Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival

STORY MICHELLE GOODE

The 7th annual Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival takes place on September 28th - 29th and is set among the pine trees in rural Bogalusa. The beautiful natural setting at Cassidy Park is a great place to sit back, relax and listen to some wonderful music. Put your feet in the creek to cool off after listening to the musicians on two stages. Camp sites are available for tent camping as well as RV parking, both of which allow you to be a short walk away from all the festival activities.

The festival starts Friday night on the main stage, the “Blues Stage,” with Big Daddy O and Kenny Neal before Sonny Landreth ends the night. Then kick it up Saturday with two stages. The main stage features numerous top blues performers including Crispin Schroeder, Chris Leblanc, Vasti Jackson, Ruthie Foster and Bobby Rush. On the “Heritage Stage” we start out with local musicians Ricky Killingsworth, Joel

Galloway, The Rezonators and Remedy. Then enjoy bigger names from the region: Dash Rip Rock and Serabee (Sera Buras).

This festival offers more than just music. Harmonica and drum lessons are among the activities for all ages and the Kids Zone features a climbing rock wall, face painting and jump houses. Heritage Banners are scattered around the festival. These banners pay homage to local residents with descriptions of their artistic impact on music and the arts in Washington Parish. Art vendors are on hand showcasing and selling their work. Whether it’s hand made jewelry or paintings there is something for everyone.

Come just for the day or plan on staying the night so you can wake up to the smells of festival food cooking. For more information, whether it’s about reserving a camping spot or purchasing tickets for the event, check out our website at www.bogalusablues.com

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EDGE August | September 2018