DE Charitable Music, Inc., is a non-profit 501 C3 organization supported by individual, foundation , corporate and public support for the general operation of the First State BluesFest '09. The mission of this organization and of the Festival is to produce a dominant cultural event in Central Delaware which will honor and promote jazz and blues, the two original American music forms and to educate and support young area musicians statewide and allow them to interact with some of the world's finest performers in a professional concert atmosphere.

President
A band director for the last 15 years and a professional vibraphonist, Mr. Baione brings a strong combination of teaching and performing to this venture. His teaching accolades include Teacher of the Year in 2002, Excellence in Education Award 2003 and Top 5 Elementary/Middle School Band Programs in Delaware with over 300 students per year. Baione's jazz resume continues to grow with performances at The Trinidad and Tobago Jazz Festival/Workshop, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, The Lincoln Center, The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and The Kimmel Center to name a few. Baione was named "Emerging Jazz Artist" in 2005 by Philadelphia Weekly and "Rising Star of Tomorrow" by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

As past owner of Sydney's Blues and Jazz Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, DE for more than twenty years and as one of the originators/producers of the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival now in its 21st year, Sydney is very well known throughout the country for her involvement in music. Her many awards include being honored by former Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Miner as Travel and Tourism Person of the Year and also Southern Delaware Person of the Year.

As a C.P. A. for over 31 years, Mr. Fox brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization concerning finances, tax law, Investing and planning our financial future. Mr. Fox's knowledge of accounting principals is vast. He is also a sanctioned, award winning, Kansas City BBQ specialist .

A professional visual artist for over 25 years, works by Michael Sprouse can be found in art galleries, as well as private, corporate and public art collections across the United States and Europe. He was owner and curator of the acclaimed Eklektikos Gallery of Art in Washington, DC for 11 years. Currently, he works throughout the country as a fine artist, freelance creative director, digital designer, and arts journalist and more. www.sprouseart.com

Carlton (Butch) Cannon is a man whose entire being is steeped in music. Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Funk, R&B and Classical are all forms of music with which Carlton has been involved. As the current director of bands at the Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, DE, he utilizes his performance skills on alto and tenor saxophones, clarinet, flute and various percussion instruments. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education from Delaware State University, a Master of Education with an emphasis on school administration from Wilmington College and a Doctorate of Education also from Wilmington University, Additionally, he has been a vice president of the International Association of Jazz Educators and an executive board member of the American Federation of Musicians as well as a performing musician with many well known musical talents including Chaka Khan and Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds.

Steve Norman came to Delaware in 1982 to open a restaurant in Dover and remained in that business for over 18 years. In addition to creating great food, his business became a known venue for local jazz musicians offering a place for customers and friends to enjoy the exceptional talent. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and a Masters Degree in Education from Wilmington University, Steve followed another path in the Fall of 2000 when he became a teacher at Positive Outcomes Charter School . Currently, he is a middle school science and social studies teacher in a school that provides educational opportunities for students who have experienced academic difficulty in a traditional school setting.