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Flagstaff Brews and Blues: Arizona's Largest Blues Event

The city of Flagstaff was established in the 1880’s, serving as a hub for regional lumber, ranching, and railroad industries. Today, the vibrant city of 52,000 is bursting through its seams with cultural attractions, unique restaurants, art galleries, and more. It’s proximity to seven national parks and monuments including Barringer Meteor Crater and Montezuma Castle National Monument, make it one of the best destinations in the Southwest for outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Flagstaff Blues and Brews seamlessly combines blues music, beer, and natural beauty to create one of Arizona's can't-miss spring events, and will take place June 10 at the Continental Country Club Driving Range. The event is the largest Blues festival in the state, with 10 acts performing including the North Mississippi AllStars and Joe Kopecki. The event will also feature a selection of great Arizona beer like Four Peaks Brewing Company, Lumber Yard Brewing Company, and Oak Creek Brewing Company. A large marketplace will include more than 30 craft vendors selling a variety of goods, and a kids area will have games and activities for all ages. The event will donate a portion of its proceeds to the Children's Orchestra, which provides instruction and instruments to any child that wishes to learn music. We got the opportunity to interview Debbi Grogan, a representative of the event, to find out more about this Northern Arizona celebration of beer.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

DG: 2017 marks the 5th year for the Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

DG: We’re still in the growing phase of our festival, and don’t expect to hit capacity until probably year eight or nine. Last year we drew a crowd of 3,200 and our overall capacity is around 7,500. We’re proud to be Arizona’s largest Blues Festival!

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?

DG: We attract a wide variety of people. Baby boomers make up the majority, followed closely by families. Last year, we saw an increase in the younger crowd. This festival is loved by anyone who loves Blues music and loves to be outdoors.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

DG: Walking into the festival, you’re struck by the surrounding beauty, but once you find a place to park for the day, you get to explore! We have a kid’s area, and over 30 craft vendors so you can discover plenty of new treasures.  Once you’ve bought your treasures, head over to the bar, where we will be featuring eight microbreweries, as well as domestic brands, wine, and cider.

 

While walking around the festival, stop by Pepsi’s free photo booth and grab a picture with friends, or stop by any of our festival sponsor tents and enjoy games and giveaways. Naked Mobile will be holding a cornhole tournament and you can charge your phone or head over to Russ Lyon’s House of Blues to get out of the sun and check out the latest golf scores.

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

DG: We have ten musical acts:

11:30 am                   Soul Summit

12:35 pm                   Mother Road Trio

1:40 pm                     Sistahs Too

2:40 pm                     Recognition of Arizona Blues Hall of Fame Artists

3:00 pm                     Harlis Sweetwater Band

4:00 pm                     Kornell Johns

4:20 pm                     Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band

5:35 pm                     Chris Kane

5:55 pm                     Victor Wainwright and the Wild Roots

7:10 pm                     Joe Kopecki

7:30 pm                     North Mississippi AllStars

 

Our artists often head over to the merchandise tent and sign their CDs and meet fans. Blues artists are usually very accessible and enjoy meeting fans.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

DG: If you have a fancy for BBQ, Cajun, Mexican Food, Asian Food, Vegetarian, Vegan, we’ve got you covered. The VIP area will have catered food throughout the day, with a full dinner in the evening.

 

RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?

DG: When Phoenix is over 100 degrees, Flagstaff is only around 80 degrees, so rooms sell out fast! We have two hotels offering specials, GreenTree Inn with a two night minimum for $79.95 per night, and Sonesta Suites with a two night minimum for $149. With both hotels, ask for the Blues and Brews special.

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

DG: Residents of Flagstaff love music and being outdoors. This festival allows tourists and locals to come together for both of these, and once you attend a Flagstaff Festival, you become part local! This festival has attracted people from around the world, and is the only Blues Festival in Arizona that always features at least three national acts. The Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival is working to become Flagstaff’s largest destination festival.

 

RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?

DG: This year, the festival is benefiting the Children’s Orchestra, part of the Orchestra of Northern Arizona. This program started last year, and we hope to provide instruments and music, so any child that wants to learn how to play has the opportunity.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event.

DG: This event is perfect for family reunions, romantic getaways and friends meeting up to enjoy a day in the sun! Come up to Flagstaff on Friday, enjoy dinner at one of our fantastic restaurants, enjoy the downtown activities, and hit up the Southside for our Festival Kick Off Party! Saturday, plan on bringing a chair, sunscreen, a great attitude and a love for music and learn why Flagstaff Blues and Brews was named one of the most beautiful Blues Festivals. Saturday night, head downtown to the after party and continue to dance the night away. On Sunday – head over to the Toasted Owl for the Blues Brunch before you head home.

 

For more information about the Flagstaff Brews and Blues, please visit the event website.