Guide to The 2011 Limestone City Blues Festival

The Limestone City Blues Festival is one our big bucket list items, and it is a must for Kingstonians and aficionados of good clean music.  While I’m eagerly anticipating the festival’s kick off tomorrow afternoon, I’m a bit dismayed as it also represents the beginning of the end of summer.  Putting a positive spin on things, perhaps that’s all the more reason to make the most out what’s left of the season, and take comfort in the woeful, wonderful blues.

The $10 cost of admission to the Limestone City Blues Festival won’t break the bank, and with over 100 hours of programming, there’s bound to be something for everyone.  Festival passes also include $10 in Blues Bucks, which can be used at select restaurants and local merchants on purchases totaling $50 and over.  Speaking of downtown restaurants, 10 local chefs will also be participating in the 2nd Annual Homegrown Bluesfood, an initiative that will showcase locally sourced “southern” style dinner menus throughout the course of the festival.

This year’s festival headliners include Walter Trout, Monkey Junk, Grady Champion, Trampled Under Foot, Jack de Keyzer, and Paul Reddick, while the full, outdoor schedule is as follows:

Thursday, August 25th @ Confederation Park
2pm: Hard Pushin’ Papa
3pm: Jeff J Gaulton
4pm: Haint Blues
5pm: Slick Whippet
6pm: Kim Churchill
7pm: Monkey Junk

Friday, August 26th @ Confederation Park
12pm: Kevin Head with Rubbaboo
1pm: DoubleDouble
2pm: Al Wood & the Woodsmen
3pm: Agent Blue
4pm: Keith Hallett with Garrett Mason
5pm: Kim Churchill
6pm: The Killing Floor
@ Princess Street Stage (at Barrie)
7pm: Grady Champion with opening act Jack de Keyzer

Saturday, August 27th @ Confederation Park
12pm: Jesse Roper & The Linzy McMurter Trio
1pm: Wickham Brothers
2pm: Geoff Hinch Boogie & Blues Band
3pm: Wicked Grin
4pm: Little Bobby & the Jumpstarts
5pm: Big Mo & the Blues Mission
6pm: Blues Highway
@ Springer Market Square Stage
7pm: Walter Trout with opening acts Trampled Under Foot and Paul Reddick

Sunday, August 28th @ Confederation Park
12pm: Mojo Shooter
1pm: Bluestone
2pm: David Owen
3pm: Wicked Grin
4pm: Whiskey River Band

Of course what’s going on in the park and on the main stages only represents a portion of Blues Fest, as you can also check out tons of local and imported acts in the clubs. Check out the full club schedule to see who’s performing where and when.  Who are you most excited to see at this year’s Limestone City Blues Festival?

Thanks to Amon_Re for today’s photo.