Interested in when your particular favorites are scheduled
to take the Peppers Automotive Group Main Stage at the Hot August Blues Festival? Here's the schedule, with all times approximate, of course! Don't forget to get your tickets for Friday and Saturday HERE, while Thursday is FREE at the Lodge.
Thursday, August 24 at the Kenlake State Park Lodge
6PM Scalehound
8PM Adam & The H Bombs
Friday, August 25 at the Kenlake State Park Amphitheater
3PM Gates Open
6PM Rip Lee Pryor
7PM 2 Years Wasted
8:30PM Ivas John
10PM Lew Jetton & 61 South
Saturday, August 26 at the Kenlake State Park Amphitheater
10AM Gates Open
Noon Street Corner Blue
1PM Reggie May
2PM Al Hill
3:30PM Little Boys Blue
5PM Laurie Jane & The 45s
6:30PM The Beat Daddys
8PM Big Mike Griffin
10PM Alonzo Pennington Band
Do
you have some questions about this year's festival? We bet others have
the same question! If you don't see the answer here, E-mail your question by filling out the form HERE on the CONTACT PAGE, and we'll answer your question, PLUS post the question and answer here so others can see!
How much are tickets and where can I get them?
Tickets
are ON SALE NOW online and at several outlets. Get tickets now to save $$$. Combo Tickets for BOTH Friday and Saturday are only $40. At the gate, tickets for only Friday will be $20 and $25 for only Saturday.
Children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult will be admitted at no
charge. There will be no advance sales for
individual day tickets, only for the combo tickets. Combo tickets are available NOW at The Kenlake State Park Lodge, and Kaylee's
Farmhouse Restaurant in Aurora, James' Barber Shop in Benton, KY, Music One in Murray, KY, Cellar Door Wine & Spirits in Draffenville and Unga Bunga Music in Paducah, KY. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!
If you purchase your ticket online, you'll be sent to a link, and emailed a link to your individual ticket. You can print it out or just call it up on your smart phone at the front gate!
Each ticket purchased online has an individual code, for only that ticket. It will be scanned at the front gate, and you'll be given a wristband. Make sure no one makes a photocopy of your ticket, because once that ticket is scanned, any copies of that ticket are rejected, just like with ticketmaster, etc.
Once you have your ticket, you exchange that for a wristband at the front gate. THE WRISTBANDS MUST BE WORN ON THE WRIST! If someone has a wristband anywhere else, security will take the wristband off, and reattach it to the wrist. This way, it will be easier to make sure everyone has their ticket.
What's new at this year's festival?
We are planning several new things at this year's festival. We have plans for a "cooling station," an area of large fans and misters to keep you cool! Although it's beginning to look like the temperatures will be unseasonably cool and comfortable, with high temperatures only in the low 80s!
We know you want to take plenty of pictures with your cellphones and post them online, so we have plans for a "charging station," where you can recharge your cellphones, near the merchandise tent!
We will have silent auctions for some items, including a guitar signed by all the acts from Hot August Blues, and a a custom built Harper's guitar, built especially for the festival, valued at more than $2,000!
We encourage you to sign up for our email list to keep up with the latest on the festival, and one lucky subscriber will win a FREE CONCERT AT YOUR HOUSE by Lew Jetton & 61 South!
What happens if it rains?
In case of rain, we will have a full back up stage, complete with sound system, set up inside the Indoor Tennis Center. If it rains, you won't miss a thing! Just bring your chair and cooler inside and the show picks up where it left off! No worries! The tennis center is large enough to accomodate everyone and it is air conditioned!
Can I still bring in a cooler, like in years past?
Yes!
Nothing has changed although we will be asking lot's of YOU questions
at the festival about possible changes and what YOU would like for
future festivals. In the meantime, even though you can bring in a
cooler there are NO GLASS BOTTLES ALLOWED and they will be confiscated!
The last several years, my friends and I have purchased a table with an
umbrella at the top of the amphitheater. Will we be able to do that
again this year and if so, how much?
