The organizers of the Big Funky Blues Fest are thrilled to announce the festival’s return for a spectacular second annual celebration! There will be music, food, and whole lot of funky fun on July 13, 2024 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. This one-day festival promises a full day of blues and folk performances from 8 leading bands, complemented by an expansive selection of local crafters, artisans, and a smorgasbord of delectable food options.
The festival kicks off at 10:00 AM and will feature a dynamic lineup of musicians on the main stage including Hambone Wilson, Billy Price Band, Tommy Lepson and the Bad Dawgs, Sonny Petrosky’s Don’t Tell Suzie, The Boneshakers, a special Music Cafe Tribute, Deanna Bogart, and the Paul Reed Smith’s Eightlock Band, which showcases a unique three drummer groove that promises to electrify attendees.
11:00 – 11:45Hambone Wilson (Bruceton Mills,West Virginia), is a dynamic guitarist and soulful vocalist, best known for his twangy, pedal-to-the-metal licks.12:00 – 01:002016 Blues Music Award (BMA) Winner and frequent BMA nominee Billy Price first attracted national attention during his three-year association with guitarist Roy Buchanan.01:15 – 02:00Singer Tommy Lepson, is nationally recognized as a Hammond organist, songwriter, guitarist and engineer. His gritty and flexible R & B voice is capable of conjuring images of James Brown one moment and Sam Cooke the next.02:15 – 03:15“Sonny Petrosky is a consummate performer, laying down solid bass grooves and strong vocals for some of the best of Mid-Atlantic musical groups”03:30 – 04:30The Boneshakers and members have toured and recorded with Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Seal, Keb Mo, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Mindi Abair, Bootsy Collins, Tears 4 Fears, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop…just to name a few. A stirring blend of Detroit soul with Muscle Shoals-style R&B on full display every show.04:45 – 06:00Truly the Pick O’ the Litter! What you have here is a collaboration of synergistic unity! Each year’s MC tribute will change, so stay tuned for the next Big Funky.06:15 – 07:30With 40 years as a road musician, award-winning bandleader, and multi instrumentalist, Deanna Bogart is adored by her fans for her adventurous, original, and diverse music career. She is recognized for her dazzling keyboards, soulful saxophone, smoky vocals, and cut-above songwriting.07:45 – 09:00“Paul Reed Smith Eightlock” is a band of high-level musicians who are friends and have “locked” together recording and performing a new kind of groove with its roots in Baltimore funk, and New Orleans swing. The excitement around this “3 drummer groove” is infectious.
In addition to musical entertainment, the event offers an array of activities for all ages. The Big Funky Kids Zone will provide a host of fun-filled activities such as a game truck, face painting, balloons, magic, crafts, and more. Adults can explore the craft village with live demonstrations in glass blowing, axe throwing, and blacksmithing.
Diverse food trucks will feature an array of incredible eats and desserts, alongside a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for comfort, with designated areas for pop-up canopies.
Tickets are priced at $45 for early birds with children 12 and under FREE, making it a perfect family outing. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit Appalachian Crossroads, supporting community empowerment and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Mark your calendars for this fun day of incredible bands, vendors, artisans and fun for the entire family!
For tickets and more information, visit Big Funky Blues Fest.