By Charlotte Underwood
CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF) – Students at Wynn Elementary School and Caryville Elementary School enjoyed a special music program on the Friday before the Louie Bluie Festival, as part of the Campbell Culture Coalition’s Pre-Festival Friday Performance in Schools initiative.
TOP PHOTO: Caryville Cardinals experienced a unique music performance on Friday, also held at Wynn Elementary School.
The interactive show allowed students to clap and stomp their feet to blues music, even participating in a bit of songwriting.
“This year, we had the great opportunity to showcase the music of Grammy Nominee Candice Ivory, known as the ‘Avant Queen of Soul,’ who also teaches contemporary voice at Washington University in St. Louis. We were excited to have her visit our schools and perform at the Festival,” festival organizers shared.
The day began at Wynn Elementary School with a 9:45 am performance, followed by a 1:30 show at Caryville Elementary. Ivory engaged with students, sharing her journey of becoming a professional musician at 14 and performing on Beale Street in Memphis. She emphasized the contributions of women to the blues genre, mentioning Memphis Minnie.
Pianist Ben Levin began his professional career at around 12, providing musical accompaniment while Ivory led the kids in clapping and creating percussion.
Funding for this program was provided by the Appalachian Regional Fund and organized by the Campbell Culture Coalition (C3). It aims to share the joy of music with students, many of whom may not have the chance to attend the festival.
“We do these programs to provide unique opportunities for kids, opening doors they don’t even know exist!” said C3 Executive Director Manuel Mesa. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/30/2026-6AM)
