OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Summer isn’t over yet, and this weekend provides plenty to celebrate with the return of the Blues Festival at The Ballpark.
The sixth annual Blues Festival is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday and continue until 6 p.m. at The Ballpark, at the end of Ballpark Way, Old Orchard Beach. Gates open at noon.
Headlining the festival is award winning blues band NRBQ – short for New Rhythm and Blues Quartet – featuring founding member Terry Adams. Described by Rolling Stone magazine in 2016 as “eclectic” and “one of America’s most beloved cult bands,” NRBQ has an active touring schedule, playing to audiences across the country.
“If you’ve never seen NRBQ, you’re in for a treat,” said event organizer Charlie Coulthard.
Also on the lineup is legendary guitarist, and Roomful of Blues founding member, Duke Robillard, who also played with the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
The festival will also feature Maine’s premier blues bands Black Cat Road and the Juke Joint Devils as well as the return of the Wakefield Brothers with special guests Jerry Walls, formerly of the band Sweet Grease, and Rockin’ George Leh.
Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com or at the gate. Parking is free.
Coolers and food can not be brought into The Ballpark, but there will be a well-rounded selection of food items as well as beer and wine for purchase on site.
The event is family friendly, and ticket holders are welcome to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on, and there will be corn hole boards set up. Dogs are not allowed.
The weather is expected to be sunny with blue skies on Saturday, and organizers are hoping for a good turn out. Already, people from across the state as well as New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, South Caroline and Arizona have bought tickets, said Ballpark Operations Manager Guy Fontaine.
A pair of tickets for the Blues Festival will be given away at the Motor Booty Affair concert at The Ballpark from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday night.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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