BLUES N'AT

   "Summer's here and the time is right for dancin' in the streets". That may be true but this summer there will be dancing galore at many blues festivals. Hip-shakin', blues loving Western Pennsylvanians get an opportunity to enjoy not one but two festivals in the tri-state area in the near future.
   First there is the Pittsburgh Blues Festival at Hartwood Acres July 25-27. Celebrating it's 20th anniversary, this year's lineup is of legendary proportions. Friday night features Billy the Kid and the Regulators on the second stage. You may remember them. They placed third at the 2014 International Blues Challenge. The main stage will have appearances by Norman Nardini and the Pittsburgh All-Starts as well as Bernard Allison. Bernard follows in the smoking guitar footsteps of his father, Luther and promises a night of blues that will not disappoint.
    Saturday's artists include BSWPA 2014 Blues Challenger winners the Bo' Hog Brothers on stage 2. Later on they will morph into Jill West and Blues Attack. The main stage will feature 2008 International Blues Challenge winners Trampled Under Foot. They announced they will no longer tour after 2014 so catch them while you can. Also performing will be guitarist extraordinaire Albert Cummings. Closing out the evening will be Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dr. John, bringing his brand of New Orleans-based blues to the 'Burgh.
     Sunday wraps up the festival in grand fashion with appearances by the Spin Doctors. The platinum-selling jam band are supporting their blues-infused album "If the River Was Whiskey". Closing out the evening will be J.J. Grey & Mofro, straight up from the Florida swamps to the Three Rivers.
    If that's not enough to cure your summertime blues, down the road in Wheeling, WV, they have themselves a little shindig called the Heritage Music Bluesfest August 8-10. Perhaps you've heard of it. They were the 2010 recipient of the Blues Foundation's Keeping the Blues Alive Award and have been bringing award-winning blues to the Nail City since 2001.
    Friday's show will bring you another appearance by Billy the Kid and the Regulators. Also appearing will be Blues Brothers alum Matt "Guitar" Murphy and the Nouveaux Honkies as well as blues-rock phenoms Indigenous and steel guitar whiz Robert Randolph and the Family Band.
   Saturday will bring guitarist Jarekus Singleton supporting his new effort "Refuse to Lose". Damon Fowler Group will feature "Sounds of Home", Fowler's latest Blind Pig offering. John Nemeth's Memphis Grease Party will keep the party going. Tab Benoit will also be appearing to serve up his brand of Delta blues.
   Sunday closes out the festivities starting with Billy Branch & Lurie Bell. These Sons of Blues will keep you going with their infectious Chicago-style blues. Next up is guitar queen Ana Popovic. And for those that can't get enough Spin Doctors, we have just what the doctor ordered: another area appearance by the quartet with their contagious grooves.
    Yes, there will be all types of blues to cure what ails you. Better get your tickets now before they're all sold out. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!