An important part of the mission of the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation is increasing public awareness of and appreciation for acoustic blues, with particular emphasis on the Piedmont style that originated in the Southeast region of the country. Drawing audiences of music lovers from around the Washington region, Archie’s Barbershop has hosted concerts by nationally and internationally known acoustic blues artists. Often, these artists also conduct workshops to enhance participants’ skills on instruments such as guitar, harmonica, hand percussion, and ukulele. The Foundation also offers instrument workshop series taught by local blues musicians.

Since 2009, Archie’s Barbershop has presented dozens of the best touring acoustic blues acts; several have performed more than once. As the list below shows, the Barbershop has hosted a veritable Who’s Who in the world of acoustic blues. Each guest artist was asked to sign a wall in the Riverdale Barbershop to commemorate their appearance,  Before building renovations were to begin, the signature wall was saved in the photograph above.  This page presents just a small selection of photographs from the performances and workshops that have taken  place at Archie's Barbershop.