mo Betta" Ledbetter, the Peterson Brothers, Chase Walker, Detour 91, Carlton and Peyton, Jemiah Rogers & the Red Machine and Trance Band.
Photo by Glenn Kaupert