Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) was started as a membership club & non-profit in 1985 in Greensboro, NC. It has been volunteer-run for 37 years, with Carolina Blues Festival being the organization’s first program. In 2022 alone, PBPS served over 13,000 people through its many programs and events. These programs reach community members of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds through visual art, food, literature, and of course, Blues music.
2023 Blues Week & 37th Carolina Blues Festival
North Carolina celebrates its rich Blues heritage and culture with the statewide NC Blues Week from May 13 to May 21, culminating in the 37th Annual Carolina Blues Festival: Origination on May 20 in LeBauer Park. NC Blues Week offers a variety of events to celebrate the origination of Blues and PBPS, both of which began with Piedmont-style guitar pickers and Gospel artists. There is something for everyone, including multiple farmer’s markets, electronic music, a virtual panel, live performances, and community Blues jams.
Blues and Food Market
In fall 2022, PBPS received a Community Elevation Grant to support their Blues and Food Market program in East Greensboro. Blues and Foods Market is a free community engagement live music event with the mission of raising equity in the arts and equity in public health and resource access. The Blues and Food Market uses creative placemaking to bring a cultural experience to community members; the experience includes market vendors, community resource partners, games, music, and food vendors. PBPS wants to encourage community members to connect over culture to benefit public health. PBPS knows communities with cultural awareness and access are healthier, stronger, and more vibrant.
