What better place to hear the blues than sitting on a bale of hay inside an old barn?
That was the inspiration for the location of the annual Herndon Blues Fest, now in its seventh year at Frying Pan Park.
"It's a very cool venue. It was chosen because it was created the same time the blues were created. It was the same era," said Karen Cobb, executive director of the Council for the Arts of Herndon, the show's sponsor. "It's all acoustic Piedmont Blues, Delta form. The roots of the music genre."
The all-day festival will feature seven acts, including repeat
performances from Ray Kaminsky, who will share the stage with Jack Fretwell,
Catfish Hodge and Sparky and Rhonda Rucker. Newcomers include Barrelhouse
Bonni, Andrea Faye and Nat Reese. The festival culminates in a return
visit from Guy Davis and The High Flying Rockets. The event also offers
something for everyone, said Cobb.
"It gives kids the opportunity to play in the yard. They can go to the
barn and see the animals or go on a hay ride while their parents listen
to some blues," Cobb said.
The music will be staged in the 4H Club's 4-U building, which is
enclosed in case it's raining, will have fans for ventilation and hay bales
for seating. Guests are welcome to bring chairs or blankets as well. In
addition, there will be food vendors on hand.
The event begins at noon Saturday, July 19, and lasts until about 8
p.m. Admission is free, but donations are recommended. Frying Pan Park is
located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon.
"I really didn't know I liked the blues until we did this," Cobb said.
"It's storytelling. It's a lot of fun."