Cedar Ridge and the Linn County Blues Society (LCBS) have announced a partnership to create the region’s premiere, multi-day blues festival in downtown Cedar Rapids. The inaugural Bourbon and Blues Festival Presented by Cedar Ridge will be hosted on Saturday, August 20 at the McGrath Amphitheatre.

Formerly known as Czech Village Blues, Linn County Blues Society began hosting the event in 2018 to celebrate the blues in our area and raise funds for the organization’s several benefactors, including Eastern Iowa Arts Academy and the Community Health Free Clinic.

“We’re taking a huge step towards building the region’s premier blues music festival right here in Cedar Rapids,” said LCBS Director of Development, Mark Rowell. “Proceeds will help us continue to preserve and promote blues music right here in Eastern Iowa.”

Cedar Ridge began hosting Bourbon and Blues at its winery and distillery in Swisher in 2010 to celebrate the brand’s release of its first bourbon whiskey.

“Live music has always been a cornerstone of Cedar Ridge’s brand,” said Jeff Quint, CEO and Founder of Cedar Ridge. “Teaming up with LCBS allows us to maximize the quality of artists and capacity we can serve to offer an event that will draw blues and bourbon lovers from across the Midwest.”

Bourbon and Blues Festival Presented by Cedar Ridge 2022 line-up includes a set of four, award-winning female blues artists including headliner Shemekia Copeland, Caroyln Wonderland, Danielle Nicole, and Molly Nova and the Hawk featuring Bryce Janey.

Tickets will go on sale beginning May 1 through the McGrath Amphitheatre box office. Learn more about the event at www.bourbonandbluesfest.com.

Free live music will continue to be hosted at Cedar Ridge’s Event Center in Swisher over the Fourth of July weekend. A new event – “Red, White and Bourbon” – will draw artists from a range of musical backgrounds to celebrate at the winery and distillery over the holiday weekend.