MARQUETTE -- For many, Labor Day weekend is one last chance for a summer getaway. But if you are looking for good blues music, you don't have to go very far.
The 9th annual Marquette Area Blues Festival is this Saturday and Sunday at Lower Harbor park. One of the headliners, John Primer, is a guitarist from Chicago, said Walt Lindala, the festival promotions manager.
"He actually played with many of the big names of blues: Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy. These kinds of guys that really set this music out as a popular style," said Lindala.
Also performing is 'Trampled Under Foot,' a young band from Kansas City.
"They're a brother-sister duo that has just recently won an international blues competition and lots of awards in the blues business," Lindala said.
The festival wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers. A few more are still needed for this weekend, said Marquette Area Blues Society president Mark Stonerock.
To sign up to volunteer, go to http://www.marquetteareabluessociety.org/volunteerform.php.
"If you volunteer for one shift, you get a free t-shirt, and if you volunteer for more than one shift, you get your ticket purchase price back, so the festival would be free for you," said Stonerock.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through NMU ticket outlets. Weekend passes for adults are $45 in advance, $50 at the gate. A day pass is $30. Fifteen to 23 year olds get in for just $10 a day. Kids 14 and under are free with a paid adult.
Stonerock said the Blues Society is reaching out to a younger audience. "Young people don't really have a chance to see blues music unless they go into a bar, and ironically, most of them can't get into a bar," he said.
"This is a great fundraiser for the Marquette Area Blues Society, so help us continue to provide the blues to this area," Stonerock added. "Support the music, support live music. If nobody comes to see live music, no live music will be left."
To see a full list of the bands and other blues events happening around Marquette this weekend, visit the Marquette Area Blues Society web site.
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