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the audience swaying and moving to the sounds of such bands as Andye MacIntyre and The Primal Groove, Gasoline Alley, Jeff Strahan, and Jennifer B. and The Groove Kings. Even BB King’s band, James Boogaloo Bolden Blues Band, offered spectacular sounds later in the evening, keeping the enthusiastic crowd mesmerized.

Tall City ‘Blues Fest’ was the brainchild of Lisa Grissom and Ronn Reeger, partners in Promising Projects Productions, whose vision was to bring the community together with a weekend of great music, education and an experience like no other. The premier three-day event was packed with performances by musicians from all over Texas, and as far away as California, Louisiana and Colorado.

When asked, “Why Blues music”? Lisa was quoted as saying, “Everyone can relate to Blues music! Whether you consider yourself a fan of the Blues or not, is irrelevant. We can all relate to Blues music…”

The First Annual Tall City ‘Blues Fest’ previewed with a VIP Party on Thursday night at the Lone Star Bar, where guests

gathered to receive packets with passes to the entire weekend’s events. The party, catered by the Hog Pit, also featured the sizzling sounds of rock and blues from award-winning guitarist, Reuben V, of San Antonio.

Music performances were balanced throughout the weekend, each stage alternated continuously with a band, so that there was never ‘dead air’. Concert-goers could also take a break from the heat, but never miss a beat, inside the Midland Center, where the Chamber Acoustic Jam Stage (sponsored by the Midland Chamber of Commerce), hosted bands that performed acoustically. Offering something for everyone, shoppers also strolled along the aisles, enjoying booths that sold everything from food to fashion. Besides music, a big part of the festival was the educational workshops. In conjunction with Midland College, classes were held in areas such as “Contemporary Blues Songwriting 101” to “Blues Guitar 202: Deconstructing SRV Licks”. A class for kids in “Harmonica for Kids” given by Jose Ruiz and Woody Russell, also gave each child his own harmonica.

Besides music, a big part of the festival was the educational workshops. In conjunction with Midland College, classes were held in areas such as “Contemporary Blues Songwriting 101” to “Blues Guitar 202: Deconstructing SRV Licks”. A class for kids in “Harmonica for Kids” given by Jose Ruiz and Woody Russell, also gave each child his own harmonica.