It's time to get liquored up on whiskey, slog through the humid summer heat and make that deal with the devil down at the river again. Yes, the Cincy Blues Fest itinerary has officially been announced for 2009. The summer celebration of America’s original musical art form has been going strong for 17 years. —-
This year, it’s planned for August 7-8, when the banks of the Ohio at Sawyer Point will transform into the Mississippi Delta for the weekend. Here’s the rundown so far:
Friday, Aug. 7: Some of today’s best female Blues musicians and vocalists dominate Friday’s Main Stage. The headliner is singer, songwriter and guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, Memphis faves the Reba Russell Band and BMA-winning vocalist Janiva Magness. The Local Stage will feature entertainment from the Cincy Blues Challenge finalists. A tribute to the Ludlow Garage, a “trip down memory lane infused with Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll and showcasing the best from Cincinnati’s seminal rock club,” is planned for the Arches Stage. Shows begin at 5 p.m. and continue until midnight. Admission is $10.
Saturday, Aug. 8: Gates open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and remain open until midnight. Mississippi-bred Magic Slim and the Teardrops headline the Main Stage. They’ll be joined by Blues-Rockers WSNB, Bostonians the Radio Kings, and “Bluesion” operators the Deanna Bogart Band. More Cincinnati talent will grace the Local Stage, and the Arches Stage is set to feature the finest national and international Boogie-Woogie pianists.
Food and refreshments are on the agenda too, of course. All proceeds from the fest will go to benefit the much-needed Blues In the Schools program. So you can party knowing you're contributing to the cultural literacy of youth across the U.S.A. Check out the Cincy Blues Society Web site for more info.
