Denton Blues Festival set for Saturday, September 19

by Amber Arnold of North Texas Daily

The fragrance of free food will float with the smooth sounds of the blues this Saturday in Quakertown Park.

The 11th annual Denton Blues Festival, presented by the Denton Black Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

In 1996, members of the chamber decided to hold a major event to including African American music and an arts festival, according to the organization’s Web site.

What began as the Gospel Extravaganza quickly evolved into the Denton Blues Festival in 1998 and has been a success ever since, Reggie Hill, the chamber’s president said.

Hill said because the festival is held in September, it doesn’t have to compete with the famous Denton Jazz Fest. He also said that having both festivals in Denton gives residents a better mix of music.

Blues musician Michael Burks will be headlining the festival and other acts, such as UpAllNight Blues, Lil’ Dave Thompson, and Miss Marcy & her Texas Sugardaddy’s will perform.

Chamber treasurer John Baines said Burks is a ferocious musician. He said a rewarding part of being involved with the event is listening to the talented musicians.

Bonita Hairston, UNT president’s chief of staff, attended the event last year with President Gretchen Bataille.

“These may be artists that some may not have heard of, but they are still completely entertaining and engaging,” Hairston said.

Baines said the festival isn’t all about the music — it’s about the food, too.

“We have vendors there serving everything from barbecue to soul food to tacos,” said Baines. “Whatever’s good, it will be out there.”

The festival costs an estimated $40,000 to put on, but the event is free for attendees.

The chamber relies on sponsorships and donations from the City of Denton, businesses, and volunteers, as well as UNT.

The festival is family-oriented and will include a youth stage where young artists will have the chance to perform hip-hip, rap songs, slam poetry, and dances, Baines said.

Even though the Denton Black Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival, its aim is to include everyone and make the event as diverse as possible.

“That’s what’s so great about the blues, it’s the type of music everyone can relate to, because everyone has felt the blues,” Baines said.

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