See The West End Blues at Sacramento History Museum – Next Show 12/11/25
The West End Blues
a Sacramento 'Jazzstory'
The West End Blues is the first step in a three-part tone poem to preserve and reimagine Sacramento’s The project will include a lecture series and interactive curriculum for middle and high school students (grades 6 through 12), with a coloring history book available for kids K-5.
The music is available for schools and organizations that have string or brass orchestras. Its purpose is to be used as a collaboration effort between the history, music, and drama departments on the secondary level.
A Story That Must Be Told
Before it was paved over and the community displaced, this neighborhood was the city’s vibrant, beating heart. It was a place some called “The Lower End of Town,” where the faces of the city’s diverse Indigenous, African, Asian, European, and American communities would commingle. Our story will include stories and profiles compiled by legendary historian William Burg, but Sacramento’s West End lives on in the faces captured in photo and tabloids from the era.
From the Gold Rush onward, these tales reveal a dynamic crossroads. Because each group was too small to be independent, they became interdependent, creating a unique cultural fusion that gave birth to a revolutionary sound. In the silent images of dance halls, speakeasies, and legendary clubs like the Zanzibar and Mo-Mo Club, you can almost hear the new music that took shape.
About Our Project
We are currently at a crucial phase of fundraising that will build momentum for the entire project.
New Original Music
Composed by Harley White Jr.
The composition and studio recording of the first full movement of The West End Blues album.
World-Class Performance
A live event for all ages featuring the nine-piece Harley White Jr. Orchestra.
Community Storytelling
Creating a multi-media experience that explores the rich history of Sacramento’s West End.
PHYSICAL RELEASE
Teaching the West End Blues
A comprehensive educational box set including limited-edition vinyl, historical photo albums, songbooks and more.
Meet the Maestro
Composer: HARLEY WHITE JR.
At the heart of The West End Blues is the visionary composer and bandleader, Harley White Jr. A Sacramento native with deep roots in the city’s musical history, his journey includes acclaimed acts like Papa’s Culture and Blackalicious, showcasing a versatile and influential talent.
Harley has been instrumental in the Sojourner Truth Museum’s Technology and Leadership Program, the 2020-2025 Teagarden Jazz Festival, and the 2018 MLK Jazz Festival.
With his nine-piece orchestra, Harley is breathing new life into the forgotten stories of the West End, crafting a sound that is both historically authentic and powerfully contemporary.
Keeping American Music History Alive
This project is designed to live on, not just as a record, but as a living piece of history. We are capturing the essence of the West End’s oral and musical traditions—the way stories were once shared on street corners and songs were born in bustling clubs.
By supporting The West End Blues you help us forge a new link in this chain of tradition. These educational materials will be preserved in physical and digital form for storytellers, musicians, local Sacramento music students, and educators alike with the help of our Partners. This project is all about passing the torch to a new generation of artists and historians.
Become a Benefactor of The West End Blues
FAN
$50
- Full Digital Download of The West End Blues album and program
- Early access to physical media and exclusive merch
PATRON
$100
- Everything Fans receive, plus:
- Limited-edition Performance Poster printed on an 1852 hand press.
- Original Sheet Music signed by Harley and the Orchestra
- The West End Blues CD
BENEFACTOR
$500
- Everything Fans & Patrons receive, plus:
- Your name in the liner notes of the CD & vinyl record.
- Limited-run 12" vinyl record with cover artwork by a local artist (tbd).
- Two(2) tickets to a closed event with Harley White & Friends
WEST END CLUB MEMBER
$1000
- Everything the previous tiers receive, plus:
- Your name (or business name) listed as an Official Sponsor in all media and marketing materials
- The West End Club Member Monogrammed Pullover
- The West End Club Member Lapel Pin
- The complete The West End Blues Educational Kit, including a printed songbook, historical essays, and curriculum materials.
- Two(2) tickets to all future The West End Blues performances
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
$2500
- Everything the previous tiers receive, plus:
- An Executive Producer credit on the album.
- Private Dinner for Two(2) with a private performance Harley White Jr. & Friends.
- Exclusive The West End Blues Merch Bundle
- Your Educational Kit and Vinyl will include a personalized message signed by Harley White Jr. and the Orchestra
Your Support Makes The Music Possible
We have a clear vision, but we cannot do it alone. We need to raise $50,000 to bring The West End Blues to life. Your contribution is a direct investment in Sacramento’s cultural legacy, helping us honor the artists and communities who built this city’s soul.
$14,000
Orchestra Fees
Fair compensation for our nine classically-trained Jazz musicians for all rehearsals and recording sessions.
$10,000
PRODUCTION COSTS
Securing professional studio time, plus the costs of mixing, mastering, and engineering.
$12,000
Marketing & Outreach
Sharing the West End’s story through PR, content creation, and community engagement.
$9,000
Performance Costs
Venue rental and all technical costs (sound, lighting, crew) for the complete final performance.
$3,000
Merchandise Production
Funding the creation of vinyl records, photo albums, soft goods, and educational kits.
$2,000
Contingency & Logistics
Covering transportation and unforeseen expenses to ensure the show runs smoothly.
Project Timeline
- October 11 - Funding campaign begins
- December 11 - The West End Blues Live at Sacramento History Museum
Our COMMUNITY Partners
We are proud to partner with a coalition of vital community organizations dedicated to preserving Sacramento’s rich history and culture:
- Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum
- Roberts Family Development Center
- Celebration Arts
- Sacramento History Museum
Join Us in Preserving Sacramento's Soul
The story of the West End is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of music to bridge divides. By supporting West End Blues, you are not just funding an album; you are helping to reclaim a vital piece of our shared history. Enter your email below to receive a notification the moment our campaign goes live.
West End Blues | Harley White Jr. © 2025. All Rights Reserved. Special thanks to the Sacramento Preservation Society for providing images.