Music: “Bound For the Blues”
by April 20, 2012 5:05 pm 144 views
FORT SMITH — Zydeco accordion maestro Chubby Carrier and famed blues guitarist Eric Sardinas will headline the 22nd Riverfront Blues Festival, slated for June 22-23 at Harry E. Kelley Park.
The festival is the jewel in the crown of the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society, which deemed this year’s affair “Bound for the Blues.” Perhaps that’s because so many artists that appear at this local festival go on from here to appear — and win — at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Friday’s lineup includes singer/songwriter Ray Bonneville; Austin, Texas singer/guitarist Carolyn Wonderland; Chicago’s own Nick Moss and the Flip-Flops; and an area favorite, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, featuring Smilin' Bob Lewis and Rachel Ammons.
On Saturday, the music starts with Earl and Them, featuring legendary guitarist Earl Cate and special
guest saxophonist David Renko, followed by funk/blues favorite Larry Bedell and The Cradle Rockers. Chubby Carrier and Sardinas will carry festival further into the night. The show’s closer will be The Mark Albertson Trio, who represented the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival at the International Blues Challenge this year.
Of course, no festival would be complete without lots of food, beverages and other activities, all of which can be found in abundance under the Garrison Avenue Bridge.