Old Town BluesFest facts for kids

The Old Town BluesFest is a fun and free music festival held every year in early autumn. It takes place in Lansing, Michigan. This festival celebrates blues music.

It features many talented blues artists. These include performers from all over the country, the region, and Lansing itself. Some artists who have played there are W. C. Clark, Grana' Louise, Byther Smith, and Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang. Others include Jan James, Lady Sunshine and the X Band, and Root Doctor. Over 20,000 people come to enjoy the music each year.

About the Old Town BluesFest

The Old Town BluesFest is a big event in Lansing. It brings together people who love blues music. The festival is free, so everyone can come and enjoy the shows. It's a great way to experience live music.

How the Festival Started

The festival began in 1994. It was started by the Old Town Business and Art Development Association. Back then, it was called OctoberFest. It didn't focus only on blues music at first.

An alternative rock radio station, 92.1 WWDX, helped promote the festival. A local media company, Message Makers, was also an early supporter. In its first few years, about 2,000 to 3,000 people attended. Famous artists like Marcy Playground and Duncan Sheik performed. Local bands also played their music.

From OctoberFest to BluesFest

In 2003, the festival organizers made a big change. They decided to focus entirely on blues music. This is when it became the Old Town BluesFest. A new local radio station, 94.9 WMMQ, became the main sponsor. This change helped the festival grow.

The Festival Today

The Old Town BluesFest continues to be a popular event. It attracts thousands of visitors each year. In 2020, like many events, the festival had to adapt. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held online. This allowed people to enjoy the music safely from home.