What A Weekend!
First of all THANK YOU to all of our sponsors (Walmart, The Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, First Security Bank, Telecomp and the many more that helped us with in-kind services), the hosting venues (George's Majestic Lounge, First Thursday Fayetteville, Jose's 324 Ballroom, Smoke & Barrel Tavern), the local press (you helped us get the word out!), the musicians, volunteers and of course, you the people who came out to enjoy so many truly outstanding performances.
A few hightlights...
Wednesday, April 2 - 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville hosted a special preview event featuring 2009 International Blues Challenge solo winner Little Joe McLerran. Thank you to Downtown Bentonville and Cox Communications for sponsoring this event.
Thursday, April 3 - The highlight that night was the severe weather passing through the area. For obvious reasons... First Thursday was cancelled that night... but, was rescheduled for last night featuring our own 2013 Blues Challenge winners Brick Fields and the Chosen Ones.
Friday, April 4 - The evening started off with a great Happy Hour at George's featuring Earl & Them and Isayah's Allstars and folllowed by the A M A Z I N G Samantha Fish Band and The Royal Southern Brotherhood. Oh my what a show! What a night!
Saturday, April 5 - We added performances at the Jose's 324 Ballroom and Smoke & Barrel Tavern. Once again... absolutely amazing performances (local bands, IBC winners showcase, RJ Mischo, The Cates, Tab Benoit - Geez), starting at 4pm that afternoon and went into the wee hours of the Sunday morning with the Late Late show featuring Steve Pryor. Steve was joined by Tab Benoit and Earl Cate for some late night jamming.
Festival patrons... Thank you for coming out and making the 12th Annual Blues in the Natural State Music Festival such a fun and successful event!
We're already starting to think and plan for next year. Stay tuned!
Here's a sampling of some great photos from the festival courtesy of Tom Mowry Photography.
Volunteers at
Merch Table
Levee Town
Tab Benoit
Royal Southern Brotherhood
Lucious Spiller
Samantha Fish
More photos to come from Tom, Sher Speer
and Clayton Taylor soon.
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