There are 10 tables with
umbrellas at the top of the amphitheater. Five are for our corporate
sponsors, and the other 5 can be purchased by those who want preferred
seating. They'll each have 6 chairs and come with 6 wristbands for both
Friday and Saturday. THERE IS ONLY ONE LEFT! They are available on a first come, first served basis for $420. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE VIP PARTY PASS TICKET!
My band would like to play at the Kenlake Hot August Blues. How do we apply?
The
bands for this year have already been chosen, but in the late fall, our
committee will begin looking at bands for next year! Please feel free
to submit at the time by clicking HERE and including a link to your band's EPK.
I would like to be a vendor at the Kenlake Hot August Blues. How do I apply?
The
vendors for this year have already been chosen, but we will be closely
examining how our vendors do, and how they go over with the crowd,
asking questions such as, "Do we have enough vendors?, Do we need
different varieties of food?" Just like the bands, feel free to contact
us in the late fall and inquire about being a vendor for next year, by clicking HERE!
Will there be a shuttle service from the lodge, campground and Aurora to the Amphitheater?
YES!
The Shriners will provide shuttle service, with ALL TIPS going to the
Shriners Children's Hospital! There will be designated shuttle stops to
get on and off. The shuttle will begin running at 3PM Friday, and 10AM
Saturday and continue running until everyone is returned to the
campground, cabins, lodge or other motels in Aurora at designated shuttle stops. If you're coming
to the festival, be sure to have a designated driver or take advantage
of the shuttle service as it is there for the safety and convenience of
everybody!
Can I bring my dog into the festival with me?
No! We're sorry but it would be a safety concern for your pet, and our other guests!
I will be on the lake in a boat. Can I come ashore if I don't have a ticket? I only want to get food and a t-shirt so it will only take a few minutes! It's that ok?
No, boaters without tickets/wristbands are not allowed on festival grounds, HOWEVER, we have arranged forLolli's On The Lake, a food boat, to be on the water, cooking their delicious sandwiches and other items for you, and they'll be selling our merchandise as well! So no worries!
The
excitement over the 28th
Annual Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival continues to grow as the
lineup of artists is announced. Without a doubt, it's the best
lineup the festival has had in many years, with nationwide blues acts
appearing for the first time, and some festival favorites returning
after several years!
Advance
tickets on sale AT A DISCOUNT PRICE now online at kenlakeblues.com. Advance tickets
cover both Friday and Saturday and are only $25 between now and July
1st, compared to $40 at the gate at the festival. AFTER JULY 1ST THE PRICE WILL GO UP!
The
Thursday night lineup will be on the lawn of Kenlake State Park
Lodge. The best part of the Thursday evening show is that it is FREE!!
It starts out at 6 PM with Scale Hound. This group has local
roots but has played some big time shows including Bonnaroo several
times and playing in shows along with groups like the Driveby
Truckers. They will be followed by local favorites Adam and the
H-Bombs!
Friday
the festival moves over to the amphitheater the gates will open at 3
PM because we want everybody to have a chance to get there early and
select their seat. The music starts at 6 PM with Rip Lee Pryor, the
son of the legendary Snooky Pryor. The apple did not fall far from
the tree! Rip Lee has played all over the world but especially in
South America.
Next up
is 2 Years Wasted. If you love the Allman Brothers you will love 2
Years Wasted as they combine the sounds of electric blues and jazz
into a truly unique sound.
Ivas
John hails from Missouri, but is a familiar artist across the nation,
especially since his music has spent so much time on the Roots Music
Report Charts over the last few years. He appears regularly in St.
Louis and Chicago where his unique playing style and voice has
become well-known.
Finishing
out the night is Lew Jetton and 61 South, returning to the festival
after a five-year absence. The band is coming off a fantastic 2016,
where their latest release spent more than six months on the Roots
Music Report's Contemporary Blues Charts, and received worldwide
airplay. Lew hints there's a good chance we'll see them joined
onstage with some “friends” for a rockin' blues jam to end the
night.
On
Saturday, the gates open at 10 AM, with the music beginning at noon.
There's plenty of time to come in and get settled and have a
delicious lunch from one of the local vendors! Kicking off the music
is Street Corner Blue, out of Chicago, A veteran Windy City outfit
complete with horns.
Next up
is Reggie May, a New York native known for his songwriting and
distinctive singing.
