Rooted in the blues. Guided by community.

About GCBS

A volunteer-led 501(c)(3) sharing live blues, music education, and healing instruments from Grand County, Colorado.

All about the blues

Since 2002, the Grand County Blues Society has brought the soul of blues music to the Colorado High Country. Founded by John Catt, GCBS was built on a belief that blues music belongs everywhere, including the mountains.

From intimate concerts to a three-day festival in Winter Park, from classrooms to libraries to hospital rooms, the work extends far beyond the stage.

Our mission

To promote the American musical art form known as “The Blues” by hosting live performances by Blues musicians and providing events to educate the public about the history of Blues music.

Working line pending a board vote: The Grand County Blues Society exists to celebrate and preserve the blues through live music, music education, and programs that connect, inspire, and heal in Grand County, Colorado and beyond.

501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 33-1027199. All-volunteer board. No paid staff.

Our programs

Check Out the Music

Instruments in libraries and classrooms. Borrow a guitar like a book. Schools are never invoiced.

Learn more →

Blue Star Connection

Since 2007: 1,400+ people supported and 120+ hospitals and music therapy programs equipped.

Learn more →

Support our efforts

Every gift goes into programs, not salaries.

Donate now →

We have not lost our way

We have not lost our way — we have tried to lead the way. Through innovation, creativity, and dedicated volunteers we have produced festival after festival and more than 300 shows in Grand County.

Blues in the Schools has reached every school in the county. Check Out the Music puts instruments in libraries. Wherever there are kids, we look for a way to share the blues.

As an all-volunteer board we stand because of friends and local businesses. Join us as we keep bringing world-class blues to this valley.

300+Live shows
24thFestival in 2026
EveryGrand County school
1,400+Blue Stars helped
John Wayne Catt
2002–2017

Our founder

John Wayne Catt

John founded GCBS in 2002. He later created Blue Star Connection and Check Out the Music. He passed away in 2017. His vision still shapes this work.

Board of Directors

All volunteer. Email only on the public site.

Maria Chavez

Festival Producer · Talent Bookings · President

maria.chavez@grandblues.org

Tim Hubbard

Festival Producer · Sponsorship Coordinator

tim.hubbard@grandblues.org

Art Ferrari

Blue Star Connection · Treasurer

art.ferrari@grandblues.org

Alex Williams

Check Out the Music

alex.williams@grandblues.org

KariJo McInturff

Board Member

karijo.mcinturff@grandblues.org

Retta Yarbrough

Board Member

retta.yarbrough@grandblues.org

Sally Masear

Board Member

sally.masear@grandblues.org

Rob Krueger

Board Member

rob.krueger@grandblues.org

Band booking: booking@grandblues.org