The "Year of the Blues" Begins
It's not just the news that is giving us the blues.  We've had the US Congress' help: 2003 has been officially declared the "Year of the Blues."

The Year of the Blues officially started on the first of February, the bluest month.

On Feb. 7, scores of artists kicked off the year with a "Salute to the Blues" concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Produced by the Experience Music Project museum in Seattle, the show featured performances by Buddy Guy, B.B.King, Bonnie Raitt, India.Arie, Chuck D and many others. The concert benefited the Blues Music Foundation.

Martin Scorsese and six other film directors (including Mike Figgis, Wim Wenders and Clint Eastwood) are creating feature films about the blues. They will be shown on the PBS television network starting in the fall of 2003.

Other planned activities include a 13-part public radio series and an educational exhibition that will travel the country to reach millions of children.

Find out more about the Year of the Blues

Learn more about the Blues Foundation

Link to New York Times Review of "Salute to the Blues" concert