Blues Fest features big-name acts

The 19th annual Bean Blossom Blues Fest is set for this weekend — delivering jam sessions and big names in modern blues music to the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground. Festivities start today and conclude Saturday.

Known in music circles as the “Bean,” it was voted the Best Music Festival in Indiana for 2016, and this year will feature three days of dynamic performances, around-the-clock jam sessions, seminars, contests, camping, and more, according to a statement.

The festival kicks off tonight during the Thursday Night Jam at 6 p.m. The session will be hosted by The 1-4-5’s. Today’s lineup also will feature a special hour set by up-and-coming guitarist Matthew Curry. Attendees are welcome to bring their instruments to jam with the artists on stage.

The fun will continue at 2 p.m. Friday with a seminar, followed by the Harmonica Masters & Pros Showcase, topped off with a night of concerts including the sounds of Rebekah Meldrum and Paul Holdman, 2017 Blues Music Award Nominee Matthew Skoller, 2016 Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year Nominee Samantha Fish and Toronzo Cannon, who was nominated for the Best Album/Contemporary Album and Contemporary Blues Male Artist/Best Song of the Year at the 2017 Blues Music Awards.

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Saturday, the festival will begin at 10 a.m. during an open jam, followed by a harmonica seminar and the Indiana State Harmonica Championships beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday’s shows will start at 3:30 p.m. and will feature blues aces Matthew Curry and Jay Jesse Johnson.

This year’s Saturday night headliners include Southern Avenue, legendary blues harp player Charlie Musselwhite, and the Eric Lindell Band.

One group highlight set to perform at the festival is Memphis quintet Southern Avenue, an emerging group that embodies its home city’s soul, blues and gospel traditions.

Blues Hall of Famer Charlie Musselwhite will grace the stage later in the evening, showcasing his 50-year career in the music business. Musselwhite is a Grammy award-winner.

Closing the festival Saturday is the Eric Lindell Band. Lindell’s combination of soul with R&B, pop, funk, and blues has earned him acclaim and a Grammy nomination.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, ranging from $35 to $40 for single day adult admission to $55 to $60 for an adult weekend pass. Youth tickets (ages 10 to 15) also are available at a discounted rate. Golf carts may be rented for the festival as well for $150.

For more information on the Bean Blossom Blues Fest, including a schedule of events, performer bios, tickets, and camping reservations, please visit www.beanblossomblues.com or call 812-325-8836.