Straight from BluesWax
The BluesWax Blues Beat page is dedicated to those live show reviews and other reviews of Blues happenings around the globe, as well as interviews and spotlights on cool Blues related stories. This category has often produced some great stories that allow us to relive special live performances that we were able to witness in person or through the keyboard thanks to one of our many contributors. Several show reviews like Kyle Palarino's review of a Honeyboy Edwards show, Art Tipaldi's review of the Twentieth Piazza Blues Festival, Mark Goodman's review of the Blues From The Top Festival, and Dave Scott's review of the Maryport Blues Festival all deserve mention, but the winner this year is Art Tipaldi's "Something Special In Colorado" shines above the rest. This article put the spotlight on the great things that the folks at the Grand County Blues Society are doing with their Blue Star Connection and Blues In The Schools Program. If you missed this article the first time around you will see why this article is so important after reading it. It could change your life just as the program has done for so many. 

Something Special in Colorado By Art Tipaldi

"The Blue Star Connection has changed my life by giving me the gift of music. It has opened me to listen to so much more then what I already listened to. I love my guitar and I hate to put it down. Thanks," - Colin, Denver, Colorado

"BSC works wonders on the lives of kids like me. They give us something to look forward to through all of our troubles. Thanks soo much! I have cancer, but now I'm living life to it's fullest." - Caitlin Holloway, Seattle, Washington

"Medication gives relief, Blue Star Connection gives happiness; the combination gives health. It is a connection formed by angels, which makes us feel like twinkling blue stars. Blue Star Connection makes me feel so good about myself that I can stand up and say "Yeah! I know I am a great gal! When in dark, this connection is like a group of stars which shows one light." -Sneha, India

"The Blue Star Connection has created a bond with us and some very special kids and their families. The joining together of music and the soul can accomplish some amazing things. You cannot believe the strength and positive attitude these kids exude when you communicate with them. The Connection is the key to making this program work. It's an honor to be a part of the Blue Star Connection." - Dave and Enid Strong

The Grand County Blues Society in Winter Park, Colorado, has initiated two outstanding programs in its Blues In The Schools program. Check Out The Music is a program the GCBS pioneered whereby musicians and the GCBS donate instruments to the country's public libraries and residents can "Check Out" the music. The idea is that a society contributes instruments to the local library and children can check out the guitar for a two-week period.