FAYETTEVILLE, AR – For the 13th consecutive year, some of the top names in blues music today will make their way to Fayetteville, Arkansas as part of Ozark Blues Society’s annual Blues in the Natural State Festival.
Organizers planned to start things off last week during the outdoor art walk at Fayetteville’s First Thursday, but that event was rained out. The festival is now set to begin on Friday, April 10 at George’s Majestic Lounge.
Friday night will include a bunch of talented female performers under the theme “An Evening of Women in the Blues,” and will include performances by local supergroup Divas on Fire, and touring acts Nikki Hill, Kelley Hunt, and Shemekia Copeland.
On Saturday, the music kicks off at 3 p.m. with Memphis bluesman Buddy Shute, followed by local acts Keith Nicholson Trio, and Isayah’s Allstars doing an Allman Brothers tribute. Headlining the evening is Tulsa-based Steve Pryor Band, Mississippi artist Mr. Sipp, and San Jose, California act Tommy Castro and the Painkillers. Locals Earl & Them will close out the night in the lounge.
The full schedule of performances is listed below.
Tickets are $25 per day, on sale now at George’s ticketing site.
Blues in the Natural State Schedule
Friday, April 10
6 p.m. – Divas on Fire
7:30 p.m. – Nikki Hill
9 p.m. – Kelley Hunt
10:30 p.m. – Shemekia Copeland
Saturday, April 11
3 p.m. – Buddy Shute
4 p.m. – Keith Nicholson Trio
5 p.m. – Isayah’s Allstars – A tribute to the Allman Brothers
7:30 p.m. – Steve Pryor Band
9 p.m. – Mr. Sipp
10:30 p.m. – Tommy Castro and the Painkillers
11:30 p.m. – Earl & Them late show in the lounge
By Dustin Bartholomew / Fayetteville Flyer
