Rochester blues fest boasts talent galore

TJ Wheeler (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Renowned blues-jazz artist T.J. Wheeler will be the headline performer for the second annual Blues Festival next Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on North Main Street at the Cocheco Riverwalk. 

The Blues Fest will also feature Linda Pouliot, Dave Tallmadge, Joel Glen Wixson, Dave Williams and Dancing Madly Backwards. Dancing Madly Backwards will also assist in a Harmonica Throw-down with the winner receiving a Marine Band Harmonica courtesy of Michael Charles Music, a plaque and a featured performance with Dancing Madly Backwards. 

Preregistration is recommended for the harmonica throw-down (call the Main Street Office at 603-330-3208 or email director@rochestermainstreet.org). 

Festivalgoers are asked to bring a lawn chair for their comfort for the show.

Happy Times Squares will be on hand with a demonstration, along with a host of craft and food booths plus a special BBQ cookoff is being organized by Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA that includes a “People’s Choice Award” of a $100 cash prize and plaque.

Judging will take place for best chicken, pulled pork, ribs and brisket offered. A $5 sampling badge entitles the first 200 people to vote on the Peoples Choice event, with proceeds benefitting downtown Rochester promotions. 

Downtown businesses are also encouraged to participate by coming out onto the sidewalk on North Main. Vendor forms are available online at www.rochestermainstreet.org.

There is no admission charge and free parking is available in the City Hall, Congress Street, Columbus Avenue, and Union Street municipal parking lots, all just a short walk away from the North Main Street Event.

If you are enjoying a walk, then don’t forget to take in the art esprit project “Picture This”, an outdoor exhibition of art installations partnered with stories by local authors. Traffic will be rerouted onto River Street and Bridge Street from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the event. 

For more information please contact the Rochester Main Street office at 603-330-3208 or email director@rochestermainstreet.org.

The blues fest is sponsored by DF Richard Energy.