“BOOGIE WOOGIE”  BOB  PETERS  SCHOLARSHIP

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The Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association will once again offer our annual music scholarship. This scholarship is sponsored by KVBA and the Bob Peters Family and this year’s recipient will be awarded $1,500. This general scholarship is for a graduating Senior who has been involved in music programs during their High School career

The KVBA and the Boogie Woogie Bob Peters Music Scholarship joined forces in 2013 to create a fund dedicated to the memory & musical legacy of “Boogie Woogie” Bob Peters, a well-known local keyboardist, guitar player and music historian. Peters, a multi-talented artist who was a fixture on the local music landscape for decades, passed away suddenly on March 13, 2010. He left behind a legacy of music, art and relationships that his family, friends and loyal fans strive to keep alive. A vision of keeping that legacy and passion alive and passing it along for future generations became the mission of the scholarship fund.

Interested students: Please complete the scholarship application check list below. 

  1. Have been active in music programs (vocal or instrumental) during their high school career.
  2. Have been accepted to a college or university. Proof of college or university acceptance in the form of an official letter will be required.  
  3. Write a 2-page, double-spaced essay on the topic “What Contributions has Blues Music Made to Our American Culture?” – make sure to cite your sources.
  4. Please email your proof of college admission and your 2 page essay in the form of a PDF to lisa@kvba.org
  5. Complete online application. Please click here to complete.

In addition to the essay, emphasis will be placed on the number of years students have been in music classes, extra endeavors (musicals, special ensembles, music outside of school).


The deadline for applications is June 15th, 2023. The scholarship recipient will be notified by July 1, 2023. The recipient will not need to be present to win the scholarship but will be recognized at the KVBA Blues Bash Live, location TBA, on Saturday, August 19th, 2023. Announcements will be made on the KVBA website and Facebook page. Questions should be addressed to: lisa@kvba.org.