8th Annual Congressional Blues Festival

DETAILS

What :	8th Annual Congressional Blues Festival
Where :	National Building Museum
When :	Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 6:30pm
How :	Metro Red line to Judiciary Square Station. If driving, parking is metered street parking, garages are located on F Street between 6th and 7th, D Street between 8th and 9th, and at the corner of 7th and H Streets.
Tickets :	In keeping with tradition, all CBF tickets include all you can eat and drink all night, and rocking performances by our artists (TBD). This year's menu features flavorful southern-influenced fare with vegetarian options accompanied by unlimited beer and wine.
Press Release :	PDF Version

ARTISTS

Sol & Funk Root

(Set Starts Approx. 6:45pm)

http://www.sol-roots.com

Sol is a fierce guitarist, bassist, and soulful singer who has toured around the world with many roots, funk, and blues legends. Sol and his band Funk Root create a unique blend of energetic rock, raw blues, reggae, and funk, all delivered with deep soul.

Michael "Iron Man" Burks

(Set Starts Approx. 7:10pm)

http://www.michaelburks.com/

Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Michael "Iron Man" Burks stands tall as a major contemporary blues figure. With a nickname earned by his hours-long, intensely physical performances, fearsome guitar attack, tough, smoky vocals and the thousands of miles logged behind the wheel of his touring van, Burks is a modern blues hero. Nobody in today's blues world successfully bridges searing electric guitar blues with unbridled rock and roll energy like Burks. The Chicago Sun-Times recently said Burks is "poised on the brink of major stardom."

Christylez Bacon

with special guests Slyce-D and Rick Franklin
(Set Starts Approx. 8:20pm)

http://www.christylez.com/

Christylez Bacon (pronounced: chris-styles) is a GRAMMY Nominated Progressive Hip-Hop artist and multi-instrumentalist from Southeast, Washington, DC. As a performer, Christylez multi-tasks between various instruments such as the West African djembe drum, acoustic guitar, and the human beat-box (oral percussion), all while continuing the oral tradition of storytelling through his lyrics.

Mudcat

(Set Starts Approx. 8:45pm)

http://www.mudcatblues.com/

Mudcat is an internationally known gospel and bluesman. Mudcat continues the traditions of the early blues pioneers while adding his own Mudcat edge, resulting in one of Atlanta's greatest treasures.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

(Set Starts Approx. 9:30pm)

http://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/

There are few artists whose names are synonymous with one instrument and how it's played in service to an entire genre.

Utter the phrase "young blues guitarist" within earshot of anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the modern musical vanguard and the first name they are most likely to respond with will be Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Still barely in his 30s, the Louisiana born axeman and songsmith has been selling millions of albums, throwing singles into the Top 10, shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound he has embodied since his teens. He met Stevie Ray Vaughn at 7, shared the stage with New Orleans legend Bryan Lee at 13. As an adult, he continues to create genre-defining blues-infused rock n' roll.

CONGRESSIONAL HOST COMMITTEE

2011 Co-Chairs Congressman Joe Crowley (D - NY) & Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R - TN)
This Year's Committee
Senator Thad Cochran (R - MS) Senator Jim DeMint (R - SC) Senator Mark Pryor (D - AR) Congressman Howard Coble (R - NC) Congressman John Sullivan (R - OK) Congressman John Shimkus (R - IL) Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D - NY) Congressman Dan Boren (D - OK) Congressman Bennie Thompson (D - MS) Congressman Leonard Boswell (D - IA) Congressman Adam Schiff (D - CA) Congressman Dave Reichert (R - WA) Congressman Phil Roe (R - TN) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D - CT)	Senator Lindsey Graham (R - SC) Senator James Inhofe (R - OK) Congressman Gerald Connolly (D - VA) Congressman Tom Latham (R - IA) Congressman Steve Cohen (D - TN) Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R - GA) Congressman George Miller (D - CA) Congressman Darrell Issa (R - CA) Congressman John Lewis (D - GA) Congressman Frank Lucas (R - OK) Congressman Tom Cole (R - OK) Congressman Ted Deutch (D - FL) Congressman Collin Peterson (D - MN)

MISSION

The 'Blues' is America's own creation and tradition, and is at the heart of our cultural identity and the root of American music. Born from the streets and hearts of Americans, The Blues is recognized and respected globally--reaching every corner of the earth while serving as the core of inspiration for every successful top-performing artist. The Blues epitomizes our cultural identity, and yet the opportunity to learn from its creators is slipping away. Many original Blues pioneers are struggling to make a living through their art as they try to pass on this tradition to future generations, and the Congressional Blues Festival was created to raise funds and to promote this cause.

The CBF is an 8 year-old effort to preserve The Blues history and to help keep this great American tradition alive by honoring and assisting those pioneers who helped to create it. The Congressional Blues Festival's mission is dedicated to giving back to American Roots Music by raising money and awareness for organizations that directly support artists in need. To date, the Congressional Blues Festival has raised over $1 million to support this mission. Thanks to all our sponsors, fans, volunteers, and supporters who have joined us on this journey. This year's charitable partner is The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN.

FAQs

What if I can't make the Congressional Blues Festival or I need to give my ticket to someone else?

    You may go to our Order Information Form and find the tickets you would like to transfer. In order to successfully transfer the ticket(s), you will receive an email to the same email address to confirm the transfer. Upon confirmation, you and the new recipient will receive an email announcement the successful transfer.

What is the Dress Code?

    Come as you please. Many will be in business casual...many will be in jeans.

When does the headliner go on?

    We can not always predict how the night will go so we encourage you to show up early and enjoy all of the performances.

When do the doors open?

    The doors open at 6:30pm and the party starts!

Can I follow CBF on Facebook or Twitter or join the mailing list?

    CBF is on both Facebook and Twitter. But if you aren't up on the latest trends, send an old fashion email to festival@congressionalbluesfestival.org to join the mailing list.

Do you need to be 21+ years of age for the show?

    CBF is an all ages show but you will need a valid state ID upon entrance for a wristband for alcoholic beverage.

Are there press passes available for CBF?

    There are a VERY limited number of press passes available for this year's show. To request a pass, please send an email with your credentials and information to festival@congressionalbluesfestival.org