St Cross College Blues Concert

Acclaimed blues artist Michael Roach will perform a one-hour concert with a programme that celebrates the history of blues music. The programme will span blues songs from the earliest well-known classics up to the present day with contemporary music.

Michael Roach, originally from Washington, D.C., sings and plays guitar in an East Coast style of blues that dates back to the 1920s. After spending several years learning directly from such well-known figures as John Jackson, ‘Bowling Green’ John Cephas and ‘Philadelphia’ Jerry Ricks, Michael has developed his own style over the years.

For over 35 years, Michael has conducted numerous workshops throughout the USA and Europe, and has promoted African-American culture through the use of blues music. He is the Director for the annual Blues Week 2000-2022 programme (a week of lectures, guitar, harmonica, piano/keyboards and vocals tuition) held at a number of UK universities. Michael also presented 'Deep Blue', a three-part series on blues music featured on BBC Radio 4, and has recorded seven albums that are popular in traditional blues music circles around the world.