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Festival History

Old Town BluesFest started in 1994 under the name OctoberFest. Lansing's alternative radio station, 92.1 WWDX, signed on as media sponsor, and   MessageMakers became its founding business sponsor.

In its early years, the festival brought out 2,000-3,000 people; now that has increased to nearly 15,000.

In 2003, the festival committee decided to transform the fall music festival into Old Town BluesFest and was pleased to announce 94.9 WMMQ as the new radio sponsor.

The festival had formerly featured such renowned artists as Marcy Playground, Duncan Sheik, Kid Rock, Nineteen Wheels and local showstoppers such as Powerface, Knee Deep Shag, The Lash, and The Weepers.

BluesFest's updated format has featured nationally recognized blues artists such as Junior Watson, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, W.C. Clark, Carl Weathersby, Sharrie Williams, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Bnois King, Reverend Raven, Toni Lynn Washington, Byther Smith, Grana' Louise, bugs Beddow band, Alberta Adams, A.C. Reid, Son Seals, plus popular performers from around the state such as Lady Sunshine and the X Band, Calvin Cooke and Sacred Steel Ensemble, Mojo Phoenix, Those Delta Rhythm Kings, Root Doctor, Doug Deming and the All Stars, JR Clark, and The Automatic Blues Band. (More detailed lists of past artists are available.)

Old Town BluesFest is THE place to listen and dance to the sounds of a powerful blues beat.

Awards & Recognition

The Old Town BluesFest has been honored with a number of awards, including:

Festival Committee

The Old Town BluesFest would not be possible without the diligent efforts of its festival committee: