A roll-call of performers sounds like a who’s who of blues, soul, and zydeco. Since then, dozens of blues men and women have traveled to play the autumn event. After tons of renovation, the first live performance was by Jimmy Rogers in 1997, and the first recording by Jimmie Lee Robinson the following year. The massive cathedral-like church was dedicated in 1927, and is near acoustically perfect. Masters of the craft gather in Salina, Kansas to perform, and sometimes record at a nearly century old venue.īlue Heaven Studios was founded by Chad Kassem, who had purchased the deteriorating First Christian Church in 1996. Blues Masters at the Crossroads is exactly what the title implies. Some may question who all have played here over the last 20 years? A better question would be who hasn’t. October, Salina, Kansas From the balcony at Blues Masters at the Crossroads Photo: David Clouston Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival Blues Masters at the Crossroads Shade tents are also allowed here, as they keep a section open just for them. The festival site does have ample parking which attracts food trucks galore while the show is underway.Īs with most outdoor events, blankets and folding chairs are permitted. We suggest you stay in town a while and take in a show at Uncle Bo’s Blues Bar located in the Ramada Inn Hotel downtown. The lake also provides opportunities for swimming, boating, or just lying on the beach a stone’s throw from the music.Įverything in the Capital City is only minutes away, including hotels, restaurants, and the NOTO Arts District. The music starts at noon, and continues until dark when the City of Topeka’s largest fireworks display lights the sky.
Taking place on the banks of Lake Shawnee, this one-day event is absolutely free to the public. Some years the line-up is so large that a second, acoustic stage is set up to accommodate all the performers. Just a few of the alumni acts include Samantha Fish, Hamilton Loomis, Tas Cru, Southern Avenue, Anthony Gomes, and Duke Robillard. Combining local talent with internationally renown performers has kept this Midwest festival fresh and vibrant, year after year. For the last eight years the Topeka Blues Society has done so by hosting the Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival.
Smack dab in the middle of the country, they know how to celebrate Independence Day. July 4th, Topeka, Kansas Ori Naftaly of Southern Avenue on stage at Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival Photo: JD Nash Blues fan looking for the perfect Music or Blues Festival in Kansas? The pros at ABS have made you this Top Five blues festival guide to discover Kansas Blues Festivals with the best live music lineups, vendors, arts, food, and attractions.