Vizztone
Records recording artists Little Boys Blue follows with a distinctive
sound they perfected while recording their latest CD, Tennississippi
at the world renowned Fame Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals.
Tennissippi spent much of last year on the charts, including the
Roots Music Report, and the Living Blues Radio Charts.
Al Hill
became known to many this past February when he was named the winner of
the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo
category, but others have known about the longtime Detroit player's
talents for many years as bandleader for the legendary Bettye LaVette!
Kentuckiana's
Laurie Jane and the 45s burst upon the national blues scene earlier
this year, after wowing audiences on Beale Street in Memphis with
their hot, swinging style and 12-string slide guitar.
The Beat
Daddys developed their loyal, nationwide following the hard way, with
years of touring along with a roster spot on the prestigious Malacco
Record label. They continue writing and recording some of the best
electric blues to this day!
Big Mike
Griffin is "Mr Hot August Blues." He appeared at the very
first festival in 1990 and continued every year all the way up until
2008. This year he is marking his return, which is music to the ears
of his many loyal fans in this region. During his hiatus from
Kenlake, the 6'10" Bluesman was been inducted into the Oklahoma
Blues Hall of Fame. You'll see Big Mike on several of the murals at
Kenlake State Park including in the amphitheater. This year you will
also see him on stage again!
Like his
father, Eddie Pennington, Alonzo Pennington has been named world
champion at the world thumb picking championships, but he's also
established his blues credentials beginning with a critically
acclaimed CD recorded in the capital of southern swamp soul, Mussel
Shoals! Since then, he's continued to amaze audiences on the festival
circuit. Pennington is a guitar slinger of the highest caliber. One
of the few, other guitar players make it a point to go see!
Street Corner Blue appears Saturday, August 26th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
Chicago based STREET CORNER BLUE has been performing
traditional Chicago Blues and R&B for decades. Exploring the
roots from Bourbon Street to Beale Street, Motown to Muscle Shoals,
this ensemble delights in exploring each divergent thread and weaving
it into the unique sound that is Street Corner Blue. Each individual
a gifted veteran performer, the collective sound positively brims with excitement and grooves in a way
that only years of shared experience can produce.
The Street Corner Blue repertoire is culled from the
rich variety that is the R&B heritage. Some of the material is
familiar. Some is more obscure. Everything is presented with craft
and care with each performance demonstrating the band’s easy
command of the R&B language, a respect for the material that
leaves room for twists and surprise, and most of all, a sense of
adventure and just plain fun.
Street Corner Blue has been a reliable hit at Festivals,
Clubs, and Events for years, with wide audience appeal, danceable
sets, and a full out horn band presentation, which keeps bringing the
fans back year after year.
Vizztone recording artists, Little Boys Blue appear Saturday, August 26th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
Hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, this six piece unit, Little Boys Blue,
may be a new name to blues fans, but its bandleader and some band
members have quite impressive pedigrees. Singer/harp player Jimmy D.
Taylor started the band with guitarist Steve Patterson twenty years ago.
Comprised of veteran players who had logged many sessions with
Nashville country and Sun Records rockabilly artists, the band mixed up
those styles with Delta blues and rock n’ roll. They often backed Carl
Perkins and were a regional festival favorite.
In 1997, they won third
place at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Competition. In
2002, Taylor backed big name Nashville artists like John Rich, Gretchen
Wilson, Hank Williams Jr. and Blake Shelton. Five years later, Taylor
returned to Jackson and concentrated on the blues, forming the current
band that includes among others, his son, Alex Taylor on guitar. For their latest album, Tennissippi, the band draws on some guests too, including the two piece
Alabama Horns. This is their fourth album, their largest label, and has
the distinction of being mostly recorded at FAME in Muscle Shoals, AL. (Elmore Magazine)
Laurie Jane and The 45's will appear Saturday, August 26th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival!
Laurie Jane and The 45's are currently generating a BIG
BUZZ as a rising blues sensation. Already well known in the
Kentuckiana area, Laurie Jane Jessup's vocals carry a torch for
classic singers of the 40's and 50's while the band delivers Chicago
blues swagger infused with the raw energy of the early days of Sun Records. Their soulful originals and unique interpretations of
classics delight any blues-hungry audience. Laurie Jame and the 45's
won over many new fans in Memphis earlier this year, while
representing the Kentuckiana Blues Society in the Blues Foundation's
International Blues Challenge, where she and the boys packed em in on Beale
Street.
