MVBF quickly switches venues to Davenport

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society has decided to move the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival from its former LeClaire Park location to downtown Davenport, IA. Because of its being right on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Park has been deemed too dangerous a venue to hold the festival in the midst of the massive flooding that has gripped Iowa in recent weeks.

The festival, which brings an economic benefit of $2.5 million to the Quad Cities area, will utilize the streets of downtown Davenport as well as the city's Adler Theater for its activities. While considering LeClaire Park the festival's "home location," festival spokesperson Karen McFarland sees the event as potentially serving a major purpose this summer no matter where it is held, stating, "By the holiday, people will be needing a break from cleanup efforts, or looking for a festival to attend because of their hometown festival cancellations. We Welcome everyone to come to the Quad Cities and enjoy three great days of world-class music, great food and lots of fun with family and friends."

Some of the cancelled local events McFarland referred to included Burlington's Steamboat Days, Cedar Rapids' Freedom Festival, and Cedar Falls' Sturgis Falls events.

Featured performers at this year's Blues Festival include Koko Taylor, Elvin Bishop, Denise LaSalle, Otis Taylor and the Black Banjo Project, Billy Boy Arnold with Jody Williams and The Homes Brothers.

Advance three-day passes for the festival are $40 while one-day passes are $15 at the gate. Children 14 and under get in for free. To find out more go to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society's website.