The Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society announces the lineup for the 2012 Annual Riverfront Blues Festival. This years’ slogan is "Bound for the Blues" and everyone in the area should be bound for Harry E. Kelley Park on June 22 and 23rd for one of the finest blues rosters that we have ever presented.
The music kicks off on Friday 22nd with singer/songwriter RAY BONNEVILLE at 6 p.m. Ray, an Arkansas treasure, was the solo/duo winner at this year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Next up at 7:15 p.m. is the unbelievably flamboyant Austin, Texas guitar wunderkind, CAROLYN WONDERLAND, who has one of the best voices in music today.
At 8:45 it's the hard-hitting electric blues of Chicago’s own NICK MOSS and THE FLIP-TOPS. One of the country’s top blues acts and a multiple W.C. Handy and BMA award winner, Nick fuses traditional blues with 60’s influenced blues-rock.
Closing out Friday nights' festivities and keeping everyone dancing at 10:30 will be area favorites, TYRANNOSAURUS CHICKEN, featuring Smilin' Bob Lewis and Rachel Ammons who were our representatives at the International Blues Challenge this year.
On Saturday the 23rd, kicking off a stellar evening of music at 5 p.m. will be EARL AND THEM, featuring guitar legend Earl Cate with special guest saxophonist, David Renko. These guys are Arkansas music legends who have played with everybody from Bob Dylan to Levon Helm and The Band, and hardly need an introduction.
Next up at 6 p.m. is area funk/blues favorite LARRY BEDELL and his outstanding ensemble, The Cradle Rockers. Larry has entertained audiences all over the world and Fort Smith is lucky to be able to claim him as their own.
At 7 p.m. it's Zydeco accordian monster CHUBBY CARRIER who will whip the crowd into a dancing frenzy with his high- energy musical gumbo.
Following Chubby at 8:45 TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT, winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge, is like no other band you will ever see or hear. Danielle is an amazing blues singer and an excellent bassist. Kris fires right in the pocket on the drums and sings as well. Nick is a strong singer and an accomplished guitarist, winning the 2008 Albert King Award from the IBC.
Closing out the show at 10:30 PM will be the soulful blues guitar stylings of area favorite MARK ALBERTSON TRIO who represented FSRFBS at the International Blues Challenge this year.
Tulsa Blues Diva, WANDA WATSON (who has been known to crash a stage or two) will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for this weekend of outstanding blues music, food, fun, refreshments, and spirits right here in Fort Smith, under the Garrison Avenue Bridge.