Bourbon
& Blues Festival – Aug 19, 2023
McGrath Amphitheater
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
By Phillip Smith; Aug. 23, 2022
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
The temperature was running hot
at just over ninety degrees, but that sure did not keep blues fans from coming
out to hear the amazing talent who took the stage at the 2023 Bourbon &
Blues Festival co-presented by Linn County Blues Society and Cedar
Ridge Winery and Distillery. Mr.
Sipp the 2023 Blues Music Award nominee for the BB King
Entertainer of the year took the stage first and gave a stellar performance
packed with high-energy. Following afterwards
was an incredible set from Sugaray Rayford the 2023 Blues Music Award
winner for Best Soul Blues Album.
Headlining the event was Shemekia Copeland, the 2023 Blues
Music Award winner for Best Instrumentalist – Vocals. She was absolutely amazing. Cedar Rapids musician Bryce Janey,
a semi-finalist in the 2012 International Blues Challenge, kept the
music flowing and the audience captivated between sets. It’s always a pleasure to hear him play. From beginning to end, this festival was delightfully
outstanding.
·
All photos by
Phillip Smith
 |
| Mark Rowell |
 |
| Bob DeForest |
Mr. Sipp
 |
| Bob DeForest |
Bryce Janey
Sugaray Rayford
Bryce Janey
Shemekia Copeland
