More than 2,000 people will gather in Oregon Ridge Park on Saturday for the 16th Annual Hot August Blues and Roots Festival, an annual event that highlights regional and national blues, jazz and soul artists.
The festival’s founder and organizer, Brad Selko, decided to add roots music this year. “We’ve got roots, blues, jazz, country folk, bluegrass – they are all in the festival, and we still have enough of a presence of regular blues in there too,” Selko said.
This year’s lineup includes John Hiatt and the Ageless Beauties, Marcia Ball, JJ Grey and Mofro, Bonerama, Professor Louie and the Cromatix, and Janet Griffin and the Fine Young Segovians.
“I’m really happy that we have John Hiatt. He’s a strong performer, and a prolific songwriter. I mean, how many people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, can continue to write great songs?” Selko said.
Local songwriter/singer Griffin will appear with her band at 11:45 a.m. A professional performer for the past 30 years, Griffin, a native of Annapolis, started making music at the age of 13 and never stopped. She releases her brand new CD, “Fairy Tale Gone Wrong,” a collaboration with local singer Paul Harrison, on Saturday.
“I’ve chosen some really outstanding musicians. Paul [Harrison] is an amazing songwriter and an outstanding guitar player; we’ll be doing several of his songs. Marc Wexler of Gypsy Dog will be playing mandolin, Jay Turner of the Remnants on bass and Tom Fridrich of the Remnants on jamborine,” Griffin said. “It’ll be a really fun show!”
Aside from musical performers, the festival also features performance artists like stilt walkers, fire eaters, hula hoopers, as well as performances from the all-female Batala Percussion Band in between sets.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Common Ground on the Hill, a nonprofit arts organization in Westminster, which offers scholarships to inner city youths.
Above all, Selko is intent on making sure people just have a laid-back, good time. “I think people are going to like all of the acts. People from 20 to 70 like Hiatt, he’s just a great songwriter. Bonerama appeals to jazz people as well as blues and roots, and Marcia is a great piano player, people love her.”
IF YOU GO
16th Annual Hot August Blues and Roots Festival
Where: Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville
When: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $30 to $40
Info: www.hotaugustblues.com
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