Laurie Jane and The 45's are a band of best friends,
brothers, a husband and a wife. Their sound is a melting pot of
1950's big-city electric blues with the high energy sounds of early
rockabilly and soul. Laurie Jane's jazz-influenced vocals, sincere
and restrained, float across the depths of Cort Duggins' 12-string
slide guitar and deep blues picking. Jason Embry's upright bass and
Scott Dugdale's drums lay down raucous, swinging backbeats. They are indeed one of today's blues scene's rising stars!
Alonzo Pennington, is a multi-award-winning guitar
player who’s been performing his own music since he was 13. He cut
his teeth playing alongside his father, respected and renowned
thumbpicker, Eddie Pennington. So, take a smattering of vintage Merle
Travis, a dash of Stevie Ray Vaughan, a spoonful of Waylon Jennings,
and a pinch of Tommy Emmanuel, throw them all into a big old pot and
you've got Alonzo Pennington. A satisfying musical stew that’s been
influenced by greats in all styles! You are certain to enjoy some
blazing guitar work, heart-felt ballads, and a few laughs along the
way.
Although the son of a famous guitar player, Alonzo has established himself as a "A-list" guitarist in his own rite, having....
Played The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville,TN.
Performed on stage with: Wille Nelson, Kenny Wayne
Shepherd, Tommy Emmanuel, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, and many more.
Been named 3-time International Thumbpicking Contest
Grand-Champion. He is also a past National Thumbpicking contest
winner.
Four Times competed at the Blues Foundation's
International Blues Competition in Memphis Tn , and beating out hundreds of performers en route to the IBC Semi-Finals.
Been named an Honorable Kentucky Colonel, as an ambassador presenting Kentucky's rich musical heritage to the rest of the nation, and the world.
Alonzo's latest release is entitled, Born With
Nothing on Soul-Trax Records.
Along with teaching guitar workshops and performing
across the country, Alonzo has an instructional DVD and online course
available through www.truefire.com
The Beat Daddys are appearing Saturday, August 26th at this year's Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival!
In 1986, Larry Grisham and Tommy Stillwell joined forces
to form the foundation of The Beat Daddys. The years since have seen
a few lineup changes, but also nine critically acclaimed CD releases,
film and television soundtrack credits and nonstop touring in the
United States and abroad with Blues and Rock n Roll Hall of Famers.
They've recorded for one of the nation's most revered blues labels,
Malaco and Waldoxy, as well. Today, The Beat Daddys are still the
road warriors they were more than 30 years ago. The only difference
is, they have even more stories from the road, to bring the blues
alive.
2 Years Wasted appears Friday evening, August 25th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
If you like the Allman Brothers, you will LOVE 2 Years Wasted!
Two
Years Wasted was formed by five friends in Paducah, Kentucky, who
shared a desire to write original songs together and have a good
time doing it! In the fall of 2009, the journey began. With Dan
Bell on guitar, harmonica, and vocals, Rick Cooper on bass and
vocals, Fred Hoover on keyboards, Sam Moore on guitar and vocals,
and the one and only Jeff Pryor on drums.
The Band has accomplished
exactly what they started out to do, with the release of their self
titled debut CD in August, 2016 and the up coming fall, 2017 release
of the Bands second CD, they are definitely on a roll. Cranking out
some of the finest Blues and Blues Rock tunes around with touches of
Southern Rock and Jazz thrown in the mix, the Band has become an
area favorite of music lovers and musicians alike!
Without a doubt,
one of the best, all ORIGINAL, Bands you'll hear anywhere! Come
see what you DONT want to miss!
Reggie May appears Saturday, August 26th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
Originally from the New York City area, he's made Kentucky his home since 2001. He's been playing music since he was a
kid... soul/R&B, classic rock, blues, jazz, pop, and more. He's
backed up artists like Carole King and Alice “Tan” Ridley, and
played in bands on guitar, bass and drums.
