Feelin’ the blues

The Baton Rouge Blues Festival turns 20 this month, expanding to a third stage of performances downtown this year. According to festival chair Chris Brooks, the Blues Festival is the oldest of its kind and the fastest-growing in the nation. He credits the event’s expanding popularity to a lineup and programs that reach out to both older, more traditional audiences and younger crowds. Even though, Brooks says, many might consider the blues a “dying scene” and the musicians and fans are getting older, the festival has helped revive Baton Rouge’s historic blues culture. Read on for what to check out at this year’s jamboree.

Saturday, April 12, 11:15 a.m.-9:30p.m.
In and around North Boulevard Town Square.

On the Swamp Blues Stage: Lil’ Buck Sinegal, Chris LeBlanc, Little Freddie King, Johnny Sansone, Kenny Neal with Henry Gray, and Baton Rouge Music Studios.
On the Foundation Stage: Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, Black Joe Lewis, Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens, Black Pistol Fire, Jeffery Broussard& The Creole Cowboys, and Brother Dege.
On the Gospel/Soul Stage: One More Time Band, Da Vocalairs, SpeakEasy, and Gifted Praizers.

Brooks says the art market has gotten larger this year. It will include an arts and crafts kids’ zone, booths with work from local artists and a performance by dance troup Of Moving Colors.

The Backstage at The Blues Festival sessions feature Q&As throughout the day with performing musicians. It’s also a chance to get out of the sun inside the historic Old State Capitol Building.

Besides the new Gospel/Soul stage on Lafayette Street in front of the Shaw Center, there’s the Twelve Bar–a VIP lounge area to cool off with drinks, private bathrooms and a balcony viewing area.

Tuesday, April 8, is the Blues Festival Workshop at Hartley/Vey Theatres–a collaborative event with Forum 35 where blues artists and stakeholders meet to discuss the beloved music genre.
Friday, April 11, Brother Dege will perform a special “rent party” show at the Prince Hall Masonic Temple off North Boulevard. Brooks says rent parties date back to when early jazz musicians invited their friends over, played some tunes and raised funds to avoid eviction.

Find the schedule and more at batonrougebluesfestival.org.