The Waterfront Blues Festival is an annual music festival held in Portland, Oregon, United States. The festival celebrates the history and culture of blues music, and features a diverse lineup of blues artists from around the world. The festival also includes a variety of other activities, such as food and craft vendors, and a children’s area.
The Waterfront Blues Festival was first held in 1988, and has since become one of the largest and most popular blues festivals in the United States. The festival is held over three days, and typically attracts over 100,000 attendees each year. The festival is produced by the Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting blues music.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a unique and special event that celebrates the history and culture of blues music. The festival features a diverse lineup of blues artists from around the world, and offers a variety of other activities for attendees to enjoy. The festival is also a great way to support the Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting blues music.
2024 Waterfront Blues Festival
The 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival will be held over three days, from Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of blues artists from around the world, as well as a variety of other activities for attendees to enjoy.
- Diverse lineup of blues artists
- Food and craft vendors
- Children’s area
- Produced by the Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation
- Supports blues music preservation
- Three-day event
- Over 100,000 attendees
- Celebrates blues music history and culture
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a unique and special event that celebrates the history and culture of blues music. The festival is a great way to experience the blues, support blues music preservation, and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with friends and family.
Diverse lineup of blues artists
The 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival will feature a diverse lineup of blues artists from around the world. The festival will showcase a variety of blues styles, from traditional to contemporary, and will feature artists from both the United States and abroad.
Some of the artists who have already been announced for the festival include:
- Buddy Guy
- Keb’ Mo’
- Robert Cray
- Shemekia Copeland
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
These artists represent just a small sample of the diverse lineup that will be on display at the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival. With a wide range of blues styles and artists from all over the world, there is sure to be something for everyone at the festival.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of blues music. The festival brings together some of the biggest names in blues music, as well as up-and-coming artists who are keeping the blues tradition alive. Whether you are a lifelong blues fan or just discovering the genre, the Waterfront Blues Festival is the perfect place to experience the power and passion of the blues.
In addition to the artists listed above, the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival will also feature a variety of other activities, such as food and craft vendors, a children’s area, and a blues education tent. The festival is a great way to experience the blues, support blues music preservation, and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with friends and family.
Food and craft vendors
The 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival will feature a variety of food and craft vendors, offering a wide range of culinary delights and handmade crafts.
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Food vendors
The food vendors at the festival will offer a variety of cuisines, from classic American fare to international dishes. There will be something to satisfy every taste bud, including vegan and gluten-free options.
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Craft vendors
The craft vendors at the festival will offer a variety of handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, clothing, and home décor. These vendors are all local artisans, and their products are unique and one-of-a-kind.
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Beer and wine garden
The festival will also feature a beer and wine garden, where attendees can enjoy a variety of local craft beers and wines. The beer and wine garden is a great place to relax and socialize with friends while enjoying the music.
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Waterfront Market
In addition to the food and craft vendors, the festival will also feature a Waterfront Market. The Waterfront Market will offer a variety of fresh produce, seafood, and other local products. The Waterfront Market is a great place to stock up on healthy and delicious food.
The food and craft vendors at the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival are an important part of the festival experience. They offer a variety of delicious food and drinks, as well as unique and handmade crafts. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a special souvenir, you are sure to find something to your liking at the festival.
Children’s area
The 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival will feature a dedicated children’s area, where kids can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment.
The children’s area will be located in a shaded area of the festival grounds, and will be staffed by experienced childcare professionals. Activities in the children’s area will include:
- Face painting
- Arts and crafts
- Games
- Storytelling
- Music and movement activities
The children’s area is a great place for kids to have fun and be entertained while their parents enjoy the music. The activities in the children’s area are designed to be educational and engaging, and they are all led by experienced childcare professionals.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a family-friendly event, and the children’s area is just one of the many ways that the festival makes it easy for families to enjoy the blues together. The festival also offers a variety of other activities for families, such as a family-friendly music stage and a nursing tent. With so much to offer families, the Waterfront Blues Festival is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled weekend with your loved ones.
Produced by the Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation
The Waterfront Blues Festival is produced by the Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting blues music.
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Mission statement
The Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation’s mission statement is to “preserve and promote the blues music tradition through education, performance, and community involvement.”
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History
The Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation was founded in 1988 by a group of blues enthusiasts who wanted to create a festival that would celebrate the history and culture of blues music. The first festival was held in 1988, and it has been held annually ever since.
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Activities
In addition to producing the Waterfront Blues Festival, the Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation also organizes a variety of other activities throughout the year, including concerts, workshops, and educational programs.
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Support
The Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation is supported by a variety of sources, including grants, donations, and sponsorships. The foundation also relies on the support of volunteers to help produce the festival and other events.
The Waterfront Blues Festival Foundation is a vital part of the blues community in Portland, Oregon. The foundation’s work helps to preserve and promote blues music, and it provides opportunities for people of all ages to experience the power and passion of the blues.
Supports blues music preservation
The Waterfront Blues Festival is more than just a music festival; it is also an important part of the blues music preservation movement. The festival helps to preserve blues music in a number of ways:
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Provides a platform for blues artists
The festival provides a platform for blues artists from all over the world to perform their music. This helps to keep the blues tradition alive and well, and it also introduces new audiences to the blues.
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Educates the public about blues music
The festival offers a variety of educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. These programs help to educate the public about the history and culture of blues music, and they also help to inspire future generations of blues musicians.