His style is a blend of many of his musical influences:
the smooth jazz of George Benson, the funk of James Brown guitarist
Jimmy Nolen, the searing rock tones of Carlos Santana and Jimi
Hendrix, the rhythmic grooves of session giants like Cornell Dupree,
Charles “Skip” Pitts and David T. Walker. His mellow baritone
voice recalls Larry Graham's vocal style, with an upper range reminiscent of Sam Cooke.
Al Hill appears Saturday, August 26th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
Al Hill is a Nashville-based singer, piano player and
guitarist. Just back from Memphis where he won First Place awards for
Best Solo/Duo Act and Best Solo Guitarist at the Blues Foundation’s
International Blues Challenge, he stylistically covers a wide swath
of roots-rock, blues and soul music.
Since 2002 Al has been music director for three-time
Grammy nominee and the Blues Foundation’s Best Soul Blues Female
Artist of 2016, Bettye LaVette, performing throughout North and South
America, Europe, Africa, Japan and Australia. Bettye and Al have
appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the Late, Late Show with
Craig Ferguson, and Austin City Limits.
Al’s latest release is “Big Valley Girl”, a
collaboration with his long-time pal and partner Brophy Dale. The
disc dips into the R&B sounds they made while tearing up the
Michigan scene in the ’80s, and is dedicated to a good friend they
recently lost.
Al’s debut recording “Willie Mae” blended
roots-rock and soul and was voted “Best CD” at the Motor Cities
Blues Awards in 1999. Al and his band won the “Best Unsigned Band”
competition, held at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago in 2000, and Al
was voted “Outstanding Blues Artist” at the Motor City Music
Awards in 2005. In 2008 Al was inspired to move south, and now calls
Nashville home.
When not touring on his own or with Ms. Lavette, Al
performs with his wife Whit Hill in her alt-folk-country band The
Postcards, does sessions and produces other artists.
Other artists Al has worked with include Delbert
McClinton, T. Graham Brown, Johnny Johnson, Detroit blues luminaries
Johnnie Bassett, Alberta Adams and Sir Mack Rice, Wanda Jackson, Mike
Farris, Lazy Lester, Marva Wright, Kermit Ruffins and Sleepy LaBeef.
Ivas John appears Friday evening, August 25th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
Born
in Chicago as a first generation Lithuanian American, Ivas John’s
self made career stems from the musicality of his family. His working
class father, who Ivas credits as his biggest influence, appeared in
productions for the local opera company and was a regular fixture
on the vibrant folk and blues scene in Chicago during the late 60’s.
Ivas picked up a guitar at sixteen and hasn’t put it down. At first
focusing on the instrument, and later adopting his father’s short
and sweet “three verses and a chorus” theory of songwriting.”
Riverfront
Times, “Together, between Ivas’ ability with the guitar and the
songwriting
assistance
from his father, Ivas John’s sound is a blend equal parts Ry
Cooder, Mose Allison, Robert Cray, Van Morrison, Keb Mo, and Delbert
McClinton. The music pleases the casual bar patron and the
scrutinizing critic alike. Though he is an artist who understands the
debt that is owed to his predecessors, and how important it is to
honorably carry traditional music on, Ivas John is no copycat. As
such, fans may have a hard time pinpointing exactly in what blues
style Ivas is playing, but none will question that it is the genuine
article.“
Chicago
Blues Legend Billy Flynn, “Refreshing to hear a new band that
clearly has a foundation in the blues, and not funk or rock like so
many others.”
Lew Jetton appears Friday evening, August 25th at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival.
Lew
Jetton learned The Blues while working in the cotton fields of his
native West Tennessee as a teenager and young man. Musically, he had
2 of the best mentors you could think of. While working in Jackson,
Tennessee, he became acquainted with the legendary Carl Perkins.
Later, after moving to Western Kentucky, he was befriended by blues
legend Snooky Pryor, who hailed from just across the Ohio River in
Southern Illinois. Lew joined the blues band 61 South in 1994 as a
guitar player, then took over as the frontman a year later, when the
original singer, Fast Layne Hendrickson, moved to New Orleans.
