501c3 NON PROFIT

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MISSION

Our mission is to celebrate Blues music and expand awareness of the blues as a uniquely American art form.  Through performance and education we celebrate the music and performers, past and present.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The Granite State Blues Society is an all volunteer grass roots organization and the work we do comes from our love of Blues Music.

Formed and incorporated in 2002, we are a 501c3 non profit organization and an affiliate of the Blues Foundation, an international organization headquartered in Memphis.

WHAT WE DO

GSBS supports the Blues with our annual Blues Challenge, Festival, and Blues Education programs.

Our Annual Festival is the 1st Saturday of August. 

Board Members

Sharlene Labore, President;  Rodney Stark, Treasurer; Debra Matteson, Frank Scarito, Leslie Spencer, Craig Thomas, and Don Boucher

New Hampshire, fondly known as the Granite State, may be small in size, but its heart beats strong for the blues. Our community is a tightly-knit, supportive network that extends across neighboring states like Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. Together, we form a "big blues family," welcoming musicians, vocalists, fans, club owners, and aficionados alike. The abundance of venues and performances in this region makes it a vibrant hub for blues lovers, and we’re lucky to have so much music within easy reach.

We’re proud to maintain an active presence on Facebook, where we promote local shows, share artist news, and celebrate milestones such as album releases and award nominations. Throughout the year, we post live videos, bringing the energy of our local blues scene directly to fans. Stay connected with us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GraniteStateBlues/.  

Our website also serves as a resource for key information and updates: https://granitestateblues.org/.  

We’re gearing up for an exciting event this Sunday, December 8th—our "Road to Memphis Fundraiser" in support of blues challenge winners, Frankie Boy, and the Blues Express. This event is a way for our community to show love and support as they prepare for the 2025 International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis. Many of us follow our winners to Memphis each year, cheering them on alongside acts from neighboring states. The IBC is a fantastic platform that gives artists a career boost, whether they win or not.  

For over 24 years, our annual festival has brought the community together. Formerly known as "Barnful of Blues" and now called "Blues on the Range", this event is our largest fundraiser, benefiting New Hampshire’s children’s charities. We’re proud to have donated nearly $100,000 over the years. Held every year on the first Saturday in August, this rain-or-shine event showcases local talent, including our blues challenge winners. Planning is already underway for the 2025 festival, and we’re excited about what’s to come!  

In addition to the festival, we’re excited to return to the "Bank of NH Stage" for our next blues challenge on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Their support has been invaluable, and we’re grateful to collaborate with them again.  

We’re also hosting a December fundraiser featuring our 2023 challenge winners, One Dime Band, and special guest Lil G, a rising star from Australia. Lil G has ties to New Hampshire and made a big impression earlier this year. This is an event you won’t want to miss!  

Blues education remains a key focus for us. We’re exploring new ways to engage the community and nurture the next generation of blues musicians.  

Like many non-profits, we’re focused on fundraising to sustain our programs. We appreciate the support of sponsors and volunteers who make our work possible. We also offer a range of Granite State Blues Society swag, including stickers, drinkware, apparel, and more, with all proceeds helping to support our mission.  

As we continue to promote the blues across New England, we remind musicians and fans alike: this is YOUR blues society. We encourage artists to connect with their local blues organizations, fostering community and collaboration wherever their journey takes them.  

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for keeping the blues alive in the Granite State and beyond!