by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Jacksonville Beach is getting the Blues. This weekend, at the Seawalk Plaza, the annual George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival will begin on Friday night. Founded in ’91, it has grown into the largest free outdoor blues fest in the Southeast. A staggering two-hundred fifty thousand people have turned out for the fest.
Expect a wide range of blues acts, from the Grammy nominated Tab Benoit to the roots blues of the formidable Miss Sue Foley. Old-timers Cephas & Wiggins will be playing the Piedmont Blues and Bob Margolin will give the crowd some deep Chicago Blues.
The Springing The Blues Society, a non-profit organization founded along with the festival, raises funds to feed the hungry and makes generous contributions to other causes. In ‘94, it initiated “Blues In Schools,” an after-school program that offers “at risk” students the opportunity to study the history of the blues, as well as musical instruction in the blues.
Coolers, pets, tents and backpacks aren’t allowed at the fest. Food and beverages can be purchased from the various concession stands. Make sure you bring your ID if you want to drink beer.
Though the fest is free, you can purchase VIP tickets for premium seating, private portable bathrooms and a beverage bar. You can pay $50 for the whole run, $10 for Friday only, $30 for Saturday only and $20 for Sunday only. These VIP wristbands can be purchased at the Blanding Boulevard or Jacksonville Beach locations of George’s Music or online at www.springingtheblues.com
You might be surprised to know that George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival also includes some very physical activities. Saturday is the day for some terrific outdoor competitions.
Saturday and Sunday, out at the Jacksonville Pier, budding amateur and pro-surfers can compete in different divisions. No doubt the competition will draw plenty of people who love to watch surfers exercise their art. Divisions include boys 14 and under, juniors 17 and under, Open Shortboard for all ages, Open Women’s for all ages and Open Pro Short Board Challenge. The Open Pro Challenge has a $5,000 purse, with $2, 000 for first place.
Springing the Blues also features a Running the Blues 5K Run, which will allow whole families to compete in this 5-kilometer beach run. Awards go to the top three winners among 13 age group categories. Plus, there will be free drawings and refreshments at the awards party.
If cycling’s more your style, try the Cycling the Blues Bike Ride. The ride raises funds for bile duct cancer in memory of Dan Amico, who was heavily involved with the Festival and died in ’06. Riders choose their course, ranging from an easy 3 miles to a lengthier 20 miles.
8:00AM Saturday & Sunday at the Jacksonville Pier.
Entry: $25 for amateur divisions; $100 for Open Pro Challenge
For more info: www.floridasurfing.org
8:00AM Saturday at the Red Cross Lifesaving Station on the beach (at the East end of Beach Boulevard).Entry: $15
For more info: www.performancemultisports.com
Century Dan Amico Memorial Bike Ride to Beat Bile Duct Cancer
7:30AM Saturday at Jacksonville Beach City Hall (11 North 2nd Street) Entry/Donation: $25
For more info: www.active.com
On the Main Stage
5:00-5:45PM Eddie Kirkland & Willie Green
6:00-7:00PM Daddy Mack Blues Band
7:15-8:15PM Greg Baril
8:30-10:00PM Michael Burks
On the West Stage
5:30-6:30PM Roger “Hurricane” Wilson
7:00-8:00PM John Miller Blues
8:30-9:30PM Daddy Mack Band
On the Main Stage
11:45 - 12:15PM VuduBlu
12:30 - 1:15PM Celinda Pink
1:30 - 2:15PM Roger “Hurricane” Wilson
2:30 - 3:30PM Sue Foley
3:45 - 4:45PM Cephas & Wiggins
5:00 - 6:00PM Nora Jean Bruso
On the West Stage
1:00-2:00PM VuduBlu
2:30-3:30PM George’s Music Featured Artist
4:00-5:00PM Greg Baril
5:30-6:30PM Eric Steckel
7:00-8:00PM Willie Green
8:30-9:30PM Jim McKaba
On the Main Stage
Noon-12:45PM Teague Stefan Band
1:00-1:45PM Jim MaKaba and the After Hours Band
2:00-2:45PM Billy Gibson
3:00-4:00PM The Rounders
4:15-5:00PM The Eric Steckel Band
5:15- 6:15PM Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang
6:30-7:30PM Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Margolin and Bob Stroger
On the West Stage
1:30-2:30 PM Teague Stefan Band
3:00-4:00PM Billy Gibson
4:.30-5:30PM Shane Dwight band
6:00-7:30PM Dr. Hector Memorial Blues Jam
April 6,7,8 Blues Jam hosted by Bob Margolin Begins each night as soon as Festival ends. Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar 1500 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach
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