Since
then, they've become multiple “Picks to Click” on Sirius/XM
Bluesville Channel, and favorites on the Midwest club and festival
circuit and Lew has continued to write and produce critically
acclaimed blues music.
Rain,
the new CD from Lew Jetton & 61 South, continues to further
Jetton's reputation as a clever songwriter, and dynamic, original
vocalist, finishing in the top 40 of Roots Music Report's
Contemporary Blues Releases for 2016 after more than 6 months on the
Roots Music Report Charts. Their new CD, Palestine is due this
summer.
Rip Lee Pryor appears Friday, August 25th at 6PM at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival!
Richard
"Rip Lee" Pryor didn't have to go far for his blues pass.
He was born into it, he is the son of the legendary Snooky Pryor.
Rip started at a young tender age blowing his dad's discarded
harmonicas and mimicking his records.
Rip
played guitar in several local soul bands while in high school. In
1994, he started playing blues guitar with his dad, netting a spot on
Snooky's CD recording "Mind Your Own Business" and also a
Japan tour. Rip formed several blues bands in the Carbondale Il
area, singing and blowing harmonica. In 1998, he recorded a CD "Pitch
a Boogie Woogie" playing all instruments on 8 of the tracks.
Later he got into doing his solo act playing guitar and harmonica.
With the hassle of music and a day job he got out of the music
business in 2000. After retiring from his day job in 2008 and a bout
with bone marrow cancer in 2010, Rip is back and very strong. He has
been working steady with his One Man Blues Show touring South
America, Europe, playing various local venues and blues festivals
throughout the US. Rip recorded a CD in 2014 with Electro-Fi Records
"Nobody But Me". Rip plays Chicago '50's style blues with a vengeance
SCALEHOUND will be appearing Thursday, August 24th at 6PM at the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival. They'll be appearing at the annual opening FREE concert on the lawn of the Kenlake State Park Lodge!
SCALEHOUND
is the musical creation of brothers Jonathan and Robert Sirls.
Growing
up in rural Western Kentucky with musician parents, the Sirls
brothers were exposed to live musical performances at an early age.
After a few years of honing their skills in their teens, writing
original music became the focus. So the brothers packed up and headed
to Nashville, TN to further the cause.
Since
moving to Nashville many moons ago, the brothers have released six
albums independently (w/Scalehound and also Big Jim Slade) and have
performed hundreds of shows locally, regionally, and nationally. Some
notable experiences include a 4 year residency at popular Nashville
venue Mercy Lounge as backing band for the “Everybody’s A
Rockstar” Show, multiple appearances at Bonnaroo, and direct
support for national acts such as Blind Melon, King’s X, Drive-By
Truckers, Blackberry Smoke, Raging Slab, Robert Bradley’s
Blackwater Surprise, Kevin Kinney, OkGo, Centromatic, etc.
In
2011, SCALEHOUND released their self-titled debut album, recorded at
The Switchyard in Nashville, TN, with only an acoustic, a resonator,
and a stomp board. The album contains 11 songs that run the gamut,
from swampy opener “The End If We Want It” to heavy closer “Movin
On”.
SCALEHOUND
was also a featured artist in THE DOCUMENTARY CHANNEL (now PIVOT)
series “Liner Notes” during the documentary "John Lee
Hooker: That's My Story".
In
addition to SCALEHOUND, the brothers are also members of Abandon
Jalopy, the solo project from Brad Smith of Grammy
Nominated/Multi-Platinum act Blind Melon.
SCALEHOUND
is currently working on songs for a sophomore release, and recently
added Chris Belt to the fold on drums for full band shows.
Do you have some questions about this year's festival? We bet others have the same question! E-mail your question by filling out the form HERE on the CONTACT PAGE, and we'll answer your question, PLUS post the question and answer here so others can see!
How much are tickets and where can I get them?
