BENTONVILLE ARKANSAS – The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas is pleased to announce the line-up for the 11th Annual Blues in the Natural State Music Festival on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, 2013.
Two-dozen acts will perform on six stages in Fayetteville, Ark. during the festival.
“We are pleased to grow the blues festival experience in 2013. Festival goers will experience performers who are a blend of local, regional, national and world-stage artists,” according to Roger Plourde, President of the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas.
Headlining on Friday evening is James “Super Chikan” Johnson, a Blues Music Award-winning American blues musician, artist and guitar maker hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi the birthplace of the delta blues. A self-taught musician, Super Chikan’s style of music is cool and gritty, with deep roots in the country blues tradition. In the Clarksdale area, "Super Chikan" is probably best-known for performing regularly at Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero blues club, and for being Freeman's favorite blues artist.
This year, the festival will introduce a new concept: “Afternoon Blues” – a special performance of blues storytellers at Walton Arts Center’s Starr Theater, an elegant setting to listen to three master musicians perform a combination of original and traditional American music. Ray Bonneville, 2012 International Blues Challenge winner will headline Afternoon Blues.
Ray is a Canadian born, US raised, blues influenced singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player, who is known for his loose, bluesy, swampy vibe.
Ray plays a special blend of blues and Americana music where each song tells a story.
Growing up in Detroit, son of the legendary John Lee Hooker, John Lee Hooker, Jr. represents a new style of contemporary blues. His music represents the work of an artist who knows that singing, playing and storytelling add up to great music. Currently on World Tour promoting his latest CD “All Hooked Up,” this two time Grammy nominee will close out the festival on Saturday evening.
Other Blues in the Natural State Music Festival sponsors include The Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission, Hog Haus Brewery, Common Grounds, Cumulus Broadcasting, Butler Broadcasting, The Keg 98.3, KUAF 93.3, Telecomp, Sound Concepts, First Security Bank, Nighflying , The Free Weekly and Celebrate Arkansas Magazine.
Several Hotels in Fayetteville will offer special rates for the festival. They include The Chancellor, The Marriott Courtyard, Homewood Suites, The Inn at Carnal Hall and The Holiday Inn Express.
Artists will perform at the following Fayetteville locations: Smoke and Barrel Tavern, Kingfish, Rogue, Walton Art Center’s Starr Theater, and both stages at George’s Majestic Lounge.
Wristbands go on sale Friday, March 1 at www.ozarkbluessociety.org. Prices are: $45 for both days; $20 for Friday only; $30 for Saturday only.
The Hog Haus Brewing Company is the official headquarters of the 11th Annual Blues in the Natural State festival. Wristbands, blues memorabilia, official t-shirts and artists’ CDs will be on sale. Hours are Friday, April 5 from 3 pm to 10 pm and Saturday, April 6 from 11 am to 10 pm.
We are proud to announce this year that 25% of all festival proceeds will be donated to the Susan G Komen Ozark Affiliate. For more information about the Ozark Affiliate please visit www.komenozark.org
For the complete schedule of artists, their biographies, times and venues, visit: www.ozarkbluessociety.org. | 
