About Us

MISSION STATEMENT

The Colorado Blues Society is dedicated to preserving Blues heritage and increasing awareness of and appreciation for the Blues as an indigenous American art form (and the wellspring from which all contemporary popular American music originated)

The Colorado Blues Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to preserving Blues heritage and promoting awareness of the Blues as a foundational American art form. Through educational programs like Blues in the Schools, public library donations, youth showcases, and scholarships for young musicians, we celebrate the cultural and historical significance of the Blues. With a vibrant community of fans and musicians, a bi-monthly newsletter, and regular updates on local Blues events, we aim to connect and inspire through the power of music. We also honor those who’ve made lasting contributions to the Blues and partner with nonprofits, schools, and civic groups to keep this rich tradition alive.

What We Do

Blues In the Schools

To further our mission, we sponsor Blues in the Schools programs, in which musicians present music and information to students at all levels (kindergarten through college). We offer programs in American social history, women in blues, language arts, conflict avoidance, storytelling and even math. We also donate Blues-related materials (books, videos and CDs) to public libraries and offer educational programs in conjunction with those donations. We similarly work with other nonprofits, such as The Blues Foundation, Swallow Hill Music Association, The Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Blue Star Connection and The Colorado Music Business Organization.

Promote Local Blues

We publish a bi-monthly newsletter, The Holler, and a weekly email blast, The Weekly Update. The purpose of the newsletters, web site and social media platforms is to provide our members and the public information about Blues-related news and events in Colorado.

Student Sponsorships

CBS created the John Alex-Mason Scholarship Fund to help send student-age musicians to workshops and seminars to further their Blues music education. We sponsor youth performances where young blues performers can be seen making music on the “Blues 101 Stage”. Here kids of all ages have the opportunity to learn about the music which is part of their national heritage and the basis for present-day popular music.

Our Team

Colorado Blues Society Officers and Board Members

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Mark Schleiger

President and Director

Mark Schleiger is a Colorado native who attended Colorado State University and holds BS/MS degrees in Business Management.

Tracy Servantes

Vice President and Director

Tracy Servantes was born in New York where her exposure to a wide genre of music began early on.

Julie Trainer

Secretary and Director

Julie grew up near Hollywood, CA were at a young age she performed Hawaiian/Tahitian dance and continues to this day.

Joe Menke

Vice President and Director

Joe Menke is currently an electrical engineer for Keysight Technologies who arrived in Colorado in 1981 with a BSEE and MSM from Purdue University.

Kim Leonard

Treasurer and Director

Kim Leonard grew up in Denver, a musician , playing harmonica with several Denver bands, and volunteers with the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance.

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Lynn Pierce

Director

Lynn got into the blues when in her high school years outside of the San Francisco in the Bay Area.

Wolf

Director

Wolf is a lifetime fan of Blues music and has been a fixed accessory on the Colorado blues scene since 2010.

Eddy Edmonson

Director

Eddy is a Colorado native, musician and is sharing his passion and knowledge of the blues to the CBS Blues in the Schools program.

Deborah Stafford

Director

Deborah Stafford is well known as a Jazz, Blues & Big Band Singer in Colorado.

Charla Strauss

Director

Charla was born and raised in Texas with roots in Austin's rich music culture, brings her passion and knowledge of the blues to Colorado Blues Society.