Looking to build on a highly successful inaugural event in 2015, the Freeland Blues Festival returns to Tittabawassee Township Park on July 30th. This year’s festival is headlined by the Marcus King Band, the blues rock phenoms who are making a return trip to the area in a summer filled by a heavy national touring schedule.
Fronted by 19-year-old powerhouse Marcus King, the band floored those in attendance at an exclusive showcase at Bemo’s (Bay City) in May. A high class mix of rock, blues, country and general “psycho-ness” portends well for the festival-stage future of the Warren Haynes protégé and his stellar combo.
Saginaw’s own Larry McCray will be making his second appearance at the Blues Festival, after also appearing in 2015. Local music fans are well aware of the internationally recognized McCray, as his band will bring their soulful style of blues that has graced stages from Los Angeles to Stockholm.
Detroit’s Thornetta Davis has a well-earned reputation of her own in the national blues scene. Taking cues from many of history’s great blues singers, she fashions a voice that is unique and versatile, packaging it with a high energy act that will get the crowd going.
Harmonica virtuoso Chicago’s Sugar Blue is best known for playing on the Rolling Stones hit “Miss You.” As a solo act his instrumental chops and soulful voice stand out even more. Sugar is a dynamic front man for his band and a fine purveyor of the art of blues.
Mike Wheeler is renowned in the industry as a singer, songwriter and touring act on the international blues circuit. A member of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, Wheeler has shared the stage with legends such as Willie Kent, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Benson, Jimmy Johnson and Shemekia Copeland.
Event organizer Paul Koch pointed to a “grand finale” jam session between the various artists as a high point that true blues fans are not going to want to miss.
“The great thing about Freeland is that we have the chance for RV and overnight camping, with sites available at Titabawassee Township Park,” adds Koch. “The park offers a beautiful facility and with this event for the people camping, they won’t have to worry about drinking and driving home after the show.”
Festival gates open at 2:00 PM on the 30th. There will also be onsite concessions, including craft and other beers.
Tickets are only $15.00 and are available at Pat’s Food Center in Freeland, B & D Mini Mart in Munger, Records & Tapes Galore in Saginaw and Mid-Michigan Music in Midland.
More information on festival can be found on Facebook or at http://www.freelandbluesfestival.com.
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Jul 21, 2016
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