This week, Saint Louis is brimming with the blues for the annual Bluesweek Festival! A unique twist on traditional blues festivals, Bluesweek celebrates blues music with different events for an entire week, including a brunch, harmonica workshop, awards show celebrating the best in Saint Louis Blues, and culminating in a three day festival. Featuring a diverse lineup of blues greats, including Shemekia Copeland, Nick Moss, Bobby Rush, Matt Hill, Cedric Burnside, Jimmy ‘Duck’ Holmes, Super Chikan, Boo Boo Davis, Big George Brock, and many more, the festival is nestled in the heart of downtown Saint Louis, only a few short blocks from the world famous Saint Louis Arch. American Blues Scene will be on hand for the event, speaking with artists and covering the festivities.
Since the earliest days, Saint Louis has always had an incredibly strong presence in blues music. Nestled on Highway 61 between Chicago and the Mississippi delta, Saint Louis was the setting of one of the most historically significant blues tracks — W.C. Handy’s “Saint Louis Blues”. The NHL hockey team in St. Louis is named for the music that defined the area: The Blues. Blues music continues to be a vibrant part of the city built where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers converge, including the exciting development of the nearby National Blues Museum. Chuck Berry, Sunnyland Slim, Lonnie Johnson, Albert King, and many more have called Saint Louis home, and the Bluesweek festival celebrates both the music and the longstanding blues music scene.
Upcoming Events
HARP WORKSHOP
Date: WEDNESDAY MAY 23
Location: Blues City Deli
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Host: John May
Cost: Free – but we will pass the bucket
The world-renowned harp player Sandy Weltman and critically acclaimed Annie Raines will conduct an instructional workshop focussed on various harmonica styles followed up by a live performance. Bring your harp and ask questions – this is all about you!
PEARL VODKA PRESENTS THE BLUESWEEK AWARDS
Date: THURSDAY MAY 24
Location: BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups
Time: 7:30pm Cocktails – 8:30pm Awards
9:30pm Annie Raines, Rich McDonough & Rough Grooves
Host: Terry Perkins
Cost: $5 includes 2 complimentary Pearl Vodka cocktails and light appetizers
The Bluesweek Awards gives recognition to the St. Louis musicians, both past and present, who have shaped the very foundation of music as we know it today. Enjoy 2 complimentary Pearl Vodka cocktails and light appetizers provided by BB’s. Don’t miss this very special night honoring those who have given us so much.
BLUESWEEK FESTIVAL
The 2012 Bluesweek Festival will take place Memorial Day weekend – May 25, 26 & 27, outdoors in beautiful downtown St. Louis at Soldiers Memorial. It’s free to attend and all ages are welcome!
U.S. CELLULAR KIDS BLUES SHACK
On Saturday and Sunday of the Bluesweek Festival – U.S. Cellular brings families a fun and interactive area full of creative learning experiences. From building instruments out of recycled materials to making “Blues Berry” smoothies, there’s something for kids of all ages. The hours are from 11:00am to 6:00pm each day and all activities are free!
