AD: Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish and Royal Southern Brotherhood to headline 2014 Blues in the Natural State Festival

Samantha Fish, coming to the 2014 Blues in the Natural State Festival

Photo: Native Orleanian

The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas is pleased to announce the headlining music acts for the 12th Annual Blues in the Natural State Music Festival starting Thursday, April 3, and running through Saturday, April 5.

“We are pleased to expand the blues festival to an extra day in partnership with “Fayetteville First Thursday,” says Roger Plourde, President of Ozark Blues Society. “Kansas City-based Samantha Fish will open the Festival on Thursday, April 3 with a free concert on the historic downtown Fayetteville Square.”

Twenty-four year old Fish is a rising blues star that brings a fresh twist to the blues sound with her high-energy trio. Also featured on the square that evening will be a “Blues Fun” Kids stage presented by Arts Live Theater and the Fayetteville Public Library and, Brick Fields and the Chosen Ones, the 2013 Ozark Blues Society’s Blues Challenge Winners.

Tab Benoit

Native Orleanian

Headlining at George’s Majestic on Friday, April 4 is The Royal Southern Brotherhood, an American blues and rock super group featuring Cyril Neville, and Devon Allman — two names from great musical families. Samantha Fish will open the show.

Friday evening will begin with the traditional George’s happy hour featuring favorites Earl & Them and Isayah’s Allstars.

On Saturday, April 5, venues Jose’s 324 Ballroom, The Smoke & Barrel Tavern and George’s Majestic Lounge will feature festival acts. Starting at the 324 Ballroom, an International Blues Challenge Winners Showcase featuring Lucious Spiller – the 2014 2nd place solo winner, Little Joe McLerran – the 2009 1st place solo winner and Ray Bonneville – the 2012 1st place solo winner. At The Smoke & Barrel Tavern, Kansas City Band Levee Town and local favorites Leah & the Mojo Doctors are scheduled to perform. Grammy nominated Tab Benoit who is a 6-time Blues Music Award winner will close out the 3-day festival with his unique brand of swamp soul blues and guitar virtuosity at George’s. A late night session is also planned with Oklahoma Blues Hall of Famer, Steve Pryor. Also at George’s that night, the Benton County based blues bands The Downtown Livewires and Jigsaw Mud will perform. RJ Mischo and his Red Hot Blues Band and the legendary Cate Brothers Band will open the Tab Benoit show.

Several area hotels are offering discounts during the festival, including The Chancellor, The Holiday Inn Express and The Quality Inn.

Presented by the Ozark Blues Society and Walmart, the Festival will feature over a dozen performing acts on five stages across Fayetteville. Support for the festival was also provided by the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, First Security Bank, and TeleComp.

Wristbands are now on sale at ozarkbluessociety.org or at georgesmajesticlounge.com. Prices are: $20 in advance for each day.

Jose’s Streetside, The Dickson Street Pub, and The Fresco Café & Pub will also be featuring blues acts during the weekend. Contact those establishments for details and scheduled times.

For the full schedule of artists visit ozarkbluessociety.org.

Tab Benoit – Shelter Me

Samantha Fish – Darker Side of Love

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Royal Southern Brotherhood – One Way Out

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