We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Manuel Carrasco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Manuel, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The Church of Blues: Music Heals, and its Free Public Music Program, “Composing the Blues: Writing/Healing from the Heart & Soul,” was born from the desire to address loneliness and isolation.
My Dad was a 3-war vet. I am proud of him, but recognize the tremendous struggle he faced with PTSD. His solution was found in sober fellowships, and service to others. It worked for him, -and my family.

We have. 20 years worth of young veterans of recent wars, along with a few from the Vietnam and Korean era. The need for fellowships that cordially invite vets to participate, and freely express their feelings, in a loving and accepting environment, is greater than ever. And vets aren’t the only ones, in need of sober fellowship.

Music has always been healing for me. Sharing music with others, more so. Making music with others, especially so. A musical fellowship sounded fun. Thus, the Church of Blues was born. Since it’s musical, it’s completely non-denominational, all are welcome.

In the Church of Blues, Music is our Religion, Rhythm is our Doctrine, and Harmony is our Prayer. In the Church of Blues, any idea, any pain, any anger, guilt, envy, desire, or affliction, can be freely expressed, just musically. In those raw, honest, soulful expressions, there is confession, acceptance, a communal healing, -and blues music, played with Heart &. Soul.
We began this series at 10:30am,, Sunday February 18, 2024, in Studio B of Historic Cottonwood Old Town Center of the Arts. I put the word out via social media, and showed up early, unsure of the response.
Then a student from an hour away, in Prescott, showed up.
Then. a vet, from Cottonwood showed. up with a beautiful Dobro guitar he had restored himself, purchased from the Instructor, years before. The instructor got to hold and play an instrument he had missed. It made him feel good, to see the guitar in such good hands. The first Church of Blues healing happened before I had even delivered the opening remarks.
A small crowd showed up. By the end of that first hour, I knew “Composing the Blues: Writing/Healing from the Heart & Soul,” was going to be successful, -along with being among the most fun and emotionally uplifting projects, I have ever been a part of organizing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I had a few careers, that suited the various phases of my life. Domestic and International marketer, small business owner, community organizer, elementary classroom teacher, financial services professional, and non-profit leader, being the most prominent.. I have always enjoyed organizing people with like interests.
In my non-profit work from 2008-2014, I was made aware daily, of the plight of veterans of our wars, and the terrible consequences of alienation, isolation, and loneliness. It’s deadly.
The. US Surgeon General says:, “Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond….”
“Composing the Blues: Writing/Healing from the Heart & Soul,” is a direct response to the need to connect people, all people, in ways that transcend political, socio-economic, racial, ethnic, or religious barriers.
Everybody gets the blues. The blues can express every emotion, feeling, or thought, musically. Learning to compose and perform the blues, is about connecting with the essential truths that resonate in each individual who plays the blues. In that connection, lies safe confession, and healing acceptance, by the community that is playing alongside. It is in those moments, that music heals.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The. arts are the manifestation of our civilization. Artistry is the energy that makes toil worthwhile, and productive of all that is beautiful, about humanity. We need to share our art, as widely, and freely as possible. The more we share, the more supporting the arts becomes a regular part of people’s lives.
There simply can’t be too many art shows, exhibits, fairs, concerts, recitals, music festivals, music education programs, etc.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Music education, festivals, and weekly sessions that bring musicians of all skill levels together, to play for the love of playing. Building the Church of Blues into an organization that continues to grow, and spread the healing power of music, long after I am gone. That is my goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ChurchofBlues.org
• Facebook: Church of Blues https://www.facebook.com/share/g/7UxsR5qVfbhfRvSu/

Image Credits

Photo Credi: Manuel Carrasco