Black History Month Blues 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.

The Blues returns in February 2025 with six “Tuesday is Blues Day” library branch concerts and the main show, The Big Gig!

Among the branch concerts are a solo show by Detroit’s “Prince of the Blues” Chris Canas; a tribute to the late “Gentleman of the Blues” Johnnie Bassett by the Brothers Groove; Toledo’s dynamic gospel group Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder; and a musical history lesson presented by Rev. Robert Jones and writer Bill Harris. Tuesday evening concerts run from January 28 through March 4, 2025.

This year’s Big Gig showcases blues and its related styles that formed the foundation for rock and roll in the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond. Performers include Rev. Robert Jones, George Bedard & the Kingpins, and Chicago area singer Nora Jean Wallace and her band. The Big Gig takes place on Saturday, February 22 at Monroe County Community College.

Check this page in the days ahead for a complete schedule of events.

The Big Gig!

Saturday, February 22, 2025 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’s show is a musical journey through a variety of blues styles that influenced American roots music in the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond.

Rev. Robert B. Jones serves as the master of ceremonies and opens with a set of acoustic country blues coming out of the South. Ann Arbor’s renowned guitarist George Bedard and his Kingpins play a mix of blues and related styles including rockabilly, swing, jazz, country, and rock and roll mostly from the 1950s. Veteran Chicago area singer Nora Jean Wallace and her band feature Delta and Chicago blues.

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.

Blues Series Sponsors

Monroe County’s 38th Annual Black History Month Blues Series is presented by the Monroe County Library System, Monroe County Community College, and the 2025 Blues Coalition of community partners: DTE Foundation, Monroe NAACP, Friends of Bedford, Friends of Carleton, Friends of Dorsch, Friends of Ellis, Friends of Ida, and Friends of South Rockwood.