New River Blues Festival in Jefferson September 6

Story by Anna Oakes

Pop Ferguson, Sandra Hall, Big Ron Hunter and The King Bees will perform at the New River Blues Festival on Sunday, September 6, at Riverside Park at Jefferson Landing.

The blues will flow as naturally as the ancient waters of the New River on Sunday, September 6, the date of the 7th annual New River Blues Festival in Jefferson. The music event, hosted every year by The King Bees, takes place at Riverside Park at Jefferson Landing from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Boasting a lineup of seasoned blues artists who have performed internationally, the New River Blues Festival celebrates the genre in an area where bluegrass and old-time music often dominate. Performing in a picturesque riverside setting will be “Empress of the Blues” Sandra Hall, Pop Ferguson, Big Ron Hunter and The King Bees.

Hall’s dynamic vocal style has carried her to some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and in London, Paris and Rome. Her interpretations of the blues range from righteous to raunchy and soulful to sassy.

North Carolina Foothills native Pop Ferguson has been playing guitar for nearly 70 years and returns to the festival by popular demand. His approach reflects Appalachian and Piedmont roots and a foundation of pure, deep blues.

Big Ron Hunter will be making his first appearance at the New River Blues Festival. Over the past few years, Hunter has become a hit on the international blues scene, performing at major festivals and renowned blues venues worldwide with gritty guitar, exuberant vocals and down-home spirit.

Anchoring the afternoon will be The King Bees Revue. Locally grown and internationally exported, The King Bees have been delivering roots-style blues for many years.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate for adults, with children 12 and under admitted free. Advanced tickets can be purchased through Celtic Force Enterprises at www.thecelticforce.com. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket for seating. Coolers and pets are not allowed. Food, wine and beer will be sold at the festival.

This event is produced by Celtic Force Enterprises and Mellowdown Productions and sponsored by Jefferson Landing, The Mountain Times, High Country Press, WETS-FM 89.5 and Jefferson Rent-All. The West Jefferson Lions Club will handle ticketing at the gate and parking.

For more information, click to www.myspace.com/newriverbluesfestival.

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