Here are links to some cool bands, festivals, and concert venues. As with everything I share on Blues Power, I know from experience that each of these is definitely worth checking out.
Local Bands
Red State Blues Band
Made up of K-State professors, RSBB serves up a variety of originals and blues classics. The band features soloists on guitar, harmonica, saxophone, keyboards, and cowbell.
Facebook MySpace (Check out Blues from Berlin--great song)
The Ruckus
Two-time winner of K-State’s UPC Opus Battle of the Bands, the Ruckus is a young, energetic ska band which puts on a great live show.
Facebook Myspace
Annual Festivals/Concert Venues
Blues Masters at the Crossroads, Salina
October. Set in an old church and bringing together the old masters of the blues in an intimate setting, Blues Masters at the Crossroads is a treasure not to be missed. Performers I’ve seen there include the likes of Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Marcia Ball, and David “Honeyboy” Edwards.
Paxico Blues Festival, Paxico (near Topeka)
September. The tiny town of Paxico brings together some great regional bands for a fun-packed afternoon. Festival goers set up their chairs on the main street and dine at the many vendors’ stands. Free admission.
Jammin' in Junction City Blues and BBQ Festival
September. They're doing it again! For the second year, Junction City's Heritage Park will be full of blues the last weekend in September with bands including Smokin' Joe Kubek and Samantha Fish.
Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival, Topeka
July. The Topeka Blues Society brings together some great blues talent on July 4 for a smokin' afternoon on the shores of Lake Shawnee, followed by the traditional fireworks display. This year's lineup features The Royal Southern Brotherhood, Southern Hospitality, Samantha Fish, and Biscuit Miller.
Little Apple Jazz Festival, Manhattan
July. K-State's Union Program Council brings a variety of talented jazz bands and the occasional blues act, such as Watermelon Slim this year, to City Park for an evening of music and fun in mid July.
Stiefel Theater, Salina
Salina’s historic Stiefel Theater brings a wide variety of fantastic acts into an intimate setting. Check their performance schedule for acts such as B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Keb' Mo', the Experience Hendrix Tour, and Buddy Guy.
McCain Auditorium, Manhattan
K-State’s McCain Auditorium also brings in many great acts. Scan their schedule for the likes of Charlie Musselwhite, the North Mississippi Allstars, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Los Lonely Boys.
Uncle Bo's, Topeka
Uncle Bo's is Topeka's blues bar, bringing in a variety of hot touring acts to play in a casual and intimate setting. Located dowtown in the Ramada Inn.
Cox Brothers BBQ, Junction City
Cox Brothers BBQ is resuming their Thursday night music series at their Junction City location, so they'll have a variety of local and regional bands, including blues, rock, and more. You can keep track of upcoming events on their Facebook page. The music will be in Junction City, but you can also enjoy their barbecue at their other locations in Manhattan and in Council Bluffs, IA.
