Biggest Party of the Year: Paoli Blues Fest 2012 this Saturday!

I know where I will be on Saturday, do you?

Serving as co-chair with Marie Thibault for the Paoli Blues Fest, the largest annual blues fest in the Philadelphia region, I am looking forward to our fourth annual blues festival and street fair this Saturday.   Last year an estimated 15,000 people attended and by all accounts, we expect at least that many visitors to enjoy this year’s festival.

We’ve got great musicians playing the blues, 100+ street vendors, beer & wine garden (plus margaritas & daiquiris this year), a special kid zone with lots of fun activities for the little ones including face painting, moonbounce, magician, juggler, and more fun than Paoli has ever seen.

Special this year -- the Blues Brother car! That's right, a replica of the 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan featured in the 1980 film, the Blues Brothers.  It is a replica of the 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan featured in the 1980 film, The Blues Brothers. Dan Aykroyd insists he chose this automobile because he considered it to be the hottest car used by police during the 1970s. Malvern resident Christopher Koles created his own version of Elwood Blues’ vintage machine, which is the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania. A loudspeaker on the car’s roof will blast Blues Brothers tunes and keep your eyes open for Elwood, too. 

The price of admission … we just ask for a non-perishable donation for the Chester County Food Bank. There will be well-marked containers set-up throughout the blues fest area for your non-perishable donation. Help those less fortunate with your donation in exchange for a day of fun at the Paoli Blues Fest! Help the Blues Fest help others … bring a donation with you!

This remarkable day of great music, food and laughter takes the effort of many people — from the generous sponsors that support us year after year, the organizations that believe in the Paoli Blues Fest and awards us grants, the many volunteers who will help on Saturday and the hardworking efforts of the festival committee, who work year round and are committed to making each year bigger and better than the year before! The Paoli Blues Fest would not be possible without the help and cooperation of many people … for their spirit of community, we thank you all!

Although the Blues Fest hours are noon – 6 PM, the music will kick-off at 11:15 AM with a performance by students from Berwyn’s Music Workshop.  The young musicians will warm-up the audience and help with the sound-check for the festival.

The schedule of bands for the day:

Noon:  Midnight Shift

Midnight Shift is a high energy band that specializes in what they call Rhythm, Rockin’ Boogie. It’s an infectious blend of blues, jump and rockabilly music.  Midnight Shift is a smoking hot revved up band that plans to be around for years to come.

To hear a preview of Midnight Shift: http://www.myspace.com/mnightshift

1 PM:  Randy Lippincott Band

The Randy Lippincott Band is a fine tuned five piece unit with many years of experience performing Blues, Boogie, Soul and New Orleans party tunes.The band takes the stage at 1 PM, heating things up with a powerful rhythm section and an exciting harmonica overlay by Joey ‘Hotbox’ Simon.

For a preview of their music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlmAx1Q_-bY

2 PM:  Porkroll Project

The Porkroll Project brings their brand of high energy, contemporary blues to the Paoli Blues Fest  This seasoned group of artists has shared the stage with artists such as Bo Diddley, Los Lobos and Bobby Radcliffe, just to name a few, and played at events such as the Philadelphia Jam on the River and Philadelphia  Folk Festival. Video of live performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL17FC7CE6352C1769&feature=player_embedded&v=SE5sYHEJAfc

3 PM: Georgie Bonds

Blues powerhouse Georgie Bonds is a singer and frontman from Philadelphia’s Germantown.  His powerful and soulful voice, combined the upbeat attitude of his songs, are, as he calls it, “Blues for your soul, soul for your Blues”.

Preview of Georgie Bonds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZp-d0ucaUg&feature=related

4 PM: Brook Shive & The 45′s 

Brooke Shive & The 45’s band is a father daughter act composed of Brooke Shive, the fiery vocalist, and her father, the band’s drummer, Steve Shive.  Brooke’s gritty vocals and on-stage presence command attention.  Come see Brooke Shive and the 45’s live!

To hear a preview of Brooke Shive & the 45′s:  http://www.myspace.com/brookeshive

5 PM: Steve Guyger & the Excellos 

Closing out the 2012 Blues Fest is Steve Guyger & the Excellos. Steve Guyger is both a soulful vocalist and a legendary harmonica player.  With the backing of his band, The Excellos, the group packs a powerful and energetic on stage presence that is sure to have you on your feet and dancing.

For a preview of Steve Guyger & the Excellos:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFf0CvUQ08

Hope to see many familiar faces on Saturday for the biggest party that Paoli has ever seen … Paoli Blues Fest 2012!