Piedmont Blūz
The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, comprised of Valerie and Benedict Turner, are ambassadors of Country Blues music and the Piedmont style of fingerpicking. Their mission is to help bring awareness to this unique aspect of African-American culture, especially the contributions of early blues artists, through performing and teaching.
They have entertained audiences domestically and abroad and are much loved wherever they go. As 2018 inductees into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, this husband-and-wife duo feel that "there are stories to tell, people to remember, and things that must be said" so, in addition to tickling your ears with delightful music, they weave a bit of history into the presentation of each song.
A Piedmont Blūz concert isn’t just music – it’s an experience as they transport you to the heyday of acoustic Country Blues music. In addition to performing songs from the 1920s and 1930s, they introduce each piece with an interesting anecdote about the composer, the period, or the song itself. They also teach hands-on instrument workshops and conduct historical presentations.
The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo self-published a music book that the Library of Congress has acquired. This book teaches guitar players a traditional fingerpicking style popular among early blues musicians. They are also board members of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation, with Valerie as its Co-President and Benedict as its Creative Director. In these capacities, they have conducted fundraising, published articles, given presentations about the life and times of John Hurt, and helped create a documentary film.
Connect with Piedmont Blūz
https://www.piedmontbluz.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PiedmontBluz
https://www.youtube.com/user/PiedmontBluz
