By Hollywood Times Staffer
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/4/25 – Bill Grisolia was excited to perform at the recent sold-out Long Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The legendary blues singer, who has worked extensively with the organization, also spoke to the audience about his nonprofit, the Long Beach Blues Society and their music initiatives, Blues for Vets and Blues in the Schools.
“It was great to see this level of interest for the music that we are making, and the lives that we are touching,” said the singer/songwriter, who has been performing music for students, veterans and senior citizens for more than 40 years.
“This is particularly meaningful because of my community work with the Chamber,” noted Grisolia.
Over the past decade, the veteran musician has had many milestones, including receiving the Blues Living Legend awards by Blues My Way and JazzZone as well as the Best Americana Blues single at the LA Music Awards.
But the one he is most proud of was when he created and produced the “Wish Upon a Song” concert series to benefit Miller Children’s Hospital, with Johnny Mathis, Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach.
“Opening for those legends was a thrill!” he enthused.
Grisolia also has had a lot of help from Long Beach Blues Society’s grants manager, Sam Albertson. “Under Sam’s leadership, we have raised significant funds to help underserved youth, vets, seniors and the greater Long Beach community. We really appreciate the time and effort he has put in.”
Grisolia and his band have been very busy all month, performing at numerous venues, including the famed Whisky a Go Go and the House of Blues in Anaheim.
“I so enjoy entertaining people and seeing them dance to our music!”
As a community event organizer, the veteran bluesman has also been working on expanding his nonprofit’s headquarters. “I truly love being able to give back to the community for all that it has done for me,” Grisolia added.
Last year, Grisolia was awarded a $2 million grant and purchased a building with Lockout Music Studios, which will house The Long Beach Blues Society, and the New Blues Festival.
“The building will also be used to start on my lifelong dream of creating a fantastic music museum for Long Beach and its impressive musical history. My team and I have finished the logo and are working on the business plan. We are truly so excited about the development of this project,” he said proudly.
As a result, Grisolia’s nonprofit organization is expanding, hiring more musicians for multiple events.
“We’ve had simultaneous shows twice last month– two different teams of musicians and soundmen. It’s truly a great blessing to be able to provide services to the underserved!”
Another project this summer is staging another New Blues Festival; they’ve done eight in three cities.
“The New Blues Festival is working with various departments of the City of Long Beach to make this happen including the Mayor’s Office, the Harbor, and Parks and Recreation.”
Later this month, Grisolia will celebrate the successful funding of the building project through the Commercial Acquisition Fund.
“I am really looking forward to this! If you are near Boyle Heights, we would love for you to join us. The event will take place at Mercado la Paloma in Los Angeles.”
