She’s been tabbed as one of the great blues voices of our time, and she will bring her profound talent to the stage in St. Joseph with Lake Michigan as her backdrop in mid-May as the headliner for the 2020 BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass event from St. Joseph Today.
Blues vocalist, Shemekia Copeland will headline the BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass showcase on Saturday, May 16th at Whirlpool Centennial Park in St. Joseph.
Event Organizer Amy Zapal, who serves a Executive Director of St. Joseph Today, says, “This is an incredible opportunity to hear Shemekia Copeland perform live with Lake Michigan as the backdrop,” calling it the start-of-beach-season festival that serves up continuous music, finger-licking barbecue, regional craft brews and wines from noon to 8 pm, just steps from the big lake.
The Chicago Tribune describes Shemekia Copeland as “one of the great blues voices of our time.” adding, “No one comes close to the sheer firepower that Copeland conjures at will.”
Zapal says Shemekia Copeland, the 2019 Blues Music Awards Album of the Year winner, is one of five blues and bluegrass bands scheduled for the rain-or-shine event. Dustbowl Revival, will thrill the audience with their boundary pushing take on American roots bluegrass music. At just 18 years old, Michigan based Jake Kershaw will take the stage with his performance of classic blues and blues with a rock edge. Old Salt Union, a non-traditional string band, will captivate the audience with their progressive bluegrass string music. And Grand Rapids-based band The Crane Wives will showcase their four person folk/Americana set.
Zapal adds that St. Joseph Today wanted to raise the caliber of music at the event without impacting its affordability. That was made possible again this year through the generosity of Chemical Bank and music sponsor Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust. She also extended thanks to the City of St. Joseph and beverage tent sponsor, Bud Distributing, Inc.
Tickets will be on sale beginning March 2nd, and will run $20 in advance and $25 day of for the all-day festival with an additional charge for drink tickets on site. Food will be available for cash purchase. Zapal says local accommodations are geared up to host BBQ and music guests. Ticket and overnight stay information are available at stjoetoday.com/bbq or the Welcome Center at 301 State Street in downtown St. Joseph.
Since 1917, Chemical Bank’s home town approach to banking has been focused on community banking, highlighted by local leadership and decision making, a devotion to community and personalized service.
The Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust is devoted to supporting the education of local youth as well as supporting the growth of local businesses through community events. St. Joseph Today and the whole community benefit from the generous support for great music.
St. Joseph Today is a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and its surrounding communities. For more information about BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass or upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com or facebook.com/stjoetoday.