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Supports blues music organizations
The festival supports blues music organizations through grants and donations. These organizations provide important services to the blues community, such as providing music education programs, preserving blues history, and supporting blues musicians.
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Raises awareness of blues music
The festival helps to raise awareness of blues music by reaching a large audience. The festival is covered by local and national media, and it attracts attendees from all over the world. This helps to spread the word about the blues, and it encourages people to support blues music.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is an important part of the blues music preservation movement. The festival helps to keep the blues tradition alive and well, it educates the public about blues music, and it supports blues music organizations. By attending the festival, you are not only enjoying great music, but you are also supporting the preservation of blues music for future generations.
Three-day event
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a three-day event, held over the weekend from Friday to Sunday. This gives attendees plenty of time to enjoy the music, food, and other activities that the festival has to offer.
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Friday
The festival kicks off on Friday with a full day of music on two stages. The main stage will feature headliners such as Buddy Guy and Keb’ Mo’, while the second stage will feature up-and-coming blues artists.
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Saturday
Saturday is the busiest day of the festival, with three stages of music and a variety of other activities. The main stage will feature headliners such as Robert Cray and Shemekia Copeland, while the second and third stages will feature a mix of blues artists from around the world.
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Sunday
Sunday is the final day of the festival, and it features a more relaxed atmosphere with two stages of music. The main stage will feature headliners such as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, while the second stage will feature a variety of blues artists.
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Other activities
In addition to the music, the festival also offers a variety of other activities, such as food and craft vendors, a children’s area, and a beer and wine garden. These activities are available all three days of the festival.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a great way to experience the best of blues music, food, and culture. With three days of music and activities, there is something for everyone at the festival.
Over 100,000 attendees
The Waterfront Blues Festival is one of the largest blues festivals in the United States, attracting over 100,000 attendees each year.
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Economic impact
The festival has a significant economic impact on the Portland area. In 2019, the festival generated an estimated $20 million in economic activity.
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Tourism
The festival attracts visitors from all over the world. In 2019, over 20% of attendees came from outside of Oregon.
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Community
The festival is a major community event that brings people together to celebrate blues music. The festival also supports local businesses and organizations.
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Culture
The festival is an important part of Portland’s culture. The festival helps to promote blues music and keep the blues tradition alive.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a major event that has a significant impact on the Portland area. The festival attracts over 100,000 attendees each year, and it generates millions of dollars in economic activity. The festival is also an important community event that brings people together to celebrate blues music.
Celebrates blues music history and culture
The Waterfront Blues Festival is more than just a music festival; it is also a celebration of blues music history and culture.
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Historical roots
The festival is held in Portland, Oregon, which has a rich blues music history. Portland was a major stop on the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” a network of venues that hosted African American musicians during the Jim Crow era. Many blues legends, such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King, performed in Portland during this time.
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Cultural significance
Blues music is a uniquely American art form that has had a profound impact on popular culture. The festival celebrates the cultural significance of blues music and its influence on other genres of music, such as rock and roll and soul.
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Educational programs
The festival offers a variety of educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. These programs help to educate the public about the history and culture of blues music.
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Preservation
The festival helps to preserve blues music history and culture by providing a platform for blues artists to perform their music and by educating the public about the genre.
The Waterfront Blues Festival is a unique event that celebrates the history and culture of blues music. The festival offers a variety of activities for attendees to enjoy, including music, food, and educational programs. By attending the festival, you are not only enjoying great music, but you are also supporting the preservation of blues music history and culture.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival:
Question 1: When and where is the festival?
Answer 1: The festival will be held from Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th, 2024 at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon.
Question 2: How much are tickets?
Answer 2: Ticket prices have not yet been announced, but they will be available for purchase on the festival website in early 2024.
Question 3: What is the lineup?
Answer 3: The lineup has not yet been announced, but it will feature a diverse range of blues artists from around the world.
Question 4: Are there any other activities besides music?
Answer 4: Yes, the festival will also feature food and craft vendors, a children’s area, and a beer and wine garden.
Question 5: Is the festival accessible?
Answer 5: Yes, the festival is accessible to people with disabilities. There are accessible restrooms, seating areas, and viewing platforms throughout the festival grounds.
Question 6: What are the hours of the festival?
Answer 6: The festival hours are as follows:
- Friday: 12pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 11am – 10pm
- Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Question 7: Are pets allowed at the festival?
Answer 7: No, pets are not allowed at the festival.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival. For more information, please visit the festival website.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience at the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival:
Tip 1: Purchase tickets in advance.
Tickets for the festival go on sale in early 2024, and they tend to sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets as early as possible.
Tip 2: Arrive early.
The festival gates open at 12pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday. If you arrive early, you will have your pick of viewing spots and you will be able to avoid the crowds.
Tip 3: Bring sunscreen and a hat.
The festival is held outdoors, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to keep yourself comfortable.
Tip 4: Stay hydrated.
It is important to stay hydrated, especially in the summer heat. Bring a water bottle to the festival and refill it throughout the day.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great time at the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival.
Conclusion
The 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. With a diverse lineup of blues artists, a variety of other activities, and a commitment to preserving and promoting blues music, the festival is sure to have something for everyone.
Whether you are a lifelong blues fan or just discovering the genre, the Waterfront Blues Festival is the perfect place to experience the power and passion of the blues. The festival is a celebration of blues music history and culture, and it is a great way to support the preservation of this important American art form.
We hope to see you at the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival!