"The Simply Jazz and Blues Festival will always honor and recognize the real tradition of the blues and the musicians who created it. The festival will always host performances by West Virginia jazz and blues artists as well as national artists. The festival will always offer additional opportunities for audiences to experience and learn about America's "roots" music, the blues, through Blues In the Schools programs or performances outside of but linked to the festival. The festival will always, at its' own discretion, work in cooperation with any entity or individuals who have the same ideals, vision and respect for blues and jazz music in its' preservation and presentation. The festival, wherever held, will always host a "Nat Reese Memorial Stage" in honor of West Virginia's own blues legend. The festival will always hold to these aforementioned standards, or cease to be called The Simply Jazz and Blues Festival."