Riverfront Blues Festival gets noise variance

Libby City Council has granted the annual Riverfront Blues Festival a noise variance for its return to the busy summer slate of events in the county.

One of many events cancelled during the pandemic, the festival is bouncing back from its hiatus with a one-day lineup at Riverfront Park. Gates open at 11 a.m. with the first set, featuring Kerri Lick and the Good Kids, starting at 1 p.m.

Organizer Jonet Moreau appeared before the Libby City Council on July 19 to ask for a one-hour variance for the Aug. 14 festival. Approval, which was quick in coming, gives the event a buffer in case of any delays, Moreau said. The variance runs until 1 a.m., Aug. 15.

“We haven’t utilized the extra time in recent years, but we’d like to have it just in case,” Moreau said.

The Sweetgrass Blues Band takes the stage at 3 p.m., followed by Jay Snow and the ToneKeepers, Kara Grainger and Hector Anchondo. An all-star jam will cap the festival, beginning at 11 p.m.

Moreau said that organizers saw an outpouring of support when they began planning the festival’s return this year. She thanked the local business community for its backing of the event.

“We were prepared to put the festival on without a lot of support; the businesses have had a hard year,” she told city councilors. “I just want to say we really appreciate it. It’s been incredible.”