Where Blues Belongs—And So Do You

Welcome to the Interstate 5 Blues Association, where the soul of the blues finds its home—and so do you.

Hello and Thank You for Stopping by

A Few Things About Us.

What is the Interstate 5 Blues Association?

The Interstate 5 Blues Association, Inc. is a community of artists, music production professionals, Blues music enthusiasts, and anyone with a love for American Blues music.

At the heart of blues music lies its ability to tell stories, touch souls, and connect people across generations. The Interstate 5 Blues Association is more than just an organization—it is a community where the rhythm of the blues brings people together.

Our Story

Born from barrooms, jam sessions, and family traditions, the I-5 Blues Association was founded by a group of passionate musicians, professional entertainment producers, and awesome fans.

It began as a grassroots effort to keep the Blues alive, and today, it stands as a beacon for connection, belonging, and the enduring power of music.

Founded on the principles of camaraderie, education, and advocacy, our association serves as a hub for all things blues-related.

We are not just an organization—we are a family. And in this family, the blues belong to everyone.

Within the I-5 Blues Association there is a quality of acceptance of the way things are, however miserable.

This community is one where we are asked to show up just as we are right now, in the body, life, job, or car we have, or don’t have. Truly living. In the present. Right now.

Everything we do, from organizing events and concerts, to providing resources for musicians and researchers, to being strong advocates for suicide prevention and unhoused veterans of the American Armed Forces showcases our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive blues community.

From seasoned fans to curious newcomers, from teenage guitarists to veterans with harmonicas, we are here to ensure that everyone has a place in the blues family.

Vision

“You Belong in the Blues”

It is our hope that this website is not just a billboard for our organization, but rather viewed as a digital front porch for our organization. A place where veterans, seniors, youth, supporters, and community members feel welcomed, included, and empowered.

A place that feels like coming home to your front porch, or a back patio at dusk, where blues lovers can kick back with Blues music in the background and people who see you. Whether they’re elder harmonica players, teenage guitarists, or curious supporters they can feel at home.

We strive to make every visitor feel like they have found their place in the blues family, whether they are a toe-tapping teen or a harmonica-toting elder.

We envision a world where the blues bridges generations, celebrates diversity, and fosters connection. Whether you’ve been playing for decades or are discovering the blues for the first time, we’re here to celebrate your journey and welcome you into the fold.

Tell us what you think about how close we came.

The structure and storytelling elements of blues music links personal and historical experiences while highlighting the cultural significance of artists like Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King, Little Richard and Eric Clapton.

It is our hope that this website is not just a billboard for our organization. It is better served if viewed as a digital front porch for our organization. A place where veterans, seniors, youth, supporters, and community members feel welcomed, included, and empowered.

The goal was to create a digital space that feels like coming home—a front porch, a back patio at dusk, with music in the background and people who see you. Make every visitor feel like they have found their place in the blues family, whether they are a toe-tapping teen or a harmonica-toting elder. Tell us what you think.

Our Corporate Status

The Interstate 5 Blues Association, Inc. is classified as a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Hereinafter, referred to as “I-5 Blues Association.

This status means that all contributions are tax-deductible, and every dollar we receive directly supports our mission of preserving, promoting, and celebrating the blues.

Transparency, accountability, and community impact are at the heart of what we do.

Join Us

SUPPORT THE BLUES: DONATE NOW

Donate Your Time or Resources

Make a difference with your donation! As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to https://dev.ashfaqraza.com are taxdeductible. Thank you for supporting our cause!
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WHY Join us?

Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or someone who simply loves the way blues music makes you feel, there’s a place for you here.

When you join the Interstate 5 Blues Association, you’re not just signing up— you’re joining a family. Members enjoy:

  • Exclusive discounts on events and merchandise.
  • Early access to tickets for festivals and performances.
  • Educational materials, workshops, and masterclasses.
  • Opportunities to connect with like-minded blues enthusiasts and musicians.

We encourage and welcome all Blues music enthusiasts to actively participate in our mission.

  • Our Mission

    To better serve the Blues community, please note: There has been a mission shift from educating to actively promoting live Blues music, artists, and events that respect the therapeutic effects of Blues music and the blues community with an unapologetic support for unhoused veteran musicians and suicide prevention programs for teens to seniors in the target area with heavy community participation.

    We are dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich heritage of blues music along the I-5 corridor, spanning from San Diego, California to Blaine, Washington.

    FOUR PILLARS.
    Our mission is driven by four core pillars:

    Preservation: Safeguarding the stories, traditions, and history of blues music through archival efforts, oral histories, and partnerships with cultural institutions.

    Promotion: Amplifying the voices of blues artists—both emerging and established—by hosting concerts, festivals, and showcases that bring the magic of live blues to life.

    Education: Inspiring future generations through workshops, school programs, and masterclasses that highlight the cultural and historical significance of the blues.

    Community: Creating spaces where blues enthusiasts, musicians, and supporters can connect, collaborate, and find belonging. Your contributions to https://dev.ashfaqraza.com are taxdeductible to the extent allowed by law. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we appreciate your support in helping us fulfill our mission.

    Your contributions to https://dev.ashfaqraza.com are taxdeductible to the extent allowed by law. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we appreciate your support in helping us fulfill our mission.

