‘Bayfront Blues Fest’ Delivers Good Vibes and Music for 36 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– For 36 years now, Blues Fest has rocked the Bayfront. And no matter what the weather is, that has never stopped the dedicated fans.

“I mean, we’ve been coming for 20 years. And we’ve been baked, we’ve been frozen, we’ve been drenched, we’ve done it all,” explained Phil Vanschepen, a longtime Blues Fest Attendee.

Overtime, it’s grown quite the reputation for its relaxed atmosphere, carefree spirit, and of course, the soul of the blues.

“And I get people who come up, ‘I’ve been here every year. We’ve been here for 32 of the 36 years’, and sometimes its people bring their kids now. So, we have second generation blues fans within families that it’s just so great to see. I’ve made lifelong friendships with people out in the audience,” said Joe Thornton, ‘Bayfront Blues Fest’ Emcee.

This festival also brings in fun quirks to look forward to. ‘Blues Fest’ has a special way of connecting new and old friends.

“When we first came up here, people had flags and stuff, and we said, we have to get a chair marker. And a friend of mine said, I got one, and it’s a lawn ornament,” laughed Vanschepen, “‘So you go to the blue fest?’ ‘Yeah, I’m the guy with the parrot with the spinning tail.’ Oh, yeah. So, everybody recognizes it. Everybody kind of knows where we are, so people come to say hi. So yeah, it’s just a lot of fun.

Year after year, there’s always something fresh and exciting. That being said, it clearly has made its mark.

“There’s very few festivals, especially Blues Festivals, that have this kind of longevity. And so much of this is based on Duluth, this spectacular setting here along the harbor, the waterfront, and the beautiful stage, the beautiful park, and great music all weekend long. It’s the perfect recipe,” said Thornton.

And whichever way someone listens to the music, cool and collected, or on the dance floor.

Or if you’re a “newbie”, or long-time attendee there’s room for everyone.

No matter how you celebrate, it’s guaranteed to be a festival they won’t forget.

“That pretty much says it, just come on down. It’s a party. It’s a blast!” explained Vanschepen.

“This is like the ultimate music festival, because people do come, they sit in their chairs. If they bring lawn chairs, and they might sit there all weekend long and just absorb great music. And people get up and dance. They have, they have a great time,” beamed Thornton.

This party is set to continue all weekend long, rain or shine.