Blues in the District 2015

The 2015 season of Blues in the District is underway at Washington Park. Blues in the District is a free summertime concert series presented by The District. Bruce Guthrie, Executive Director of The District, took a moment to answer a few of our questions about Blues in the District.

Blues in the District is nearly 20 years old, but for those that have never been, what’s it all about? 

Blues in the District is a free blues concert in Washington Park. It is held the second and fourth Friday in June 12, 26 July 10, 24 and August 14 and 28. The concert is from 5:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring out their lawn chair, drinks (alcohol is allowed) and food. The Butcher Block will be set up to serve food and soft drinks.

Could you give us a little behind-the-scenes info? How many people are involved in putting together Blues in the District? Approximately how long does it take to plan a season? 

There is a six member Blues committee that begins in January planning the event. The committee meets 1-2 times per month leading up to the event.

How does The District choose the musicians that appear at Blues in the District? 

The Blues committee creates a master list of musicians that have been reommended, sent us a CD or a committe member has seen in person. The list is reviewed by the committe and a final list is presented to the Executive Director of the District. The Director then contacts the various bands and depending on the bands touring schedule and the cost of the band books the schedule for the summer.

Do you have an estimate on the average number of people that attend Blues in the District events? 

1500-2000 avg attendance for the Blues.

2015 Blues in the District schedule:

June 12 Harper and Midwest Kind

June 26 Grady Champion

July 10 Matt Roberts Blues Band

July 24 Coyote Bill

August 14 Jeremiah Johnson Band

August 28 Hector Anchondo