Phil Wiggins taught and performed at Centrum Acoustic Blues for 26 of the program’s 32 years. Phil was always invited, he just had other things going on a few times. One of the years Phil was not here, someone made buttons that said, “Where’s Phil?”

In 2004, Phil accepted Centrum’s invitation to be the program’s first Artistic Director. Phil’s commitment to preserving and passing down blues heritage and mentoring future generations of aspiring musicians made him the perfect candidate. Phil’s unstinting dedication to blues traditions informed the program’s authentic and welcoming vibe. Phil brought with him the Piedmont music tradition of house parties and community celebrations. For Phil music was an essential part, but only a part of the whole—community celebration was the real stage of operations and music the soundtrack. For Phil music was a lifestyle that wove its way in and out of everyday life, enhancing and enriching it.

The Phil Wiggins Memorial Fund will support Centrum’s commitment to artistic excellence and accessibility by providing Blues Diversity scholarships to students of color, and those with financial need, in Phil Wiggins’ name, and by bringing exceptional teaching artists to provide participants with transformative creative experiences.

Thank you for helping Centrum commemorate Phil Wiggins’ incredible work as a teacher, leader, and artist.

Thanks to a generous leadership gift from Bill Roggensack, the first $7,500 gifts to this fund will be matched!