Bessemer, Alabama International blues award winner Grady Champion will be one of the headliners for the 3rd Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival which will be held on Saturday, June 2nd at DeBardeleben Park in downtown historic Bessemer. In 2011 and 2012 Grady was awarded the Soul Blues Album of the year and “Make that Monkey Jump” was number 1 for over 6 weeks on Sirius XM Radio’s BB King’s Bluesville and “Dreamin” was the Top Album Charts in August 2011. Grady will take the stage at 6:00pm.

Mikey Jr burst into the blues scene less than a dozen years ago and since that time has released an impressive four CDs and praises from both blues fans and industry insiders. Mikey Jr plays all across the United States and each member of the band compliments the other with their talents. Mikey will perform at 7:30pm and at the end of the night all you can say is

WOW!
“The blues musicians scheduled are all family friendly so everyone can come out and enjoy the event,” said Lenny Madden and Roger Stephenson of the Magic City Blues Society and the music organizers. Also performing on the main stage will be Earl “Guitar” Williams, Robert Harris, and B.J. Miller all from Alabama. Th ey are no strangers to blues lovers.  The opening act for the festival will soon be announced.
Elaine Lyda, the festival organizer, said “the festival will include a Children’s Corner that will feature inlfatable games, face painting, and an assortment of i eld day games. The event is
sponsored and supported by numerous blues supporters. We couldn’t do the event without the wonderful sponsors. They will be demoing and giving away promotional items during the festival.”

“We want to make it bigger and better every year,” Van Sykes the owner of Bob Sykes Bar B Q and the festival organizer said. “We hope everyone comes out and celebrates the great love
of bbq and blues from 1-9pm.” Gates open at noon and the tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free. Tickets can either be purchased at Bobsykesblues.
com or at Bob Sykes Bbq Restaurant. Bob Sykes Bar B Q, snacks, beer and wine will be for sale at the festival. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hands On Birmingham and the
Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation.

This post was written by

Shirley Cate – who has written posts on Tannehill trader.

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