Lebanon Blues Fest celebrates 20 years with 8 blues acts, food, brews

Presented by the Lebanon Optimist Club, the 20th annual Lebanon Blues Festival is expected to attract thousands of guests to Historic Downtown Lebanon on Saturday, Aug. 4. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

“This is the 20th annual Lebanon Blues Festival, so we’re excited to be celebrating a milestone festival,” said Ann Smith, chairperson of the Lebanon Blues Festival and charter member of the Lebanon Optimist Club.

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The popular outdoor festival will feature a number of highly-sought-after blues acts, a variety of popular foods, and a deluxe beer garden. Plus, there will be over 150 classic cars in the Classic Car Show organized by Run of the Mill Street Rodders, benefiting the Warrior Back Pack Program.

The festival will kick off at 11 a.m. with music and opening of the beer garden. Eight live bands will play on the stage throughout the event. This year’s featured bands will include David Thornton and Friends (11 a.m.,) Chris Yakopcic (12:30 p.m.,) The Ben Levin Duo (2 p.m.,) The Sean Carney Band (3:30 p.m.,) Johnny Fink & The Intrusion (5 p.m.,) Robin Lacy & DeZydeco (6:30 p.m.,) The Inner City Blues Band (8 p.m.) and The Scotty Bratcher Band (9:45 p.m.).

“Because we are 20-years strong, guests know what to expect from our festival, and they know we are bringing in the same top names that you’re going to see at the Cincinnati Blues Festival or the Columbus Blues Festival…What makes our festival unique is you don’t have to pay to park or to come. Everything is free, so there’s no cost to come and enjoy some of the best music in the area,” Smith said.

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Smith said everyone in the community gets involved to help make it a successful event. From the sponsors, including LCNB National Bank, the 2018 stage sponsor, and Miami Valley Gaming, the 2018 band sponsor, and other sponsors, to the City of Lebanon and beyond.

Other festival highlights will include a classic car show that runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. So, while there’s music playing on stage, guests can walk up and down Broadway and view over 150 classic cars. Festival food vendors will be available on Mulberry Street. On Mechanic Street, there are games and activities for children on Kids Row, which is open until 6 p.m.

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Another popular feature, The Red Hot Blues Run – a 5K, 10K and 15K and Kids Run, organized by the Parks and Recreation Board — will start at 7 p.m. in front of the Golden Lamb. (The Kids Run will begin at 6 p.m.) Proceeds from the run will benefit Lebanon’s park system, including the new regional Premier Health Atrium Medical Center Bike Park. For more information, or to register, visit http://www.lebanonohio.gov or at http://www.speedy-feet.com and click on “races” for a list of upcoming events.

The festival, a major fundraiser for the Lebanon Optimist Club, gives back to the community through various programs for youth, including the Warrior Back Pack Program, the Children’s Advocacy Center and Bridge Riding for the Disabled, to name a few. With the monies raised, Lebanon Optimist Club funds 37 different programs in the Lebanon-Warren County area.


How To Go:

What: Lebanon Blues Festival

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Lebanon

Admission: Free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

More info: www.lebanonbluesfestival.org. Rain or shine event.

The music line-up at this year’s Lebanon Blues Festival will include:

11 a.m. - David Thornton and Friends

12:30 p.m. - Chris Yakopcic

2 p.m. - The Ben Levin Duo

3:30 p.m. - The Sean Carney Band

5 p.m. - Johnny Fink & The Intrusion

6:30 p.m. - Robin Lacy & DeZydeco

8 p.m. - The Inner City Blues Band

9:45 p.m. - The Scotty Bratcher Band

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