Laura Carbone, a music photographer and promoter in Plattsburgh, who founded the popular Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz (PB&J) series, was announced recently as one of the recipients of The Blues Foundation “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award.
Founded in Memphis, Tennessee more than 40 years ago, The Blues Foundation has grown from a small base of Memphis supporters that presented the first National Blues Awards at the Orpheum Theatre on November 16, 1980, to an international membership of over 4,000 individuals and organizations. The Blues Music Awards are managed by The Blues Foundation staff, with close to 100 blues experts from across the blues industry acting as nominators to choose the final five nominees in each of 25 categories. Winners are determined by a vote of The Blues Foundation membership.
In 1984, The Blues Foundation began producing the National Blues Amateur Talent Contest, which has grown into what is now the largest blues competition in the world, renamed the International Blues Challenge in 1995. Hundreds of blues societies from around the world have affiliated with the Foundation, and many annually sponsor bands, solo/duo artists, and youth showcase participants as IBC competitors after hosting their own local live challenges. What began as a few local bands vying for recognition now attracts over 225 blues groups each year who are honored to perform on Beale Street and who look to win cash prizes, bookings, gear, recording deals, and that all-important recognition as a rising blues band or artist.
During IBC Week, The Blues Foundation also recognizes those members of the blues community who have spent a lifetime celebrating and promoting blues music with what are now known as the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards. The Blues Foundation began honoring these behind-the-scenes blues flame keepers in 1981, just one year after the organization was founded.
The awards are held to honor those who have made a significant “behind the scenes” contribution to blues music. Recipients are selected by a select panel of Blues professionals.
Laura Carbone is an accomplished Plattsburgh-based photographer known for her contributions to leading blues publications around the world. Her work spans regional publications in Upstate New York, national platforms covering blues music, and international magazines across Europe. Through her lens, Carbone magnificently captures the essence of the blues, in the process, supporting, promoting, and expanding awareness of the genre.
Beyond her photography skills, Carbone supports the blues community by wearing numerous other hats. As an event promoter, she brings regional, national, and international artists to upstate New York. Along with providing unique work opportunities for these artists, her events introduce blues to a region where its presence was previously non-existent.
Carbone goes the extra mile by organizing Blues in the School events, creating additional work for touring musicians, and actively supporting Kids Rock The Nation, a program that provides instruments and instruction to aspiring young music students. Moreover, Carbone has demonstrated her commitment to the genre through generous acts of philanthropy. She contributes her photos to fundraisers, financially supports worthwhile causes, and frequently opens her home as a rehearsal space. Similarly, the popular house concerts she hosts provide an intimate setting for music enthusiasts. Carbone engages in these charitable activities without seeking recognition or expecting any tangible rewards, showcasing a genuine dedication to the blues community. For all these reasons and more, The Blues Foundation has honored Carbone with a 2024 Keeping the Blues Alive Award.
I was blown away, quite an honor. This award has been given to giants in the industry. It is not only for my photography but also for all the work I do bringing in music to the North Country.
Laura Carbone
Also honored with the Keeping the Blues Alive Award for 2024 are Anne Marie & Jacques Garcia, who have contributed to blues events and preservation efforts in France; Fame Records and Ecko Records guitarist Larry Chambers; Boston Blues Society direction and WATD Music Director John Hall; Mark Stenzler of Radio Free Ithaca and host of Blues Zeppelin; renowned harmonica virtuoso and founder of Lee Oskar Harmonicas, Lee Oskar; the Columbus (Ohio) Blues Alliance, and Blues Association Turkey.
NYS Music congratulates Laura Carbone and all the recipients of the Keeping the Blues Award.
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