Cincy Blues Fest Aug 1-2, 2008 Sawyer Point

Cincy Blues Fest will return to Sawyer Point Aug. 1 and 2 for its 16th year.

The “Sweet Sixteen” edition of the blues extravaganza will include more than 50 local, regional, and national acts.

On Friday, Aug. 1, the festival will run from 5 p.m until midnight on three stages with a $7 admission (Blues Society members free). Tickets will be available at the gate; there are no plans for advance sales.

The Main Stage will feature headliner Sean Costello along with Alvin Jett, Phat Noiz, and Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers.

This year, the Arches Stage features “AlternaBlues”: blues-influenced roots music with performances by local bands that will include Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Jake Speed and the Freddies.

The Aug. 2 shows run from 2:30 p.m until midnight for $10 (Blues Society members free). The headliner is Watermelon Slim and the Workers, along with Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Sugar Blue, Gina Sicilia, Lisa Otey, Sue Palmer, Wendy DeWitt, Luther G. Williams, Matt Wigler, Bob Seeley, Marc Braun, Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues, Rob Rio and more.

All proceeds go to the Cincy Blues Society to help fund their Blues in the Schools program, educating area local students from elementary through high school on the history and styles of Blues music.

For more information visit www.cincyblues.org