People That Make a Difference in the World: Bill Grisolia
Here in my Substack, I want to profile people who are up for big things!
Meet singer/songwriter, Bill Grisolia, a man with a big heart who wants to make the world a better place through his various community initiatives. Known as Mr. Blues of Long Beach for the past 40 years, the veteran blues musician will be leading his illustrious band at Long Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 134th annual gala this week.
“Bill is a great Chamber member and an active part of our business community,” said Marilynn Singer, communications manager. “He performed at our recent ‘Good Afternoon Long Beach’ luncheon and impressed everyone with his skill and stage presence. We value our relationship with him and are excited to have him perform at our event.”
Grisolia has been a longtime collaborator with the Chamber for many years. “This is a great honor and very humbling. It serves as recognition and validation for the quality music I make. And for that, I am deeply grateful.”
The theme of the gala this year is to celebrate business improvements and corridors in the Long Beach area. “It’s very fitting for us to be chosen to play because of all of our work with the business improvement districts over the years. This year, we have worked with the Downtown Long Beach Associates, providing music at two different art walk events.. For the last 10 years, we have been collaborating with both Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls Business Associations.”
The blues, rock and R & b pop performance will be taking place in the grand ballroom of The Westin Long Beach Hotel. “This was where I opened up for Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach, and has special meaning for me!”
As part of his nonprofit organization, the Long Beach Blues Society, Grisolia is a tireless community event organizer, entertaining young students, veterans and senior citizens. His program, Blues in Schools is now in its 10th year, bringing blues music to students, teaching skills, talking about the history of blues music and performing.
This summer, he is bringing back the Long Beach Blues Festival, which went on hiatus in 2010 after 30 years of performances. The event is scheduled from Aug. 22 to 24 at Shoreline Aquatic Park.
A survivor of cancer, Grisolia is resilient in his quest for living, having also recovered from alcoholism and congestive heart failure. “I am a triple winner!” he quipped. “I like to joke that God has more work for me to do. “