Albert White represents the Music Makers Foundation at the Congressional Blues Festival

Next Wednesday, the Kennedy Center will host a music festival that could happen only in Washington. The fifth annual Congressional Blues Festival provides a chance to see politicos and congressmen get down to blues superstars including Robert Cray and Elvin Bishop, as well as less-known legends such as Macavine Hayes, Captain Luke and Big Ron Hunter.

The event is a celebration of America’s roots-music heritage, and an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, a Hillsboro, N.C., nonprofit that helps forgotten Southern music pioneers gain recognition and pay their bills.

Albert White is one such musician. He grew up in Atlanta playing guitar with his uncle, Piano Red. He later performed live or on record with Clarence Carter, Ben E. King and Hank Ballard. He never became a star, but his guitar was an important fixture in popular regional blues and R&B.