The Crossroads Blues Society of Illinois, founded in 1994, has since 2001 made its Blues in the Schools programs its primary emphasis. KBA recipient Fruteland Jackson helped kick off its school efforts in 2002, and its most recent programs were with KBA recipient Michael “Hawkeye” Herman. These two performers have done more school programs for the society than have any other artists. Since its inception, the society has completed 122 programs and reached over 38,000 students. From the beginning, it has published a newsletter with news, reviews, radio playlists, and upcoming events. Today, that newsletter is published in full color and is delivered to over 500 recipients. The society’s main fund-raising efforts have been through blues festivals. The Byron Crossroads Blues Festival has been held each August for the past four years, and the society added a second major event last year, the Field of Blues Festival in Loves Park, Illinois. The society is also actively involved with fund-raising for entities such as the Music Maker Relief Foundation, hurricane relief efforts, and individual contributions to musicians in need of medical aid. In 2007 the society was awarded the Rockford Area Music Industry Award as the best community outreach group.
