1:00pm | A Los Angeles Times article today reports that after thirty years of tradition, the Long Beach Blues Festival will not be held in 2010.
A smaller fair will be held on September 4 on the campus of CSULB, featuring food and local music and a ticketed concert that evening. Positive news compared to the alternative, but still, a strong blow to one of the staples of Long Beach’s musical tradition.
The show is hosted by KKJZ-FM (88.1), whose manager told the Times that the festival is going on hiatus due to economic trouble. Writes reporter Chris Barton:
While news of the hiatus is certainly troubling, KKJZ station manager Stephanie Levine remains committed to the festival’s future. “The Blues Festival hiatus was a tough decision,” Levine said in a statement. “But, we will continue to work toward bringing back the festival in all its glory.”
Last year’s event featured Bobby Womack, Bettye LaVette and Bernie Pearl among many others. In the past, legends such as B.B. King, John Lee Hooker and Bo Diddley have performed at the Long Beach Blues Festival. Click here to read columnist Steve Propes’ recap of last year’s event.
More to come…