The Connecticut Blues Society - MC-Scholarship Application

The Mike Crandall Memorial Scholarship Fund is an annual scholarship established in 2023 to provide financial support to a graduating high school Senior, a camp or an afterschool program in Connecticut with an emphasis in Blues.

Mike Crandall was a legend in the Blues community. He was a vocalist and highly skilled, self-taught chromatic and diatonic harmonica player with an affinity for Chicago-style blues. Mike was a passionate player and performer who truly epitomized the Blues. He was a multi-year winner of the CT Blues Challenge and two-time finalist in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. When not competing in the challenge with his own band, Mike often served as a judge and was a friend and mentor to many current Connecticut blues musicians.

Applicants are asked to complete the form below. Once your initial application is received, you will be contacted with additional information.

A video submission of a recent musical performance may be required.

We are accepting applicants for 2026 until June 1st, 2026

The total annual award is between $2000 and $3000 at the discretion of the Board of Directors and may be split between multiple candidates

This Scholarship fund was set up in November of 2023 to help a Connecticut music student with financial hardships of college. It is an a $2000 award for a Connecticut high school student going into their first year of music school. This is a one time award per student and will be given out annually.

Mike Crandall was a legend in our Blues community. He was a multi-year blues challenge winner, a competition judge, and a mentor to many of our players today.

Applicants must fill out the form below. You will contacted once we receive your initial application with additional requirements. You will be required to send a link to a recent video of you playing, or a performance of you playing.

The Connecticut Blues Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Hartford CT

Live blues music and blues shows in Connecticut and surrounding areas including (but not limited to): Ansonia, Berlin, Bridgeport, Bristol, Canton, Cheshire, Coventry, Danbury, Derby, Fairfield, Granby, Groton, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Old Lyme, Putnum, Shelton, Simsbury, South Norwalk, Southington, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, West Haven, and Winsted.