Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 26, 2007 issue

5th Annual New River Blues Fest Set for September 1 at Jefferson Landing

“Chicago” Bob Nelson Headlines Stellar Soul-Packed Lineup

Story by David Brewer

International blues artists and Todd residents The King Bees will once again call upon their esteemed blues and soul peers to come together on Saturday, September 1, as they host the 5th Annual New River Blues Festival. For the second consecutive year, the festival will take place along the banks of the New River at Jefferson Landing in Ashe County.

Music lovers are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for an afternoon of smoking blues and soul in the scenic surroundings at Jefferson Landing’s outdoor concert pavilion. Grilled foods and a selection of beer and wine will be for sale throughout the event.

Since 2003, The King Bees have brought some of the biggest living blues artists to High Country, adding a much-needed shot of musical diversity to the acoustic-centered scene. Originally held in Todd, the festival has continued to grow each year and has found a suitable and relaxing environment in Jefferson Landing.

Artists joining the King Bees for the event include legendary blues harp player “Chicago” Bob Nelson, triple threat singer and multi-instrumentalist Ann Rabson, Chitlin circuit veteran and former Otis Redding and Solomon Burke bandleader Roy Roberts, 1960s blues and soul man Clifford Curry and Appalachian blues man Howard Colbert.

According to King Bees guitarist Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville, Nelson has been a mentor to the band for years, touring extensively with the King Bees and teaching them about music all along the way. Nelson received his nickname after being seen playing all over the Windy City by Muddy Waters.

“[Nelson is] such a character. He’s the once who helped us getting started playing the real blues,” said Baskerville. “He’s played with everybody that’s anybody. And if he hasn’t played with them, he knows them.”

The King Bees are also excited about the return of Colbert, who will again be getting the music started. A native of Caldwell County, Colbert is one of the few remaining links to the Piedmont blues style made popular by Etta Baker.

“He’s a versatile cat,” said Baskerville. “He can play anything from Etta Baker to Hendrix.”

The New River Blues Festival will start at noon and last until 6:00 p.m., culminating in an all-star jam finale when all of the day’s participants will be invited to take the stage.

“We’ll definitely be getting some people up there to play,” said Baskerville. “The final jam always provides for some of the festival’s most magical musical moments.”

Tickets for the festival are $10 for adults and free to children 12 and under and will be sold at the gate on the day of the show. The festival will take place rain or shine.

For more info, click to www.newriverbluesfestival.info or call 336-877-2864.

Want to Go?

Date: Saturday, September 1
Time: 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Jefferson Landing in Ashe County
Cost: $10 for adults/Free for children 12 and under