Musicians will wail into the night at the 15th annual Blues Fest, Aug. 23-26. (photo by Aaron Zaremsky)
Blues Fest returns for 15th year
- Published: August 21, 2012
AACW will host the 15th annual Blues and Jazz festival this weekend, Aug. 23-26. As always, the weekend will feature a spectacular line-up of musical acts and events. The weekend kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at Peach’s with Blooz ‘n’ Pomes, a poetry open mic. Poets who step up to the mic will be backed by a blues band, which will feature headliners from the festival. According to the folks in charge, the night will wear on “until the poets and musicians run out of words and music.”
The festival continues on Friday and Saturday at the Antioch College Amphitheater, featuring local and international performers. Friday’s events begin at 6 p.m., and will feature music from Audio Show Band, The Carl Schumacher Band, Karen Patterson and the 5 YZMen and The Larry Humphrey Band, culminating in a performance from the “King of Beale Street,” Preston Shannon. The guitarist and singer is a Memphis, Tennessee landmark who performs a lively mix of southern soul and blues. Saturday’s line-up also features Shannon, as well as Atlanta acoustic artist Veronika Jackson, who presents a folk-blues blend with influences as diverse as Sweet Honey on the Rock, Ella Fitzgerald and Joan Baez.
Performing artists at the festival will host a blues workshop beginning at noon on Saturday, followed by a variety of local performances until 5 p.m. on the Innovation Stage. Saturday night’s festivities will include performances from Dean Sims Hot Notes Band, Nerak Roth Patterson Band and the 5YZMen. Saturday’s line-up also features another performance from Preston Shannon, as well as Atlanta acoustic artist Veronika Jackson, who presents a folk-blues blend with influences as diverse as Sweet Honey on the Rock, Ella Fitzgerald and Joan Baez.
The festival will wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 26 with a Gospel Fest and Basket Meeting. The Gospel Fest features live performances from gospel artists from far and wide, including Greene County’s own Wilberforce Choir. Festival-goers are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and head on over to the festival to round out the weekend with music, food and fellowship.
For more information, visit the AACW website at http://www.aacw.org.
3 Responses to “Blues Fest returns for 15th year”
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Lauren,
There will be a fundraiser for the bluesfest on 14th July at the brewery 7-9pm
Hi Christopher,
I believe Blues Fest is going to be held the weekend of Sept. 10 this year. Karen Patterson (Faith Patterson’s daughter) and the AACW are still heading up the event. Keep an eye on the News and the website for more information as it gets closer to September!
What is the word for Blues Jazz fest 2016? I am willing to help get the event together since the passing of the noble founder. I have background in music and events.