Barbara is the prime example of how one individual can sponsor and support Blues music. She has personally raised more than $150,000 over the past 20 years to support a number of local Blues societies and also has used her acumen to support Blues Foundation initiatives. In addition to writing her own checks, Barbara developed a 6-point strategy to engage others, which she knows sustains the musicians and Blues organizations. Most notably, Barbara has hosted benefit concerts in her home to benefit The Blues Foundation. In recent years artists such as Dr. John, Lee Oskar, Mitch Woods, Honeyboy Edwards, Louisiana Red, Ann Rabson, Shemekia Copeland, Tommy Castro, Candye Kane, Henry Butler, Nora Jean Bruso, Jon Cleary and Cephas and Wiggins have performed at her benefit house concerts. She is also an avid sponsor of the Delta Music Experience, the Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop and the founder of the Luther Allison Endowment Fund and the Purdy Women’s Prison Blues Workshop. She is an example to emulate.
