A variety of artists performing blues and soul music are on tap for the Riverside Blues Fest scheduled for 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday on River Street in Elkins. The third annual event aims to raise awareness for the Riverside School Project.
The event will take place directly in front of the Riverside School, which was originally constructed in 1906 to serve the African American community of Randolph County and garnered a legacy as an excellent academic institution during its active years. The building is now undergoing restoration, thanks to the efforts of the Riverside School Association. A recent grant has allowed the Riverside Blues Fest to expand its efforts, and while it no longer acts as an official fund raiser for the association, it is still instrumental in raising awareness for the fund, said Joe Sabatino, a volunteer with the Riverside Blues Fest.
"It's to raise awareness about the Riverside School Project, as well as the black population in West Virginia," Sabatino said.
Eight different bands will be present at the event, as well as an appearance by surprise musical guests. Musicians slated to perform at the event will include The Riverside Rescue Squad, Lady D, The Ginsangers, The Dennis McClung Blues Band, Th' Bullfrog Willard McGhee and Tad Walters, The Craig King Band, Sam Lamont Band, and Miss Freddye and Blue Faze.
"The event does help make Elkins a very well-rounded, diverse community - which it always has been, except not many people knew it," said Alice Sabatino, coordinator for the Riverside Blues Fest. "Elkins is a very unique community."
The event will also be presided over by master of ceremonies Richard Smith, a blues musician and Elkins resident who has taught musicians through the Augusta program for more than 20 years.
There will be several vendors present at the event, with booths for Good Energy Foods, The Riverside School Project, & Purple Things, Talbott Glass, and others, including Tammy King, a Morgantown area artist who crafts steam punk and Victorian style inspired jewelry from recycled items.
Tickets for the event are $10 per person, and children aged 12 years and younger are given free admittance. The event will also include a 50/50 raffle, and participants are eligible to win door prizes, including an adult beachcomber bicycle and a vintage 1950's ruby red punch bowl set.
Major sponsors of the Riverside Blues Fest include the Randolph County Commission, the Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city of Elkins, Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Super 8 Motel and The Riverside School Association/Mountain Partners in Community Development. Other contributors include Youth Empowered Solutions, Save-a-Lot, Walmart, Shop 'n Save, Scott Hill Occasions, Bob Evans and the Riverside School Association.
Contact Lydia Nuzum by email at lnuzum@theintermountain.com.
