Black History Month Blues Series
About the Series
The Monroe County Library System’s award-winning history lesson with a backbeat.
With awards from the Public and Michigan Library Associations, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation and The Blues Foundation’s 2009 Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Education (the blues world’s most prestigious honor available to non-musicians), the series is now the state’s longest running annual blues celebration.
Blues 2026
The Monroe County Library System is thrilled to celebrate the 39th year of the Annual Black History Month Blues Series!
This year we are also thrilled and honored to welcome THE BLIND BOYS, the longest running musical group in America and winner of six Grammy Awards to the BIG GIG!
Check out the full series schedule below!
Blues Series Sponsors
Monroe County’s 39th Annual Black History Month Blues Series is presented by the Monroe County Library System, Monroe County Community College, and the 2026 Blues Coalition of community partners: La-Z-Boy Foundation, Friends of Bedford, Friends of Carleton, Friends of Dorsch, Friends of Ellis, Friends of Ida, and Friends of South Rockwood.
Mark Braun “Mr. B”
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Ellis Library & Reference Center | 3700 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161
Ann Arbor piano master Mr. B opens the branch concert series with a sampling of blues and boogie-woogie. Mr. B is known internationally for preserving the tradition of the blues, especially old-time boogie-woogie style, as an essential form of American music.
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served until branch capacity is reached.
Gwenyth Hayes
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Bedford Branch Library | 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI 48182
Bassist and vocalist Gwenyth Hayes leads her band with a modern approach to original compositions as well as blues standards and popular soul, jazz and rock.
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served until branch capacity is reached.
Photo credit: Dori Sumter
Reggie Harris and Matt Watroba
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Ida Branch Library | 3016 Lewis Avenue, Ida, MI 48140
Reggie and Matt perform inspirational songs from the folk and gospel traditions that provided a soundtrack to the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Through songs and stories of the era, they explore the themes of possibility and hope that continue to resonate.
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served until branch capacity is reached.
Johnny Rawls
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Carleton Branch Library | 1444 Kent Street, Carleton, MI 48117
“Soul Blues” best describes the music of Mississippi-born Johnny Rawls. With a career spanning 50 years, Johnny’s music goes back to the gospel-derived deep soul style.
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served until branch capacity is reached.
Robert Jones and Chris Canas
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
South Rockwood Branch Library | 5676 Carleton Rockwood Road, S. Rockwood, MI 48179
Traditional meets contemporary in the first-ever pairing of blues series favorites Robert Jones and Chris Canas. Their collaboration on classic and modern blues will reveal new ways of interpreting the roots of American music.
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served until branch capacity is reached.
The Big Gig!
Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Monroe County Community College, La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater | 1555 S. Raisinville Road, Monroe MI
Celebrate Black History Month and “the roots of all American music” with Monroe County’s award-winning annual blues music concert, The Big Gig!
This year, the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama, the longest running musical group in America and winner of six Grammy Awards, take the stage!
Opening group for The Big Gig: Rev. Robert Jones and the Jones Family
Seating for the Big Gig is general admission, first-come, first-served until the Meyer Theater capacity is reached. Doors to the theater will open at 6:00 p.m.
Sharrie Williams
Tuesday, March 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Dorsch Memorial Branch Library | 18 East First Street, Monroe, MI 48161
International blues and gospel singer Sharrie Williams presents a unique style she calls “Rockin’ Gospel Blues.” Sharrie sings in the tradition of the great blues women singers like Koko Taylor and Etta James.
The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served until branch capacity is reached.
2025 Recap
What a ride! Join us as we take a journey through the Monroe County Library System’s 38th Annual Black History Month Blues Series — where the music was raw, the energy electric, and the vibes absolutely unmatched. A massive thank you to everyone who came out, showed love, and supported the artists who poured their hearts out on stage. Whether you attended in person or cheered from afar, you made this year one to remember.