Second Annual Bourbon and Blues Festival Presented by Cedar Ridge and Linn County Blues Society
Cedar Ridge and LCBS will present the second annual Bourbon and Blues Festival on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the McGrath Amphitheatre.
The Linn County Blues Society began hosting Bluesmore in 1994 with a 20 year run. After Bluesmore, the LCBS produced the Cedar River Blues Fest in 2015 followed by four Czech Village Blues fests between 2017-2021. All to celebrate the blues in our area and raise funds for a number of beneficiaries, including the HD Youth Center and scholarship fund, KCCK and Blues in the Schools, Eastern Iowa Arts Academy and the Community Health Free Clinic.
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. In 2021, Cedar Ridge partnered with the LCBS to produce the festival.
With the intent of growing to a multi-day event attracting blues enthusiasts throughout the Midwest, this year’s line-up presents three award-winning blues artists include headliner Shemekia Copeland, Sugaray Rayford, and Special Guest Star, Mr. Sipp.
Tickets on sale now! Click here to purchase.
The Lineup:
4:00 PM: Gates open
5-6:30 PM: Mr. Sipp
7-8:30 PM: Sugaray Rayford
9-10:30 PM: Shemekia Copeland
About the Artists
Shemekia Copeland
Shemekia Copeland is an American electric blues vocalist. To date, she has released ten albums and been presented with eight Blues Music Awards. Shemekia Copeland was named “Best Instrumentalist – Vocals” at the 2023 Blues Music Awards!
Sugaray Rayford
Sugarray Rayford is a Grammy nominated American soul blues singer and songwriter. He has released six albums to date and was awarded “BMA soul blues artist of the year” in both 2019 and 2020. Sugaray Rayford’s latest release “In Too Deep” won the 2023 Soul Blues Album of the Year!
Mr. Sipp
Mr. Sipp is an American blues and gospel singer, musician, songwriter and guitarist. Mr. Sipp is the 2014 International Blues Challenge winner by way of The Vicksburg Blues Society as well as the 2014 Gibson Best Guitarist Award Winner. The same year Castro was given the Bobby Rush Entertainer of the Year Award by the Jus’ Blues Foundation. In 2015, he won several Jackson Music Awards including International Male Blues Artist, Blues Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the year.
FAQs
How much are tickets? Where can I purchase?
Tickets are $35 in advance (plus box office processing fees and taxes) and can be purchased through the McGrath box office by clicking here. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the show for $40 (plus fees) at the gate.
Are children welcome?
Yes! Children under the age of 12 are free with a paid adult ticket.
Will there be food?
Yes! Food and beverage will be available for purchase. No outside coolers allowed.
Can I bring my own chair?
Yes! We are encouraging patrons to bring chairs and blankets for that festival experience. A limited number of chairs will be are provided by the amphitheatre.