Two-day Waukesha BluesFest starts Friday

There's a whole lot of soul coming to Naga-Waukee Park in Delafield Aug. 7 and 8 during BluesFest presented by the Waukesha Rotary Club.

Featured musicians have rubbed shoulders with the likes of Eric Clapton and BB King, and appeared on national television shows such as "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brian."

Besides two solid days of stellar blues, the event features food and beverages from fine area restaurants and local vendors. Beer, wine and soda will be available. The weekend also includes an art show with paintings, pottery, jewelry and photography available for purchase from some of the area's finest artists offering their wares at an affordable price. "What we're trying to do with BluesFest," is offer a local event that highlights the blues, said Waukesha Rotary Club President Kip Rupple. "There are so many hard rock shows around but for the blues aficionado, there's not enough places to go and listen to quality music," Rupple pointed out.

The event is a win-win really because it offers a bevy of food, entertainment and culture and all the proceeds from the event go to local charities. "We're running a revenue neutral show," Rupple explained. "We have raised the amount of sponsorship dollars to put on a high quality concert without risking losing revenue." Rupple said last year's event raised around $30,000 which went directly into Waukesha Rotary's Charitable Fund which is spread out throughout the community to families, organizations and others in need and it also aids international efforts such as Rotary's global effort to eradicate polio.

But back to the blues. Friday evening's featured performer is Sonny Landreth, who will perform at 9 p.m. after Big James and The Chicago Playboys at 7:30 p.m.

Preceding Landreth on the stage Friday, "Big James" Montgomery has had a solid career in rhythm and blues. The great line-up continues Saturday with Gina Sicilia in the spotlight at 9 p.m.Nation Sack with Greg Koch, and Malford Milligan present the 7:30 p.m. Saturday show. "Greg Koch is considered one of the best guitar players in the world," said Rupple. He also pointed out that the event itself is a little more classy and laid back from other counterparts. You can bring your picnic blanket and lawn chair and spread out on the grounds of Naga-Waukee, enjoy the fresh air and surroundings and peruse the local art - all while enjoying the blues.

"It's not the typical Summerfest rock show," said Rupple. "There's no problems and there's plenty of places to move around," without fighting the crowds.

"Come out and have an enjoyable time at a reasonable price in this down economy and also support local and international charities," Rupple said.

IF YOU GO

Waukesha BluesFest is sponsored by the Waukesha Rotary Club all revenue goes into the Rotary's Charitable Fund to support community needs.

Gates open at 12:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7 and 8 at Naga-Waukee Park, 651 Highway 83, Delafield. Cost is $19 for a single-day pass, $34 for a two-day pass. For more information, call (800) 366-1961 or visit waukeshabluesfest .com.

Line-up

Friday, Aug. 7:

1 p.m. Matt Hendricks

2 p.m. The Mississippi Leg Hounds

3 p.m. the Katz Sass Blues Band

4:30 p.m. Sue DaBaco and Wise Fools

6 p.m. Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altar Boys

7:30 p.m. Big James and The Chicago Playboys

9 p.m. Sonny Landreth

Saturday, Aug. 8:

1 p.m. Steve Cohen

2 p.m. Marie Martens and Mississippi Overdrive

3 p.m. Aaron Williams and The Hoodoo

4:30 p.m. The Blues Disciples

6 p.m. Eric Jeradi Band

7:30 p.m. Nation Sack with Greg Koch & Malford Milligan

9 p.m. Gina Sicilia