The fifth annual Blues on the Rock will happen Sunday, September 1 from 2 p.m. until midnight.
This year’s line-up features Emmy and national contest winners along with local and regional groups who will entertain concertgoers all day and evening long at Rockport City Park.
There will be a variety of seating arrangements during the event, including sheltered seating in front of the stage and a VIP section for sponsors near to both the performance area and the beer and wine garden.
Speaking of the beer garden, St Benedict’s Brew Works will serve a variety of their brews and wineries will serve their libations by the glass or bottle. The beer garden is separated by a fence and may require an ID to enter as well as a special wristband.
Food options from the vendors include barbeque ribs, pulled pork, smoked bologna, burgers, brats, pizza, Kona Ice and more.
Young children can enjoy the playgrounds in the park. Lincoln Pioneer Village will open as well for its regular hours. The Annabelle Wood Memorial Paint Out will be back for its second year, featuring a one day competition to create works of art at the event which will be judged. The winner of the art contest will earn $500, second place $200 and third place $100 and will be awarded between bands on the stage. The contest is partially sponsored by the Spencer County Community Foundation.
The main events are as follows. At 2 p.m. The Jonas Cowan Band will play onstage. After a 30 minute break, Beyond Blu will take over at 4 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m. national award winner Bosco France and his band will feature his renown guitar licks and strong vocals. This year’s headliner will be Shawn Murphy and her band which features Tommy Stilwell on guitar. Shawn is an Emmy nominated singer/songwriter who has worked with Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, Glen Frey and Joe Walsh. Blues on the Rock will serve as the launch site for her latest album. Murphy takes the stage at 8 p.m. Maceo’s Muddy Gutt will wrap up the blues festival starting at 10 p.m. Augmenting many of the bands throughout the day will be David Dunavent.
Blues on the Rock is organized by the Blues on the Rock Committee, Association for a Better Rockport and the River Basin Blues Society. The groups are currently seeking sponsorships for the event ranging from $200 to $2,000 and up. Sponsors receives wrist bands at the festival along with the above described VIP seating. They will also be recognized on stage during the day.
Finally, this year tent camping will be available at the event for $10 for a 20’ x 20’ spot. Call 812-686-0012 for more information on renting the space.
Admission for the festivities will be $10 per person. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the event. The gates will open at noon. Visit bluesontherockmusicfestival on Facebook, evansvilleblues.com or A Better Rockport for more information.
