My mission is to let young folks know that the Blues is an important aspect of American music history The Blues is the real deal, the story of the human experience, and that will always hold a place in the hearts and minds of the people.’ This is the mission statement that describes Michael ‘Hawkeye’ Herman and his 16 years of dedication to Blues education by presenting the music form to students from the pre-school to the college levels. Hawkeye has been described as Iowa’s Blues ambassador travelling through the United States and Europe singing of the heartland. Originally from the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River, Hawkeye now calls Oakland, California home. Hawkeye takes time from his performances to teach the Blues through educational workshops at festivals and to help Blues societies initiate Blues in the Schools programs. Hawkeye says the Blues in the Schools program fulfills two goals: introducing Blues to children and giving him a day job.
