Main Blues

Local and international blues artists will gather in Mineral, Washington for the Fifth Annual Blues Festival. The lineup for the 5th Annual Mt. Rainier Rhythm & Blues Festival at the Mineral Lake Event Center on September 24, 2011 is now confirmed.

This year's line up is truly international and features three bands that were in the finals this year at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis. Another Band performing in Mineral this year is heading to Memphis next year to represent the South Sound Blues Association (SSBA) at the 2012 IBC, and even another band will be competing in the regional IBC finals to represent the Washington Blues Society (WBS) next year at the IBC. This year's Festival also showcases Pacific NW veterans and legends of the stage.

In addition to the Main Stage there will be indoor stages and open jamming around the bon-fire for all musicians, whether they are performing or not. There will also be tent and RV camping on-site and plenty of activities for the whole family. Attendees will experience a twelve hour musical extravaganza at the foot of Mt. Rainier, just ninety minutes or less from most major metro areas in western Washington.

More about the performers:

Nick Vigarino's Back Porch Stomp - Nick Vigarino's Back Porch Stomp were in the IBC finals this year and have been in high demand around the country since then. Nick is a master of the slide guitar and has developed a style of his own that continues to amaze fans and fellow musicians alike.
Little Blue and the Bluenotes - Little Bill Engelhart has been in the music business for over 55 years, performing more than 10,000 shows in his career. Bill continues to be one of the busiest performers on the scene today. Little Bill is a genuine music legend around these parts and the City of Tacoma has even given him his own day for eternity.

Deb Rhymer - Starting off the international showcase is the dynamic Deb Rhymer from Victoria BC. Deb has performed internationally for many years. She is well known for her Bette Midler tribute shows, but she can also flat out sing the blues like very few women can. A real powerhouse vocalist in the blues and beyond!

The Randy Oxford Band - IBC finalists and international touring band, The Randy Oxford Band will take the stage for a set of international blues, featuring musicians from 4 different countries. After their recent success at the IBC in Memphis, they continue to be in demand as far away as Quebec where they recently performed at the world famous "Festival International du Blues de Tremblant". They were the first band from Washington state to ever play this prestigious festival.

The Red Hot Blues Sisters - These dynamic performers will be representing the SSBA at the 2012 IBC. You will see why they are headed back to Memphis when you watch them perform. Featuring the recipient of the BB award from the WBS for female vocalist of the year. The "Red Hotz" continue to tour the U.S. and Europe regularly.

Maia Santel and Her All-Star Blend - Maia is a NW veteran of the stage and she can "bring the swing" or "throw down the blues" like nobody's business. Maia put this amazing all-star "blend" together exclusively for this festival. This is a show with so much going on, you won't want to leave the dance floor.

Georg Schroeter and Marc Breitfelder - All the way from Germany are this year's IBC winners in the Solo/Duo category. They made music history this year as the first European act to win the IBC. They are traveling with a 4 piece band and they are ending their North American tour at this festival. Georg on piano and vocals and Marc playing world class harmonica, have brought their unique blues style to the forefront of the modern Blues scene. THIS WILL BE THEIR ONLY WASHINGTON STATE APPEARANCE!

The Rafael Tranqulino Band - Rafael's hot new band will be competing in the WBS finals to represent the WBS at the 2012 IBC. Rafael's style of playing guitar and singing are like nothing else in the music world today. Rafael has been on tour with The Randy Oxford Band for several years now. When he is not touring with Randy, he has time to create his own kind of show that is full of energy,passion and spirit, that makes this band the perfect closing act to an amazing day of international blues. You will not want to miss this world class closing act.

Tickets are available via Brown Paper Tickets at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191547 or via Brown Paper Ticket's 24/7 Ticket Hotline at: 1-800-838-3006.