Wilmington's Riverfront Blues Festival Returns this Weekend
Posted on 08/01/2012 6:37 pm
Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker and City Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz today announced the scheduled line-up of entertainment for Wilmington’s annual Riverfront Blues Festival. Considered one of the most prestigious blues festivals in the mid-Atlantic region, the 2012 Festival will be held in Tubman-Garrett Park located along the City’s picturesque river walk. The Festival begins this Friday evening, August 3, and runs through Sunday, August 5. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
“Wilmington has a deep appreciation for music and entertainment, and we are again pleased to stage an event, in this case a blues festival, that will be enjoyable for our own citizens and to the thousands of visitors from a wide region around Wilmington who are becoming regular guests for these types of City events,” said Mayor Baker. “Cities are, by their very nature, interesting and entertaining places where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather to live, enjoy life, and have fun.”
This year’s event features 20 performances on two stages, free harmonica lessons with Gary Allegretto, and free sessions with guitarist Gary Cogdell. A free children’s craft tent and a refreshing misting tent will be available in the park. In addition to live entertainment throughout the day, the Festival also features vendors selling a variety of food, drinks and crafts.
Performers and scheduled performance times for the three-day 2012 Riverfront Blues Festival include:
Friday, August 3, 2012
4:30 pm: Gates open
Main Stage:
5:00 pm: Southern Hospitality featuring J.P Soars, Damon Fowler & Victor Wainwright
6:45 pm: Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88’s
8:30 pm: Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials
10:30 pm - 1:30 am: Diamond State Blues Society After-Party hosted by Mikey Junior & Stone Cold Blues at Basil's Restaurant Sheraton Suites Hotel
Bandwagon Stage:
6:15 pm: Club Phred
8:00 pm: Second Chance Blues Band
Saturday, August 4, 2012
11:00 am - Gates open
Main Stage:
12 noon: Blue Cat Blues
1:30 pm: Albert Castiglia
3:15 pm: Zac Harmon
5:00 pm: Chris Cain
6:45 pm: Maria Muldaur
8:30 pm: Kenny Neal Family Band
10:30 pm - 1:30 am: Diamond State Blues Society After-Party hosted by Dave Fields at Basil's Restaurant Sheraton Suites Hotel
In-between acts on the Main Stage:
Garry Cogdell & His Sessions Tent
The Harmonikids Workshops, sponsored by Hohner and featuring Delaware native, harmonica great and Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient Gary Allegretto as instructor.
Bandwagon Stage:
1:00 pm: Alicia Maxwell & the Diamond Dawgs
2:45 pm: Gary Allegretto
4:30 pm: The Billy Pierce Band
6:15 pm: Johnny Never & the Solar Pimps
8:00 pm: lower case blues band
Sunday, August 5, 2012
11:30 am - Gates open
Main Stage:
12:30 pm: The Nighthawks
2:30 pm: Royal Southern Brotherhood featuring Devon Allman, Mike Zito, Cyril Neville, Charlie Wooten & Willie Green
4:30 pm: Brooks Family Blues Dynasty featuring Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Brooks & Wayne Baker Brooks
Bandwagon Stage:
2:00 pm: James Day
4:00 pm: Nuthin’ But Trouble
In-between acts on the Main Stage:
Garry Cogdell & His Sessions Tent
The Harmonikids Workshops, sponsored by Hohner and featuring Delaware native, harmonica great and Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient Gary Allegretto as instructor
Festival ticket prices:
One Day Pass (Friday): $15 (advance) $20 (at the door)
One Day Pass (Saturday OR Sunday): $20 (advance) $25 (at the door)
3 Day Weekend Pass: $50 (advance only)
Children 12 & under: Free
For additional information, visit http://inwilmingtonde.com/festivals/riverfrontbluesfest/
