Keeping the Blues Alive
Every year, the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival donates its sizable profits to charity. And every year, fans of the music return to the shores of Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park for the festival that features strong lineups and standout performers. So it comes as no surprise that the popular festival was recently awarded the Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation based in Memphis, Tennessee.
Every year, the award recognizes individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the blues world. Don Hooker, founder of Chesapeake Bay Events, and his daughter, Sarah Petska, event coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the loyal fans who turn out in droves every May, the family and friends who volunteer with them year after year and the sponsors that help make the festival a success.
The Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The May 19 and 20 lineup features Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Delbert McClinton, Keb Mo, Shemekia Copeland and Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot: www.bayblues.org.