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A Great Lineup at The Long Beach Blues Festival
On Saturday and Sunday, Sept 1st and 2nd, the Long Beach Blues Festival at Cal State Long Beach will celebrate its 28th year. The Juke Joint stage provides music between sets on the main stage. Although event producer, station KKJZ 88.1 FM, is now operated by Global Jazz, Inc. they are continuing the tradition. Music starts at 10:15am and ends at 6pm.
On Saturday, the lineup includes Buddy Guy, Dr. John, and Koko Taylor and her Blues machine. The Juke Joint Stage will feature The Delgado Brothers, amongst others. Sunday's headliners are Little Richard, Irma Thomas and the Professionals, Robert Cray, and a special tribute to Jimmy Reed. The Juke Joint stage will present The Honeydripper All-Stars - blues musicians performing music from the upcoming movie The Honeydripper.
Gates open at 9am, unless you have one one a complicated array of special tickets and passes that allow early entry. Early entry is a very good things at this particular concert if you want to get anywhere near the stage. Saturday make sure to get there by 12:30 for Taj Mahal. I have seen the play the Blues Festival before, and this kind of event is where they really shine. Sunday, Little Richard goes on at 4:30.
Blues Fest regulars are festival pros. Everyone brings a blanket (10-feet max width) to mark their territory, as well as low-back (30") folding chairs that won't block other people's view. There are special "umbrella zones" if you bring a regular-sized chair or a shade umbrella. Coolers are allowed (15" x 22" but only plastic sealed bottles are allowed, no cans or bottles.).
Regular 1-day admission: $45. 2-day admission: $75. (plus a 3-dollar "facility fee" ? Parking is $8.). No ins and outs. California State University, Long Beach Athletic Field 1250 N Bellflower Blvd Long Beach, CA 90840
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