Starting in 1990, the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival has quickly become a beloved pre-Labor Day tradition for the Kentucky and Tennessee area. Mid-South native and musician, Lew Jetton, visited Sounds Good to discuss the upcoming festival.
The Hot August Blues Festival has brought artists of all kinds to Land Between the Lakes for almost three decades, and the line-up for their 28th year is expected to be just as diverse and talented. The festival will kick off with a free concert on the Kenlake State Resort Park Lodge's lawn on Thursday, August 23rd. Tennessee native and Hot August Blues veteran, Lew Jetton & 61 South, will start playing at 6 p.m. and will be joined by some of the region's finest blues musicians.
Gates will open on Friday, August 24th, at 3 p.m. Performances will begin at 6 p.m. and include The Sullivan 3, Woody Pines, Blue Mother Tupelo, and Albert Castiglia. Saturday's music will begin earlier in the day, with gates opening at 10 a.m. and music starting at 12 noon. Saturday performers include The Watson Brothers Band, Elam McKnight, Soul Dog, Microwave Dave & The Nukes, Ivas John, Miranda Louise, Big Mike Griffin, and Larry McCray.
2-day admission passes for Friday and Saturday performances are available online and at the Kenlake State Resort Park (Aurora, KY), Cellar Door Wine & Spirits (Murray, Benton, and Draffenville, KY), Music One (Murray, KY), Murray Transit, and the Moonshine Company (Paducah, KY) for $40. The 2-day passes will be $45 at the gate the day of the festival. Saturday-only tickets are $30.
Outside food and drink are welcome in coolers for a small fee, which will directly benefit the Marshall County Rescue Squad. Transportation to and from the festival is also available to Calloway County residents by Murray-Calloway County Transit Authority (call ahead at 270-753-9725).
For more information on music, food, transportation, or location of the Hot August Blues Festival, visit their website.