The Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), founded by blues-rock artist Joe Bonamassa, has long been dedicated to preserving the future of music through education. Since 2011, the nonprofit has funded programs, scholarships, and resources for schools across the U.S., impacting over 110,000 students. KTBA’s work expanded even further in 2020 with the launch of its Fueling Musicians Program, which offers direct financial support to artists facing hardship.
Now, the foundation is launching a sweepstakes that pairs philanthropy with an unforgettable music experience: a chance to join the sold-out Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Alaska cruise, sailing September 15–21, 2025.
According to a statement from the foundation, the six-day voyage departs from Seattle aboard the Norwegian Jade, with stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, and Victoria, BC. The floating music festival will feature performances from Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Little Feat, Marc Broussard, The Record Company, Shemekia Copeland, The Heavy Heavy, and more—promising an immersive lineup of world-class blues, rock, and soul set against a spectacular natural backdrop.
The grand prize package (valued at $10,484) includes:
- A balcony cabin for two aboard the KTBA at Sea Alaska Cruise (includes taxes, fees, and gratuities)
- A $1,000 travel stipend
- A meet-and-greet with Joe Bonamassa for two
- A spa experience certificate
- Dinner for two at a fine dining restaurant aboard the ship
- A $50 festival merchandise voucher
The sweepstakes is open now through July 18, 2025, and entries are tied to donations. Every $25 donation earns 10 entries (with no cap on how many times you can enter) and "all proceeds directly benefit KTBA’s mission to fund music education programs, scholarships, and resources for schools in need across the U.S.” they said in a statement.
This announcement arrives during a particularly exciting moment in Bonamassa’s career. His new album Breakthrough drops July 18 on J&R Adventures and showcases what the foundation calls his “most genre-blending and ambitious work yet,” written and recorded in Greece, Egypt, Nashville, and Los Angeles. The album features a string of recent singles, including “Still Walking With Me,” “Shake This Ground,” and the energetic “Trigger Finger.”
Bonamassa also recently wrapped a European tour with Black Country Communion and is preparing for a busy summer, including performances at Montreux Jazz Festival, Bospop, and other major venues. His U.S. tour kicks off July 31 at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and includes dates at Red Rocks, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and two Chicago performances supporting The Who.
For official rules, entry details, and to make a donation for a chance to win, visit joeb.me/2025AlaskaSweeps.
For more information about Joe Bonamassa, upcoming shows, and the new album, head to jbonamassa.com.
