The Simply Texas Blues Festival a Success!

The 3rd annual Simply Texas Blues Festival, produced by the San Angelo Blues Society, was held May 7th, 2011 in historic downtown San Angelo, Texas.

This was the 3rd year for the event and it is a big hit among the music loving San Angelo crowd. The 200 block of South Oakes Street in San Angelo is closed off for the Festival which was held Saturday, May 7th.  The Simply Texas Blues Festival is sponsored by Multi-Chem and a host of others and features a lineup of Blues bands and individual Blues performers from as far away as Alaska.

San Angelo Blues Society Larry Jolley said, “It’s a lot of fun and we have some really great bands. Last year we had a band from Canada. This year we have a band from as far away as Alaska scheduled to come and play. We also have some really talented musicians and performers from right here in San Angelo. They are really coming here from all over including Austin and other music hotspots and they enjoy coming here because San Angelo is an up-and-coming place for live music to be performed.”

The Simply Texas Blues Festival brought in a stage and set it up right in the street in the 200 block of South Oakes and the event is held  in front of Sealy Flats, M.L. Leddy Boots, and diagonally across from the historic Cactus Hotel.

Blessing of the Bikes

 Events included an International Blues Challenge qualifying Blues Band and Duo Competition, there was  a ‘blessing of the bikes‘ by Bishop Michael Pfeifer and Russ Frazier of Forgiven Ministries as well as a motorcycle poker run in the San Angelo area. Motorcyclist’s Breakfast, a People’s Choice Car Show,  Two Cook-Offs, numerous food and craft Street Vendors, and the competition Winner / Headliner Finale Concert.

The Simply Texas Blues Festival started around 9:00 a.m. and went until midnight that Saturday night. Band competition started at noon and there were 20 bands and individuals competing until 6:00 p.m.  Competition winner Blues Boy Willie performed and included a Street Dance.  The headliner, Grady Champion wowed the crowd of several thousand with his talent and showmanship until about Midnight. 

The festival features a headliner and directors of the event are trying hard to bring in the winners of last year’s international blues competition from Memphis to San Angelo this year. The events are family-oriented, free and open to the public. All proceeds go to our music scholarship program, blues/musical education and growth of the “Coolest Club in Town,” the San Angelo Blues Society.

“Just bring your lawn chair and come and enjoy some of the best Blues music to be found anywhere“, explained Larry Jolley. The directors and Vice-Presidents of The San Angelo Blues Society work hard to bring this festival here and we really hope San Angelo and West Texas music lovers will come out next May 12th  2012 and enjoy the fest. “We do love our Blues Music.”