Blues fans in Michigan’s Great Southwest and beyond have another great line up headed to the St. Joe waterfront this spring in the form of the day’s card for the 2019 BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival: A Taste of Michigan from St. Joseph Today.
Amy Zapal, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today revealed this morning that Rhythm & Blues, Rock N’ Roll singer songwriter, JD McPherson will headline the Festival and Taste coming Saturday, May 18th to Whirlpool Centennial Park in St. Joseph. Zapal says, “This is an incredible opportunity to hear JD McPherson perform live with Lake Michigan as his backdrop.” As event organizer, she says this start-of-beach-season festival will serve up continuous music, finger-licking barbecue, regional craft brews and wines from noon until 8 pm just yards from the big lake.
Zapal says JD McPherson is one of five bluegrass and blues bands scheduled for the rain-or-shine event. Tameca Jones, the “Queen of Austin Soul”, will bring her R&B and Soul set to the stage. Buenos Aires based Che Apalache will share their latin bluegrass, also known as “latingrass”, with the audience. Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line will thrill the audience with their take on Roots & Americana. And Grammy nominated band The Special Consensus will showcase their four person acoustic bluegrass.
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 beverage tent sponsor, Bud Distributing, Inc., and the City of St. Joseph.
Tickets will go on sale beginning March 4th. Tickets will be $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 purchases. Zapal says local lodging facilities are geared up to host BBQ and music guests as well. Ticket and overnight stay information are available at stjoetoday.com/bbq or in person at 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. More information about the corporation is available by visiting the investor relations section of their website at ChemicalBank.com.
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 entire community benefit from the generous support for great music.
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of St. Joseph Today.
