Joanna Connor Headlines Blue Ribbon Blues Fest

Accomplished blueswoman Joanna Connor

The Southeast Iowa Blues Society is excited to present its 8th annual Blue Ribbon Blues Fest on Saturday, August 7, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the music will begin at 4:30 p.m. Expect a stellar lineup, plus barbecue and a beer bus. Tickets are $25, $20 for members.

The Joanna Connor Band (photo by Tyler McDaniel)

Headlining this year’s festival will be the Joanna Connor Band, featuring a lady whose passion will keep you dancing. The Chicago artist, whose incendiary slide guitar solos garnered online acclaim some time ago, has shared stages with blues, rock, and jazz giants, including Luther Allison, BB King, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Robert Cray, Jimmy Page, ZZ Top, Joe Cocker, and Etta James.

Reverend Raven & the Cin Smokin’ Altar Boys

Bringing crowds to their feet across the Midwest, Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys with West Side Andy play traditional blues, straight up: sizzling grooves served with hot harmonica and smooth, stinging guitar. Enjoy original songs peppered with nods to Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, and the three Kings.

Blues and jazz vocalist extraordinaire Tina Haase Findlay, a 30-year veteran of the Iowa and regional music scene, will be joined by Iowa Blues Hall of Famer Rob Lumbard, and the talented multi-instrumentalist and writer Tony Blew will be providing that can’t-stop-the-blues music between acts.

For more information visit the Southeast Iowa Blues Society or call (641) 233-7438.