Arts & Entertainment
Locals Indulge in Blues ‘n Brews
The annual Blues 'N Brews festival attracts local fans of music and beer for a summer festival.
Locals came out for sounds and sips at the annual Blues 'N Brews Festival at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford last Saturday. Dozens of regional beer brewers were on hand, filling glasses topped with froth for all to sample, hoping that they would become the favorite flavor of the day.
Music filled the air, with favorite blues bands rocking the stage, including Sugar Blue, Bellevue Cadillac, and Danny Banks and His All-Star Band. Many used lawn chairs to claim spots early for a good view of the stage, as friends mingled and compared their picks for favorite brews.
The Westford Rotary Club sponsors the Blues 'N Brews Festival each year. When asked by the Rotary Club to volunteer, the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship stepped in to assist with security.
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"This is our third year doing security here at the festival," said Phil Stanway, lead steward of the Open Space Stewardship. "There are over 3,000 in attendance today, and we've had no problems. It's been a great day." The National Guard also helped with security at the event.
Chelmsford resident Allen Marsh decided to check out the festival this year after seeing an advertisement for the event.
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"I've tried seven beers so far, but haven't found the best one yet," said Marsh. "I'm a big Blues fan, so I came here for the music."
Kathi Duprey, the Blues 'N Brews Festival founder, was happy with the success of this year's event.
"The 2010 Blues 'N Brews Festival was another huge success. The bands were phenomenal, and of course the beer was fantastic," said Duprey. "People were dancing and everyone was smiling, all of them seemed to have a great time. We received lots of positive comments from attendees, VIP guests, brewers, vendors and corporate sponsors."
Some proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charities as a way to give back to the community for all their support.
"In the coming weeks, we will be presenting checks to our beneficiaries from the event proceeds," said Duprey. "The funds we raised yesterday will enable them to continue supporting victims of domestic violence, feeding the needy, working toward a cure for multiple sclerosis, and promoting international peace and understanding. That's the real measure of our success."
