Clemson Blues Fest Announces 2013 Lineup

This year’s Clemson Blues Festival will feature a diverse line up of musicians.

Organizers have declared 2013 “The Year of the Harp,” and the festival will focus on musicians who play the harmonica, also known as the harpoon, mouth organ and Mississippi saxophone.

The four day festival kicks off on Thursday April 18 with a VIP Reception at the Red Minnow Dinner Club in Central.

Austin, Texas’ Jimi Lee will be perform at the reception from 7pm – 9pm. Admission to the reception is $50 per person. Admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine and entertainment.

Mac Arnold and Plate Full O’ Blues will perform at Red Minnow Dinner Club on Friday, April 19.

A local blues legend, Arnold has performed with Muddy Water and played on Soul Train.

There is no cover charge for this concert, but come hungry and thirsty!

Clemson’s Patrick Square is the site of the all-day main event on Saturday, April 20.

The concert kicks off at 11am and will run until 7pm. Announced performers include The Blues Doctors w/Adam Gussow, Robbie Ducey Band, Rob Cassels Band, Cool Bluesion, True Blues, Ceasar, Freddie Vanderford and Brandon Turner, and Tony Tidwell.

More performers are expected to be announced soon.

Admission for the Saturday concert cost is $10.00 per car, truck or motorcycle load

The proceeds go to charity and for start-up of the 2014 Festival.

There will be tables and seating for about 400 under a large tent. Fest organizers encourage everyone to consider bringing folding chairs and/or blankets to sit on to enjoy the music.

Once the Patrick Square concert closes down, the music will continue at area clubs including the University Inn, Backstreets, Esso Club and other locations to be determined.

The festival will end with a Gospel Sunday Afternoon, hosted by Clemson United Methodist Church. The “old time religion” singing, feature area gospel choirs, will begin at 1pm and last until 5pm.

This event is free. Food will be sold at the singing, and proceeds will benefit the Clemson African American Museum.

The schedule is subject to change, so check back with Easley Patch and clemsonbluesfest.com.