Riverfront Blues Festival: where the river meets the rhythm

The sixth annual Riverfront Blues Festival will kick off this weekend with a unique collection of blues bands that are sure to entertain.

Event director Trent Oleberg said the events are expected be the largest festival yet as pre-sold ticket numbers are significantly more than in previous years. 

Proceeds from this event benefit the Riverfront Blues Youth Connection program by providing musical instruments to youth involved with school band programs. 

“Without all of the sponsors and volunteers, this event would not be possible. The community really comes together for this event and that’s why we are able to get the entertainment that we do each year, Oleberg said.”

Music performances will begin Friday at 6 p.m. and continue until midnight. Saturday’s performances begin at noon and will continue until 1 a.m. The nine bands that will be playing during the event are: Bryan Warhall & Triple Trouble, Claudette King and her Kings Court, Robbie Laws band, Alan Lane and Frank Chiaverini, Mason Stone Band, Kevin Van Dort, Patrick “Bluefrog” Ellis, Vickie Stevens & Sonny Hess Band and Harlis Sweetwater Band.

Peggy Oleberg, active member of the festival committee, said Troy local, Josh Moore, will be playing the drums for Patrick Ellis from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. 

Saturday’s performances will close with a special event in which members from all bands will join together to celebrate the blues with the audience. Vendors that will be accessible during the festival include Bubba B’s Texas BBQ, Libby Chamber of Commerce, Mario’s Mexican Restaurant, Selkirk Sausage Company and KVRZ 88.9 radio. Cabinet Mountain Brewery will also feature their new IPA beer, Yaak Attack, at the event. 

This event has continued to grow each year - Peggy said she received an email from a family in England regarding the dates of the festival.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Peggy said. “When I received that email I couldn’t believe how much the word has spread. The family planned their whole vacation around the festival.”

Peggy said Friday night attendance usually stands at 400 people, while Saturday it attracts somewhere between 500 and 600 blues fans.  

“What more can we ask for?” Trent said. “We will have great beers, great bands, great people, great weather and great food.”

For more information visit www.riverfrontbluesfestival.com. Advance tickets are $20 for Friday performances, $25 for Saturday or $40 for both days. 

At the gate tickets will be $25 for Friday, $30 for Saturday or $50 for a full pass. 

Kids 10 and under get in free with a canned food donation for the Libby Food Pantry.