Renowned harmonica virtuoso, W.C. Handy award winner, Grammy nominee and Blues Hall of Famer Charlie Musselwhite to headline Saturday night at the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival. Mississippi born Musselwhite is one of the most revered blues musicians in the world. The harmonica master, also a respected singer and songwriter in his own right, has won countless awards during his legendary career and collaborated with innumerable musical giants of the past 50 years. "The blues sounded like how I felt growing up. Too many people think of the blues as sad, but I think many of these tunes [from his latest album Juke Joint Chapel] will immediately dispel that notion, as they are fun, dancing tunes that lift your spirits. I often tell people that the blues is your buddy in good times and your comforter in bad times. It empowers you to keep going," states Musselwhite. "It is secular spiritual music, the gospel blues. It's music from the heart instead of the head."
The Mimbres Region Arts Council's (MRAC) unparalleled Blues Festival, the last remaining FREE Blues Festival in the Southwest, celebrates 20 extraordinary years of success with a new name, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival, and an expansion that will include a third full day of motorcycle-related activities on Friday, May 22 in and around Gough Park. The festival runs through Sunday afternoon, May 24, featuring the Campbell Brothers as Sunday headliners. Presented in and around Silver City's Gough Park, the Silver City Blues & Bikes Festival is the same great festival you've come to expect, renamed and expanded for a total Blues & Bikes Lovers Experience.
Friday's expanded events will include the People's Choice Bike Show, judged by festival attendees in two categories: early 1900s to 1984 and 1985 to present day; the family motorcycle attraction the Wall of Death (www.americanwallofdeath.com/), "America's Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrill Show," featuring the Indian 101 Scout as well as vintage Harley-Davidsons; a 50+ vendors; a bike run; independent custom bike builders and detailers, such as West Coast Smudge from Fairfield Pin-striping and other high quality bike-themed vendors.
Pancho Villa Rides Again, an original painting by Silver City artist Lois Duffy will be auctioned at the Festival. The grand prize raffle item is a gorgeous advanced jumbo guitar valued at $5000 hand crafted by local luthiers Don Musser and Dan Swanson.
In addition the Blues Festival hosts a diverse array of artisans from across the region. Handmade and one-of-a-kind fiber arts pieces, pottery, and jewelry can be found in the Artisans Alley framing the park. The Festival will offer over 20 food vendor booths providing a variety of traditional festival and ethnic foods. Over the weekend, downtown Silver City shops, galleries and restaurants will be offering Blues Festival specials.
The Silver City Blues Festival is supported by our local sponsors: Lawley Toyota of Silver City, WNMU, James Edd Hughs-Edward Jones Investments, Chuck Johnson State Farm Insurance, Wells Fargo, Positive Energy Solar, WNM Communications, Gila Hike & Bike, Gila Regional Medical Center, Rose Valley RV Park, and the Town of Silver City. Lodging sponsors: The Murray Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and the Comfort Inn. Our media sponsor is Q 92.9 FM. Funders include WESTAF, The National Endowment for the Arts, and New Mexico Arts.
For details, tickets, photos and additional information visit our website at: www.mimbresarts.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/mimbresarts.org, or call us at 575-538-2505. For more information concerning Bike Show events only, please contact Ginny Wolf at 575-313-5709.