McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce recently issued the following announcement.
The lineup is ready, new ticket and sponsorship features are available and excitement is building for this summer’s Blues, Brews & BBQ at Petersen Park.
Already, blues fans from across the region are commenting on the stellar Aug. 16-18 lineup. It includes as headliners Blues Foundation Music Award nominee Corey Dennison, the five-star review riffs of Dave Specter with special guest Jimmy Johnson, and the six-string stories of the Joanna Connor Band.
“We have had some amazing performers who’ve graced our festival stage over the years,” said Diana Mark, the musical lineup chairwoman for the Rotary Club of McHenry event. “But honestly, I’ve never been this excited about the level of talent that is coming our way.”
In keeping with tradition, McHenry’s own John Todd Band will kick things off on Friday evening (Aug. 16), followed by Jimmy Nick & Don’t Tell Mama, with Dennison playing the 9 to 11 p.m. spot. Before Specter takes the Northwest Herald stage Saturday, event-goers will enjoy the sounds of the Ivy Ford and Demetria Taylor bands.
On Sunday, Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band Wall of Denial will start things off at noon, followed by Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners and finally, Joanna Connor.
Complete lineup and other event details are available at mrbbb.com.
The three-day music, food and craft brew fest draws thousands of visitors and has raised more than $250,000 for local and global charities since its 2012 inception, club officials said.
“Our event is a lot of fun,” said Don Tonyan, who co-chairs Blues, Brews & BBQ along with Donna Schaefer. “But it’s much more than that. When well-supported by sponsors and ticket holders, this is a fundraiser that has tremendous outcomes for our shared community.”
Tonyan noted that beneficiaries have included everyone from local military veterans to county residents who rely on the nonprofit Family Health Partnership Clinic for medical and dental care. Funds also have gone to worldwide efforts to eliminate polio and to provide emergency shelter for disaster victims. Sponsorships are key, Tonyan said.
“Without the generous businesses and individuals who contribute to offsetting our costs, we’d have little left to give. We want them to know we’re truly grateful,” Tonyan said, noting that D.C. Cobb’s-McHenry is premier event sponsor again this year.
Brian Thoma, the Rotarian heading up sponsorship recruitment efforts this year, said plans for a VIP tent are coming together. “Crystal Lake Brewing is sponsoring craft beers and The Breakers of Crystal Lake is supplying food for the tent for most of the weekend,” he said. “Our club or a sponsor yet to be named will keep the tent supplied for Sunday.”
Sponsors in the $1,000-and-up range will receive VIP tent privileges, which will include craft beer and appetizers as well as a chance to meet and mingle with the day’s performers. Ticket buyers also can get in on the VIP tent scene for $75 a ticket. Regular admission is $10 at the gate or $7 if purchased in advance. The $75 VIP tickets will be sold in limited quantities and will include a three-day pass to the fest plus one day of VIP tent entry. Tickets are available now at Eventbrite.com.
For other information about Blues, Brews & BBQ, including sponsorship details, visit mrbbb.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. To learn more about the Rotary Club of McHenry, visit mchenryrotary.org.
Contact:
Don Tonyan and Donna Schaefer, McHenry Blues, Brews & BBQ co-chairs
815-482-0746 or 815-482-8805
Original source can be found here.
Source: McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce
Alerts Sign-up