Get ready to jam and wail to the sound of the blues. The streets of Granville will be rocking to blues legends and local artists alike.
The First Hot Licks Bluesfest will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 9) in Downtown Granville.
The event is sponsored by the Granville Federation for the Appreciation of the Blues (GFAB). Additionally, the event is, in part, sponsored by the Columbus Blues Alliance and WCBE.
GFAB was formed last fall with the intent of hosting this concert. The Federation consists of local residents and professionals who appreciate the art of blues music. Members of the Federation include Associate Professor of Communication Laurel Kennedy, Instructor of Music Tom Carroll, and Brews owner Jerry Martin.
While outdoor music concerts are no stranger to the Village of Granville, a festival of this nature is a first.
As a result of the grand nature of the festival, Broad Street in downtown Granville will be closed.
Headlining the day of music is legendary harpist, as in the harmonica, not the stringed instrument, Carey Bell, a name familiar to any blues aficionado.
Though a native of Mississippi, Bell came into his own right on the Chicago blues circuit. Bell first arrived in the windy city in 1956 in search of musical opportunities.
Fortunately for the blues world, he found several opportunities.
Bell made his debut recording in 1969 for the Delmark record label. He continued recording throughout the 1970s alongside such musical greats as Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon.
Bell’s harmonica playing is rooted in the tradition of such greats as Little Walter and Big Walter Horton. His music has influenced numerous artists, including modern blues artists such as Billy Branch and Charlie Musselwhite.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bell has recorded numerous albums for several labels, including Alligator and Blind Pig.
His latest album is 1998’s Brought Up the Hard Way, a collection of Bell favorites.
