2008 Woodie Awards
August Blues Festival is music to many ears
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: Features
Melanie Antonitis
Contributing writer
Though Clif Darnell is no meteorologist, he predicts "Hot August Blues weather" for the 2008 Hot August Blues Festival at the Kenlake Amphitheater this weekend.
The 19th annual Hot August Blues Festival takes place in Hardin, Ky., today and tomorrow and incorporates music, food and traditions. The Kentucky Tourism Council ranked it one of the top 10 summer events in recent years.
Attendance now reaches 1,000 or more. This year's performance features 11 artists. Darnell, a 26 year-old junior said he began attending the festival about 14 years ago, and discovered the event simply by living in Murray.
"It represents the culture of western Kentucky, and, without a doubt, the local music scene," Darnell said.
Darnell said many people have come to think of the Festival as a social event and/or family reunion.
"Another great representation of the area is the cuisine," Darnell said. "Anything that you can get on a stick, you can find at the Blues Festival."
Darnell refered to the corn dogs, sausages and pickles on a stick, as well as traditional Southern favorites like funnel cakes, iced tea and barbecue. Anticipated vendors include Stewart Boys Statewide Concessions, B&C Concessions and Phat Skinny's BBQ.
Among confirmed performers is Lew Jetton. This newscaster-turned-blues artist is known for playing guitar with a cordless amplifier while roaming through the crowd. Lew Jetton and the blues band 61 South will perform at 9:15 p.m. Friday.
Other confirmed performers include Joe Walker, Shawn Kellerman, Pete "Big Dog" Fetters, Scott Holt and 5 on Friday.
Depending on the performers from year to year, Darnell may only attend one evening of the Festival, but this year he plans to attend both.
"You can have a good time at the Festival, rain or shine," Darnell said.
Attendees with boats may choose to view the artists from the lake. The lake can become crowded, but it is considered part of the Festival experience to tie boats together and watch the performance from the water, Darnell said.
Contributing writer
Though Clif Darnell is no meteorologist, he predicts "Hot August Blues weather" for the 2008 Hot August Blues Festival at the Kenlake Amphitheater this weekend.
The 19th annual Hot August Blues Festival takes place in Hardin, Ky., today and tomorrow and incorporates music, food and traditions. The Kentucky Tourism Council ranked it one of the top 10 summer events in recent years.
Attendance now reaches 1,000 or more. This year's performance features 11 artists. Darnell, a 26 year-old junior said he began attending the festival about 14 years ago, and discovered the event simply by living in Murray.
"It represents the culture of western Kentucky, and, without a doubt, the local music scene," Darnell said.
Darnell said many people have come to think of the Festival as a social event and/or family reunion.
"Another great representation of the area is the cuisine," Darnell said. "Anything that you can get on a stick, you can find at the Blues Festival."
Darnell refered to the corn dogs, sausages and pickles on a stick, as well as traditional Southern favorites like funnel cakes, iced tea and barbecue. Anticipated vendors include Stewart Boys Statewide Concessions, B&C Concessions and Phat Skinny's BBQ.
Among confirmed performers is Lew Jetton. This newscaster-turned-blues artist is known for playing guitar with a cordless amplifier while roaming through the crowd. Lew Jetton and the blues band 61 South will perform at 9:15 p.m. Friday.
Other confirmed performers include Joe Walker, Shawn Kellerman, Pete "Big Dog" Fetters, Scott Holt and 5 on Friday.
Depending on the performers from year to year, Darnell may only attend one evening of the Festival, but this year he plans to attend both.
"You can have a good time at the Festival, rain or shine," Darnell said.
Attendees with boats may choose to view the artists from the lake. The lake can become crowded, but it is considered part of the Festival experience to tie boats together and watch the performance from the water, Darnell said.
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