2008 Deep Blues Festival

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This was the official site for 2008 Deep Blues Festival. Content is from the site's 2008 archived pages plus other outside sources.

The current website for the Deep Blue's Fest is found at: http://deepbluesfest.com/

 

Here’s a little background on the festival if you aren’t familiar…

In 2007, Chris Johnson created the Deep Blues Festival to celebrate the outsider and alternative blues and blues influenced music that he felt deserved more attention. He established connections with hundreds of bands from around the world while making a name for the Deep Blues Festival on the international circuit.  Fans have travelled from across the country and from around the world to support and attend the festival. FYI: This was the initial website.

The Deep Blues Festival started near the twin cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) with a 1-day event showcasing 18 bands.  Every year, the event evolved, and in 2014 the festival moved south to Clarksdale MS.  The reins have been handed, the crown bestowed…and the new folks are honoured to carry the torch of Chris Johnson’s vision & festivities.

Chris says: “I’m no longer the driving force behind this event, but it’s never been about me.  The musicians, the fans, venues and promoters will continue to support this great music.” We argue that it is about Chris Johnson, or the passion and dedication that he gave tirelessly (until he got tired), and we are bringing that momentum into the coming festival.

 

Info and About Deep Blues Festival Circa 2008

I love these bands and this music. I wish more people did. We hope you'll take the time to learn about the artists and think about joining us in July. This is a festival for the fans and by the fans, not some big corporate event. Lots of great music, lots of space, free parking and free admission for your kids. Low ticket prices with no handling charges or fees. Bring your lawnchairs and blankets and come have some fun. - Chris

Contact: What can we answer for you? General festival inquiries: info@deepbluesfestival.com --- For media inquiries, please contact:  Betsie Brown  Blind Raccoon LLC  901.278.6850  betsie@blindraccoon.com www.blindraccoon.com

 

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Press Release

 

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Ticket Sales

Advance Tickets On Sale Now!

All persons 21 and older must have a festival ticket. Children under 21 are free, but must be accompanied by their parent.

No handling fees, convenience charges, or shipping fees. Sales tax is included.

Advance three day passes are $75 and advance single day tickets are $30. These will be sold on our websites until July 8th only, to allow for mailing. At the festival, 3 day passes will be sold on Friday for $90 and single day tickets at the fest will be $35, but may not be available.

Please visit our myspace page for more details or go to our ticket page and store to purchase.

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Charity

All of the proceeds from our pop and water concessions at the festival will be going to support the 3 Days Breast Cancer walk.

Join the thousands of women and men who will come together to walk 60 miles over the course of three days to fight breast cancer.

Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, funding important breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

Please visit www.The3Day.org or call 800.996.3DAY to register today.

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Schedule - Location - Directions

Gates will open at 10am each day with music starting at 11am and finishing at 9:30pm. There will be a number of festival bands performing at night in twin cities area clubs throughout the weekend.

The Washington County Fairgrounds are just east of Lake Elmo MN. Take I-94 to exit 253 and go north on Manning Ave (hwy 15) four miles. A link to the Washington County Fairground website and map is here.

Tentative festival schedule:

Friday July 18
11:00am CuzN Wildweed
11:30am The BirdDogs
12:00noon Smokestack and the Foothill Fury
12:30pm .357 String Band
1:00pm GravelRoad
1:30pm Chris Cotton
2:00pm Jawbone
2:30pm Jimmy "Duck Holmes
3:15pm The Moaners
3:45pm Juke Joint Duo feat Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm
4:45pm Left Lane Cruiser
5:30pm T-Model Ford
6:30pm Black-Eyed Snakes
7:30pm Elmo Williams & Hezekiah Early
8:30pm Richard Johnston

Saturday July 19
11:00am Bluesboy Jag
11:30am Illinois John Fever
12:00noon Pure Country Gold
12:30pm Adam Posnak
1:00pm Those Poor Bastards
1:30pm Charlie Parr
2:15pm Honkeyfinger
3:00pm Boogaloosa Prayer
3:45pm Pearlene
4:30pm Hillstomp
5:15pm Buffalo Killers
6:00pm Pat MacDonald
6:45pm Dex Romweber Duo
7:30pm Black Diamond Heavies
8:30pm Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers

