Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association was originally founded in 1994 with the sole purpose of organizing the first annual Kalamazoo Blues Festival. The resulting success gave birth to the ideals in which the organization embraces and utilizes today. The mission of KVBA is as such:
"The mission of the Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association (KVBA) is to promote, educate, and preserve the rich history of blues music as it concerns Kalamazoo and its impact on American culture and commerce in musical arts and industry."
In addition to the annual Kalamazoo Blues Festival, the KVBA sponsors blues education workshops and presentations & awards an annual musical scholarship. KVBA also co-produces, underwrites, sponsors and promotes performances in local venues as well as hosting an annual IBC competition to choose a band for sponsorship to the national IBC competition in Memphis.
KVBA members hail not just from south western Michigan but Indiana, Ohio, as well as other parts of the country. Our members come from all walks of life, with interests that are as unique and individual as they are. The common factor is their love and enjoyment of Blues Music, and we strive to provide an avenue to bring together those who are as passionate as we are about Blues.
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