24th annual Big Bend Blues Bash ahead

The 24th annual Big Bend Blues Bash will be held Friday and Saturday at the Riverside Amphitheater in downtown Pomeroy.

“We’re very excited for another year of the Blues Bash,” said the festival’s founder, Jackie Welker, Pomeroy Blues and Jazz Society Director and owner of local juke joint Court Grill. “The overwhelming support we’ve received from festival attendees and the community over the years has been unbelievable.”

The two-day concert is hosted by the Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Society that’s held at the Riverside Amphitheater and features regional and national acts, amazing food, and an incredible view of the Ohio River.

The Bash kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, it will start at 1 p.m.

There will be live performances by renowned artists, delicious food and beverages, arts and crafts vendors and fun for the whole family.

The festival will feature bands such as Philip Sayce, Bywater Call. The Cold Stares, Johnny Rawls, Shaun Booker, The Hourlies, Renee Stewart Band, Connor Christian, Stone Quillen Band, Dragons Eye, The Codgerz, Wicked Trixie, Street Noise.

Founded in 2000, the PB&J’s are a group of local music enthusiasts dedicated to promoting live arts in downtown Pomeroy. Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit society focused on presenting musical events as cultural art forms that may otherwise not be available in our area.

The festival has been going strong for 20-plus years — I remember when this festival was born. I was working at the Daily Sentinel in Pomeroy — one of the best jobs I ever had — when Welker started the festival. Who would’ve imagined that it would be as big as it is today 24 years later. Huge! Well, Welker did — he believed in his vision and the Bash grew year after year.

Let’s start with the music — top notch performers! I don’t remember who the Blues guy was who performed those many years ago, but he introduced me to sounds and music that I still listen to today.

And Pomeroy — what a nice venue for this concert. Pomeroy offers walkable streets, a great view of the Ohio River at Riverside Ampitheater and places like River Roasters Coffee Company, one of my favorite places to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.

Don’t forget to stop at Court Grill to crack open a cold beer and have a great burger.

Tickets are available now! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible musical extravaganza. Book your tickets now and get ready to feel the rhythm of the 24th annual Big Bend Blues Bash!

For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.bigbendbluesbash.com