Support Local. Eureka Springs Blues Weekend, June15th – 18th, 2017 (proceeds benefit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and other local business.)
Northwest Arkansas Bohemian baby doll, Eureka Springs will be home for the who’s who of blues music June 15th -18th. Grammy®-award-winning Blues acts from all over America and around the world are featured alongside Blues Hall of Fame members, local, and regional talent.
Eureka’s Blues Weekend is most famous for introducing new artist to the scene, like Sean Carney, Trampled Under Foot, Lionel Young and Selwyn Birchwood, all winners of the International Blues Challenge who have gone on to play all around the world.
Turpentine Creek, a refuge for big cats and other abused wildlife will benefit from proceeds of Blue’s Weekend, as will other local non-profits. Turpentine will also serve as a prime venue for a plethora of music. Located 7 miles from downtown Eureka Springs, Turpentines Creek (239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR) is nestled high in the Ozarks. Already abounding with multitudes of aesthetics – from the deep purring and roars of big cats to vista views of rolling Ozark hills; this coupled with a family friendly venue of star studded Blue’s performances makes Turpentine Creek a must stop venue. (All day Saturday and Sunday)
Victor Wainwright is returning to Blue’s Weekend for the first time since 2013, when his band, The Wildroots played to a full house at the Barefoot Ballroom. Tickets will be hard to come by, Friday, June 16th at Basin Park Hotel Barefoot Ballroom, but included with VIP passes (a few still available.) Wainwright has been nominated for five Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year Awards, winning twice. In 2016 The Wildroots won the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year, and Wainwright won the most prestigious award in the Blues genre, the BB King Entertainer of the Year. The Wildroots will play back-to-back shows at 8PM and 10PM.
Scott Ellison Trio will kick off Blue’s Weekend at Chelsea’s Corner, Thursday, June 15th, 9PM. The trio is no stranger to weeping guitars, having opened for both Buddy Guy and BB King.
Eric Gales picked up his first blues guitar in Memphis at the age of 4. Gales has recorded 18 albums and performed with Carols Santana at Woodstock 94’. He’ll play Friday, June 16th at 5PM at Basin Spring Park.
If you like the funky, soul side of the blues visit Chelsea’s Corner, 6PM for Josh Hoyer and Should Colossal. Their live show is magic and will be followed by Patrick Sweany’s delightful multi groove of mandolin, blues, and soul.
Saturday is a full day of Blues. Tom Baker’s blues harmonica for kids will start the day at Turpentine Creek at 1PM. Nick Schnebelen Band will follow. Nick’s first Eureka Springs Blues Weekend was a decade ago with his family band. Fiona Boyd and Toronzo Cannon will finish the day at Turpentine.
Downtown Eureka will be rockin’ the blues all day long Saturday and Sunday with music at Chelsea’s, Event Eureka, Basin Park Hotel, and Turpentine Creek. The event finally will be Sunday at Turpentine Creek with an all star jamboree for all musicians participating at Eureka Springs Blues Weekend. This will be a special weekend in Eureka Springs.
charles kochel has been writing about the blues lately.
No Harm 