Are you ready for the blues?

About Me

““Even though the older Blues Legends are departed, Michael Dyson, a gifted musician – electrifyingly inspires children, as he carries on the Blues tradition and passes the torch for America’s music, it’s impact on our nation’s history and it’s unique tradition in world music to future generations.””

— Ginger Head, Founder, Imagination Celebration, Fort Worth

Introducing Mr. Blue Shoes:
Igniting Young Hearts with the Power of the Blues

Immerse your children in the vibrant world of music with Mr. Blue Shoes, a captivating program created by Michael Dyson, Grammy Award-winning producer, guitarist, and charismatic entertainer. With his trademark backwards baseball cap, iconic blue shoes, and comedic persona, Mr. Blue Shoes breaks the mold of a traditional Bluesman, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for young audiences.

Drawing inspiration from the rich Blues tradition and the legacy of legendary artists, Mr. Blue Shoes carries the torch for America's music, instilling its profound impact on our nation's history and its unique place in world music. Guiding future generations, Michael electrifies children's imaginations, ensuring that the Blues legacy remains alive and vibrant.

With over 1,200 performances and an audience of more than 350,000 children to date, Mr. Blue Shoes has become a beloved figure, capturing hearts and minds through his interactive storytelling and infectious energy. Michael's journey began during his senior year of high school when he served as a mentor to third graders, offering guidance and an empathetic ear. It was here that he discovered his innate ability to motivate and inspire young minds.

Co-founding The Blue Shoes Project, a nonprofit organization, Michael has dedicated himself to introducing young audiences to living Blues Legends. This meaningful endeavor laid the foundation for the creation of Mr. Blue Shoes, a dynamic platform that combines music, storytelling, and laughter to engage children in a powerful and transformative experience.

Through the magic of Mr. Blue Shoes, children are introduced to the joys of music, learn about the cultural significance of the Blues, and witness the incredible talent of renowned Blues artists. Michael's unwavering dedication to the program ensures that each performance leaves a lasting impression, sparking a lifelong appreciation for music and fostering creativity.

Join Mr. Blue Shoes on a musical journey that blends education, entertainment, and inspiration. Watch as your children's imaginations ignite, their hearts beat to the rhythm, and their love for music grows with every toe-tapping beat. Let's create unforgettable moments and a future generation of Blues enthusiasts together.

Contact us today to bring the magical world of Mr. Blue Shoes to your young audience, where imagination and music intertwine to create an experience like no other. Together, let's inspire the next generation through the universal language of the Blues.

Tour

THE SHOW

““The presentation was, hands down, the most effective and engaging presentation I have witnessed in 25 years of teaching!””

— Keith A. Hoffman, George Washington Carver Elementary, Dallas, Texas

The Experience

Mr. Blue Shoes is a 45-minute, highly interactive and engaging, multi-sensory live music experience that combines Blues music, oral history and life lessons, designed to inspire children of all ages about music and learning. Covering a span of 400 years, music, song, dance and storytelling immerse students in a historical journey through America’s cultural heritage.

Following a historical timeline, children learn about:

West African culture
Early 20th century history
Famous Blues Musicians
The Great Migration
Blues music’s influence on American music
Engagement and Learning

Audience participation and learning are keystones of the experience. The oral and visual elements of the program address all learning styles and complement classroom curriculum in language arts, social studies, science, and physical education using something that has universal appeal across young audiences – music.

Not only will children be engaged throughout the performance, they will become part of the performance – singing, dancing, clapping, participate in call and response and perhaps even visiting the stage! In fact, children are so engaged that Mr. Blue Shoes concludes with a yoga breathing exercise to calm the senses before departing.

Academic Highlights

The Mr. Blue Shoes experience aligns with academic standards, includes integrated lesson plans, addresses all learning styles and is appropriate for K-12 and family audiences.

Why Mr. Blue Shoes?

Mr. Blue Shoes has become the goto guy for schools, libraries, festivals and performing arts centers looking to electrify their audiences and inspire their children through music.

As you can see from the video clips, the program is designed to be flexible and accommodate a variety of venues and performance spaces.

To date Mr. Blue Shoes has performed over 1,000 shows for 350,000 youth across the United States.