The traveling exhibition entitled “Florida’s Got the Blues,” will open at the Tampa Bay History Center on September 12, 2015, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. This exhibit explores Florida’s musical heritage, the many musicians who pioneered the blues in the early twentieth century, and the impact of Florida in the evolution of the Blues and Rock n’ Roll. The exhibition includes artefacts, photography, film, and performances.

Description: Did you know that Florida has a long blues tradition? Many notable blues artists had roots in Florida, and they are featured in an engaging exhibit that explores topics such as Early Blues, Florida Women and the Blues, Blues Clubs and Jook Joints, Depression Blues and the WPA Recordings, Popular Music and the Blues, and Contemporary Blues.

Among the Florida blues artists featured are Tampa Red, known as the “Guitar Wizard,” and Blind Blake, the great ragtime and blues guitarist.  The late, great Ray Charles, who grew up in Greenville, Florida is also featured.  Florida’s Got the Blues is presented by the Museum of Florida History Traveling Exhibit Program (TREX).

See original announcement at http://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/floridas-got-blues-opening-day/

Also see http://jazz-bluesflorida.blogspot.com/2015/02/floridas-got-blues-hear-history-come.html