The Santa Barbara Blues Society and the Resurgence of Blues

Noted jazz historian Douglas Daniels and the History Department’s favorite pianist, Frank Frost, reunite to celebrate the History Associates’ 20th anniversary with this special program that will also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Blues Society. Don’t miss this special event! Seating is limited. Make reservations now with the UCSB Office of Community Relations, (805) 893-4388.
Professor Daniels will discuss the Santa Barbara Blues Society and the resurgence of blues. White blues bands emerged in the U.S. and England in the 1960s. Gradually some fans sought out the older and neglected African American bluesmen for more authentic renditions of the music. The white blues fans’ passion for the music led them to a systematic study of Black history and culture. They hosted FM radio programs, wrote liner notes sponsored concerts, and formed blues societies. In Santa Barbara we have the oldest blues society of its kind. Professor Daniels has interviewed a number of its founders, members, and volunteers to document the history and role of the society in the resurgence of the Black American blues tradition.

Professor Douglas Daniels celebrated the History Associates’ 10th anniversary as a lecturer at a similar jazz afternoon 10 years ago. A professor of History and Black Studies at UCSB since 1979, he is the recipient of numerous fellowships, most recently on a lecture/teaching Fulbright fellowship in Japan, fall 2007. He is the author of Pioneer Urbanites: A Social and Cultural History of Black San Francisco (1980 and 1991), Lester Leaps In: The Life and Times of Lester “Pres” Young (2002), One O’clock Jump: The Unforgettable History of the Oklahoma City Blue Devils (2005), and a number of reviews, articles, and essays.

Following the talk, Perline Thurston, special guest vocalist, will join Santa Barbara’s own renowned jazz trio with Frank Frost (Professor Emeritus) on piano, Hank Allen on bass, and Tom Devaney on drums.

This event is sponsored by the UCSB History Associates.