  • Our mission is to serve everyone touched by the blues, including:

    Veterans, seniors, and youth seeking connection and purpose.
    Longtime blues family members who value legacy but feel unseen.
    Newcomers eager to find their place in the blues community.
    Families looking to share the joy of blues with loved ones.
    No matter your age, background, or level of familiarity with the blues, you belong.

  • Suicide Prevention Program

    NEW PROGRAM. HEAL AND UNITE

    “Heal and Unite” is Interstate 5 Blues Associations’ dedicated suicide prevention program. It is designed to identify potential opportunities for prevention of suicide by military service members and their families.

    This program is, undeniably, the most difficult to develop and present.

    Getting the idea to the marketplace has been challenging.

    However, American writer Ralph Ellison said that although the blues are often about struggle and depression, they are also full of determination to overcome difficulty “through sheer toughness of spirit.” This resilience in the face of hardship is one of the hallmarks of the blues poem.

    HERE IS SOMETHING ELSE THAT MAY INTEREST YOU SUICIDE.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 700,000 people die by suicide annually. Suicide prevention has emerged as a global imperative, acknowledged in the Sustainable Development Goals and the World Mental Health Action Plan 2030 with targets to reduce the rate of suicide by one-third by 2030.

    Youth suicide has become a global public health concern in the United States, rates of suicide among individuals aged 10–24 years have been steadily increasing over the past two decades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] 2024), making suicide the second leading cause of death in this age group in 2019 (CDC 2023a).

    Among all racial groups, suicide rate increases the fastest among Black youth: the rate of suicide almost doubled in the past two decades.

    U.S. military suicide affects not only military service members but also military dependents and spouses.

    Firearms are the most common means of suicide in the United States and a leading cause of death among all persons aged 10–64 years.

    Suicide loss survivors experience a multitude of challenges pertaining to complicated grief.

    While preventable, suicide is a complex multi-dimensional phenomenon influenced by various systemic, social, economic, and cultural factors beyond the individual.

    If you have a suicide prevention resource reach out to us for inclusion in your next live event. Or you may contact us to produce your next live event.

    We know it can be intimidating to try something new. Here’s what to expect. You’ll be greeted. You’ll be welcomed. You’ll belong.

    There are many resources available to help prevent suicide.

    Veteran's Crisis Line Veteran’s Crisis Line:

    988, then select 1, or Crisis Chat or text: 838255

    SUICIDE PREVENTION “Need Help?”
    Helplines
    Need help? Know someone who does? 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

    Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental healthrelated distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
    • Call or text 988 • Chat at 988lifeline.org
    Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

    Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.
    The Trevor Project 24/7 Suicide Hotline for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
    Disaster Distress Helpline Disaster Distress Helpline:
    CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990

  • HELP BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

    - Join Our Blues Family
    - Volunteer Your Time
    - Host or Submit an Event
    - Partner With Us
    - Support Emerging Artists
    - Advocate for the Blues
    You Are Not Just Joining—You Belong

    Whether you’re picking up your first harmonica or still gigging at 80—you’ve got a home here. Our mission is to build belonging through blues.

    Event-Driven Approach includes but is not limited to:

    Suppose you are a musician, a fan, or simply someone who appreciates the power of music to touch the soul, there are countless ways to get involved with the Blues Association:

    • Membership: Join our community as a member and gain access to exclusive benefits, including discounts on events, merchandise, and educational resources.
    • Volunteer: Help us make a difference by volunteering your time and expertise. Whether you have skills in event planning, marketing, or administration, we welcome your support.
    • Attend Events: From concerts and festivals to workshops and jam sessions, our events calendar is packed with opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of blues music.
    • Support Artists: Show your support for blues artists by attending their performances, purchasing their music, and spreading the word about their work.
    • Spread the Word: Help us spread awareness about the Blues Association and the importance of blues music in our culture. Share our mission with your friends, family, and social networks.

    What We Offer:

    1. Events and Concerts:
    o Experience the magic of live blues performances through our curated events and concerts.
    o From intimate club gigs to large-scale festivals, we bring together artists from across the blues spectrum to delight audiences and keep the music alive.

    2. Workshops and Masterclasses:
    o Learn from the best with our workshops and masterclasses conducted by seasoned blues musicians.
    o Whether you're picking up your first guitar or aiming to refine your skills, our educational programs cater to all levels of proficiency.

    3. Resources and Archives:
    o Dive deep into the history of blues music with access to our extensive archives and resources.
    o Explore rare recordings, interviews, documentaries, and scholarly articles that illuminate the origins and evolution of the blues.

    4. Advocacy and Outreach:
    o Support initiatives aimed at preserving blues heritage, promoting diversity in the blues community, and ensuring equitable opportunities for blues artists.
    o Partner with us in our efforts to educate the public about the cultural significance of blues music and its enduring impact on society.
    o Of the enduring impacts on society, the number of suicides among U.S. Veterans is no small issue and requires ongoing and serious attention.
    o This followed by mental health issues and poverty in the veteran community.

    Support https://dev.ashfaqraza.com and enjoy the benefits of tax deductible donations! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your generosity helps us create a positive impact in our community.