Blues in the Schools Gets Its Mojo Working at Buckman Elementary

The re-mobilized Blues in the Schools program returned to the stage with a joyful performance, as the Kivett Bednar Band kicked off its first event on February 6th.  I was fortunate to be there after taking the day off from work. The band took the stage at Buckman Elementary School in Portland, Oregon. Buckman which serves grades K—5th grade is part of Portland Public Schools and is recognized as an Arts Focus elementary school, offering a strong curriculum in English, science, art, humanities, dance, music, and visual arts. About 300 students sat cross-legged on the auditorium floor—wiggly knees, restless feet, and yet… all ears. 

Bednar introduced his band, which included bass player Jeff Langston and drummer Edwin Coleman III. He shared that while he’s originally from Austin, Texas, Portland has its own powerful blues sound, shaped by legends like Norman Sylvester. The band swung into the first song with Texas blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1983 “Pride and Joy,” instantly setting toes tapping. Channeling Chicago’s Howlin’ Wolf’s famously raspy growl, he then dove into the bold 1960s classic “Spoonful.” Woven throughout the performance was the rich history of the blues as he told a story about each artist.

Bednar kept the students on their toes by testing their knowledge of blues history and instruments—and surprisingly (and impressively), they knew the answers! Each response earned a student a mini-instrument prize, which felt a bit like winning the lottery… if the lottery involved tiny shakers and big smiles. Best of all was seeing the students become part of the music, tapping their tambourines with bright eyes and boundless enthusiasm. 

As I moved around the auditorium, I spoke with a couple of teachers leaning against the back wall. Reba, a Reading Intervention teacher, shared that there is real joy in the blues. She loved seeing students awaken to the sound, feel the rhythm, and connect with such great music. Nearby, I met a student named Tristan and asked what he thought of the performance. With a grin, he said he was really liking it—high praise from a tough (and honest) 5th grade critic.

As the band dug deeper into the set, the students all stood up and moved closer into the stage becoming fully engaged—clapping, dancing, and waving their arms in the air. Members of the Yearbook class captured the moment, cameras clicking as memories were made. The grand finale was the 1956 Muddy Waters’ “I Got My Mojo Working,” complete with an energetic call-and-response that had the whole auditorium shouting along like one big, happy band. 

As the band packed up, two little girls suddenly ran up to the musicians and asked for their autographs—proof that sometimes, all it takes is a blues song, a school auditorium, and a little mojo to turn musicians into heroes. Awwww. 

By Mercedez, Blues in the Schools Committee Chairperson