Labor Day Weekend Event: 10th Annual New River Blues Festival

September 2   10th Annual New River Blues Festival   A day devoted to world-class blues. The setting is wonderfully scenic with a glorious mountain meadow on the edge of the lively river..Dancing in the green grass to the music of living legends. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, the kids, umbrellas ( held rain or shine). Food, mixed and soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase. Gates open at noon with tickets available for $18. Get a link for details about the Blues Festival on the Jefferson NC Visitor Guide.

This year's legendary Blues Artists include: 

JOHN DEE HOLEMAN - Patriarch of Piedmont Blues, Holeman began playing Piedmont blues in the mid-1930's and holds the preeminent position of keeper-of-the-flame. Mr. Holeman's spellbinding talents as a guitarist, singer and buck dancer have taken him far from the dusty roads of Orange County, North Carolina to European stages, the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall.

CHICK WILLIS - Willis' life is one that has been steeped in the flavors of true Southern blues.From rural Georgia,he got his start with his cousin, the legendary Chuck Willis (King of The Stroll). He recorded his first record in 1956. Chick went on to tour and record with Guitar Slim, Elmore James, Ray Charles and many other luminaries.

MAC ARNOLD - Arnold's long and illustrious blues journey began in rural South Carolina in the 1930's when he fashioned a guitar out of a gas can. Early on he teamed up with a young James Brown. In 1966 he began his stint as bass player in the monumental Muddy Waters band. During this time Mac played with the who's who of blues.

SANDRA HALL - This dazzling singer and phenomenal performer, Empress of The Blues has been the featured artist at many of the world's premier venues including the Montreaux Jazz Festival. She has performed in the capitals of Europe --London, Paris, Rome--and in numerous countries (even Russia!) always to wild acclaim.

THE KING BEES - Celebrating their 25th year of stingin' and swingin',The King Bees have traveled over this country and many others with their rootsy, rollicking sound. They have performed on European festival stages, in Mississippi juke joints and several times at the prestigious Lincoln Center.

The Blues Festival is held at the River House Inn in Grassy Creek, just north of Jefferson NC. River House is a restored Bed and Breakfast nestled on 140 acres including 1 mile of riverfront. The onsite restaurant offers exquisite regional cuisine, an international wine list, and a full-service bar with all ABC permits.