Chasing the Blues Away is a one-of-a-kind event forging a bridge between blues music and its connection to the literal blues (i.e. mental health). Performances by the Blues People and the NJ Mental Health Players bring to life the rich history and cultural significance of blues music and its roots in driving away negativity and lifting spirits for African Americans. Even today, the blues serves as a creative outlet for individuals to communicate, survive and connect with others, a powerful mechanism to chase away the blues, feelings of sadness and being out of sorts. Experience the transformative power of the blues for yourself on June 26 when Chasing the Blues Away comes to Clement’s Place for North to Shore.

The NJ Mental Health Players is a community education collective of actors who utilize improvisation, role-play and scripted scenarios, combining performance art and advocacy to increase awareness, decrease stigma and break the silence often associated with mental health.

BLUES People is a NY/NJ-based blues band that musically explores the effects of the blues on modern American culture.

* NTS Official Selections: Gregory Burrus Productions

This category denotes local independent artists, non-profits, small businesses and faith-based organizations that applied and won a competitive grant to perform on showcase stages located in each city or to curate and produce an event for the festival.