The Phoenix Blues Blast will come to downtown Phoenix tomorrow for the first time in the 21 years since the event’s inception.
The Phoenix Blues Society is bringing the festival to Margaret T. Hance Park. A tradition established by Nancy Wolter of the Mesa Arts Center, the festival first took place in February 1992 at the Mesa Amphitheatre.
Kyle Deibler, president of the Blues Society, said it was an honor to bring this event to the downtown area.
“What we like about this year is it’s set in downtown Phoenix,” Deibler said. “There’s a stop on the light rail west of the park, giving easy access for fans.”
The park staff has been great to work with, Deibler said. He feels great that he has successful blues artists performing.
“It is really the only blues festival in the Valley each year keeping blues alive,” Deibler said. “We looked at the revenue we’ve generated from tickets and other places. The park is a good venue to allow a greater voice for our event.”
Along with Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, Dave Riley and Bob Corritore will be performing. Bob Corritore is one of the most active and highly regarded blues-harmonica players on the scene today. Corritore performs regularly with The Rhythm Room All-Stars and Riley, among others.
The Chicago native has made Phoenix his home for 30 years, and he loves playing here, he said.
“It’s always great to play in your hometown,” Corritore said. “I’m very lucky to be asked to perform among this great blues gathering in Phoenix.”
Corritore said he’s blessed to play with Riley, who will release a third album with him later this year. He looks forward to bringing their “musical chemistry” to the stage once more.
“I imagine all of us will get one heck of a jam session at the Rhythm Room after-party,” Corritore said. “I look forward to it every year whether as a spectator or a performer.”
The Sugar Thieves, Big Daddy D & the Dynamites, and Common Ground Blues Band will perform at the event as well.
Lead singer Sugar Ray Norcia of Sugar Ray & The Bluetones expressed his excitement for the event. He knows the history and legacy the Phoenix Blues Blast has established.
“I know the shows in the past years have been a great success,” said Norcia. “And me and my band The Bluetones plan on keeping the tradition alive!”
George Bowman and the Baddboyz Blues Band are also scheduled take the stage with guitarist Lucius Parr.
Tonight, the society will have a pre-party at the Rhythm Room with Janiva Magness and a performance by The Fabulous Thunderbirds at the Crescent Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. An after-party will also be hosted at the Rhythm Room, hosted by The Rocket 88’s. Admission is free for those with Blues Blast tickets.
Tickets for the Blues Blast tomorrow cost $15, with the event starting at 11 a.m.
“We have an amazing venue to allow a greater voice for our event,” Deibler said. “To be honest, they’re all going to put on great shows. We will have a strong show from top to bottom.”
Contact the reporter at slmaldon@asu.edu
