I want to reiterate Lee's sentiments... the Blues in the School program Joe put on was fabulous! I've seen Joe on stage countless times, I knew about what to expect, I was familiar with the town and venue - yet I was blown away. Joe had those kids attention. That's not easy to do with a bunch of hormone crazy pre-teens and teens. He spoke to them in a way that they related to, told the perfect stories, made them laugh at the right times, plus he impressed the teachers. Great job Joe!!
I appreciate Joe's BITS appearances as a parent, but as a JB Street Team member and passionate fan, I also realized what BITS and Joe are doing for live music. This is really a brilliant thing. By giving these kids a personal connection to the music, to an artist and by adults supporting the kids interest in music, blues/live music may live on forever, hell, it may even change the world for the better.
I hope you continue to do BITS as often as you can Joe. This will certainly be part of your legacy. And I'll do my part as well - you can bet my kid will be in the front row the next time you do BITS in Wausau (or near by)... in fact, side note, I was disappointed that the theater wasn't packed. Next time you do BITS in Wausau I will be calling the schools myself - offering to sponsor the admission price for any kids who wants to go. If you can, I'd encourage you all to do the same in your community.
By the way, I know this isn't why Joe does it... but I would wager that near 1/2 of the kids sitting in Wausau to hear Joe on Tuesday buy a Joe Bonamassa CD some time in their life. This is also a brilliant marketing effort ... I know, I know... I said, I know that isn't why Joe does it. Like I said, everyone wants a connection to something. I know that the way that Joe played his guitar and sang for the kids combined with the name recognition of Bonamassa will bring kids back to see or listen to him in the future. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many youngins at the Green Bay and Wausau shows. Think about how passionate those families are about music and Joe to bring under-agers to a casino for a show. My son will be a JB show as soon as he's able to sit in one place for a period of time (as long as there isn't smoking) - but knowing other parents feel the same gives me warm fuzzies 
I have so much more to say - but I'll just recap right now as my energy for word smithing is wanning. I can't believe how much bigger the JB show is. Unfortunately for me, the days of getting up close and personal to my Music God is over. As was the plan I'm sure, Joe's popularity is growing. I'm happy for him, very sad for me. Also... I'm happy to see Joe growing as a performer. I always thought he had a very commanding stage presence, but I've seen it mature (as the music has matured) so much in the past year. I'm thankful and glad for that. And finally... thanks for playing at the Grand Joe and winning over more hearts in Central Wisconsin. I have to admit I was a little frightened of the reception for a young "blues" guitarist (especially after running into the granny with the walker and hearing aid in the bathroom)... but those in attendance loved you. My husband and I were answering all the JB questions in our row and I was shocked to have a fellow head bobber next to me (and yes, I did sing and hum as well as chair danced)! Oh which brings me to one last thing... Joe, Sara and I want to know how you feel about playing for a crowd that is all seated? I personally don't understand sitting or standing still at a live music show, especially JB. I need to weave, bob, jam, clap, snap, sing to the music. I don't understand anything else! In fact, Sara and I decided to fore-go our chairs at Oneida to dance in the back!
Okay, gotta run. Leave it to me to not be on the board for over a year and now spill my guts.
In summary - JB you rock!!
Kristine