Tickets are ON SALE NOW online! Ticket prices will NOT GO UP! In fact if you order early you will save BIG $$$. If you order online before August 1st, they will be only $30 for BOTH FRIDAY and SATURDAY! After that ticket prices will go up. At the gate, ticket prices will be the same as last year, Friday $20, and Saturday $25 and $40 for BOTH DAYS. Children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult will be admitted at no charge. Ticket sales at local retailers do not start until August 1st, with the combo ticket costing $40. There will be no advance sales for individual day tickets, only for the combo tickets. Tickets will be available August 1st at The Kenlake State Park Lodge, and Kaylee's Farmhouse Restaurant in Aurora, and Music One in Murray, KY. If we add more outlets, we'll update the information. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!
I noticed you have a beer/wine vendor, will I be able to bring in a cooler, like in years past?
Yes! Nothing has changed although we will be asking lot's of YOU questions at the festival about possible changes and what YOU would like for future festivals. In the meantime, even though you can bring in a cooler there are NO GLASS BOTTLES ALLOWED and they will be confiscated!
The last several years, my friends and I have purchased a table with an umbrella at the top of the amphitheater. Will we be able to do that again this year and if so, how much?
There are 10 tables with umbrellas at the top of the amphitheater. Five are for our corporate sponsors, and the other 5 can be purchased by those who want preferred seating. They'll each have 6 chairs and come with 6 wristbands for both Friday and Saturday. THERE IS ONLY ONE LEFT! They are available on a first come, first served basis for $420. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE VIP PARTY PASS TICKET!
My band would like to play at the Kenlake Hot August Blues. How do we apply?
The bands for this year have already been chosen, but in the late fall, our committee will begin looking at bands for next year! Please feel free to submit at the time by clicking HERE and including a link to your band's EPK.
I would like to be a vendor at the Kenlake Hot August Blues. How do I apply?
The vendors for this year have already been chosen, but we will be closely examining how our vendors do, and how they go over with the crowd, asking questions such as, "Do we have enough vendors?, Do we need different varieties of food?" Just like the bands, feel free to contact us in the late fall and inquire about being a vendor for next year, by clicking HERE!
Will there be a shuttle service from the lodge, campground and Aurora to the Amphitheater?
YES! The Shriners will provide shuttle service, with ALL TIPS going to the Shriners Children's Hospital! There will be designated shuttle stops to get on and off. The shuttle will begin running at 3PM Friday, and 10AM Saturday and continue running until everyone is returned to the campground, cabins, lodge or other motels in Aurora. If you're coming to the festival, be sure to have a designated driver or take advantage of the shuttle service as it is there for the safety and convenience of everybody!
Can I bring my dog into the festival with me?
No! We're sorry but it would be a safety concern for your pet, and our other guests!
Friday night,
August 25, the Kenlake Hot August Blues moves over to the Kenlake State
Park amphitheater for a great night of blues! The gates will open extra
early at 3 PM. That way you can go ahead and pick out your favorite
spot, and also sample some of the great food from our food vendors.
The
show will begin at 6 PM with Rip Lee Pryor, the son of the legendary
Snooky Pryor. Snooky, of course, was a blues legend, and with Rip Lee,
the apple did not fall far from the tree!
The
next band is 2 Years Wasted. If you like the Allman Brothers, you will
LOVE 2 Years Wasted. That's who most say they remind them of.
Up
next is Ivas John. If you have never heard Ivas John you are in for a
real treat! Ivas is a favorite in both St Louis and Chicago. His CD
spent most of last year on the roots music report chart. His cool voice
and unique picking style give him a sound which is both traditional but
different from anyone else on the blues scene today.
Friday
night comes to a climax with Lew Jetton & 61 South returning to the
festival! Their latest album, Rain, spent more than 6 months on the
Roots Music Report's Contemporary Blues Chart in 2016 into 2017. For
this show, they're also promising some surprises, with some special guests
joining them for a good ole fashioned blues jam!
The 2017
Kenlake_HotAugust blues festival will officially begin Thursday night,
August 24, on the lawn of the Kenlake State Park Lodge.
This
will be a FREE concert so bring your lawn chairs and plan to attend.
The concert will feature Scale Hound, a band with Western Kentucky
roots, although they have played the Bonaroo music festival several
times, and have opened for such great bands as the Drive By Truckers and
Blackberry Smoke among others.
Also
on the bill for Thursday night are local favorites Adam and the
H-Bombs! It's a great way to get the long festival weekend off to a
great start!