Sunday July 20
11:00am Luther the Devil
11:30am The Dead or Alives
12:00noon Cicada Omega
12:30pm The Pack A.D.
1:00pm John Schooley
1:30pm Black Smokers
2:15pm Patrick Sweaney
3:00pm Mudlow
3:45pm American Relay
4:30pm Tarbox Ramblers
5:15pm Silver Lion's 20/20 
6:00pm Possessed By Paul James
6:45pm Scissormen
7:30pm Scott H. Biram
8:30pm Bob Log III

Film Festival

Screenings | Trailers | Submission info

We will be screening a number of music related films throughout the weekend at the fairgrounds in Hooley Hall. The film festival is free and open to the public. Seating is first available to the music festival Sponsor Ticket holders, then to the music festival ticket holders then to the public.

A complete list and further details will be published once all entries screened after mid-April. Films will include: Deep Blues, Hard Times, Songs Inside The Box, Jescofest 2006, Hasil Adkins - Live @ Local 506, A Journey Through The Blues - The Son Seals Story, Born In The Honey - The Pinetop Perkins Story, Electrified, Getting the Blues. Below are more of the films with links to trailers. Click on the titles to to view trailers.

"Hill Country Troubadour"	Directed by Max Shores
"Seven Signs"	Filmmakers: a film by JD Wilkes with Blake  Judd, Todd Tue, and Jacob Ennis.
"One Man In the Band"	Filmmaker: Adam Clitheroe
"M for Mississippi"	Filmmakers: Jeff Konkel and Roger Stolle
"Running Heavy"	Filmmaker: Nicholas Robespierre
"Journey South"	Filmmaker: Niles Atallah
"Dare You To Do It Again"	Produced by Olga Wilhelmine Munding-Mathus and Tyler B. Austin, foundation website: www.jmhemphill.org
"Cross Country with the Snakes"	Filmmaker: Hansi Johnson
"You See Me Laughing"	Directed by: Mandy Stein
"Willie King - Down In The Woods"	Produced & Directed by: Saskia Rietmeijer and Bart Drolenga
"Cheat You Fair. The Story of Maxwell Street"	Director/writer: Phil Ranstrom
"The Folksinger"	Filmmaker: M.A. Littler
"My Blue Star"	Filmmaker: Ron Smith

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AN UPDATE:

Anyone who has attended the Deep Blues Festival on a regular basis probably see many familiar faces as well as loads of new ones. I happened to run into a musician and fellow lover of blues for several years which then developed into a long distance friendship. J was one of many who were performers looking to make it to the big stage, but currently living the working man's life - stuck with a job that paid the rent but held him back otherwise. Living the blues was his source of inspiration and made his music more meaningful. He worked as a driver for a company specializing in medical waste disposal. His biggest clients were doctors and clinics in need of needles disposal. So when you hear his lyrics about "getting rid of them needles" or "syringes from hell" you might think he was a junkie, but he was riffing on his day job! But his band is great and he thinks he has a chance to get on the bill for next years event. I still attend the Deep Blues Festival every year although the originator is not handling the nitty gritty of the festival. Looking forward to the next.. and the next..and the next. See ya'll there.

 

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Accommodations - Hotels - Camping

There are many hotels near the festival site and convenient to the twin cities. Our featured festival hotel and Deep Blues Sponsor is:

HOLIDAY INN ST PAUL EAST
2201 BURNS AVE
ST PAUL, MN 55119
651-731-2220

The Holiday Inn St Paul East is proud to be the official lodging choice for the Deep Blues Festival. The hotel is located centrally between downtown St Paul (4 miles) and the fairgrounds (10 miles). We have something for everyone with a restaurant and lounge onsite; as well as pool, hot tub, fitness center and game room. We also feature free parking and wireless property-wide. The hotel has just completed a multimillion dollar renovation in April 2008. Come and enjoy the new Holiday Inn St Paul East! We are proud to offer all Deep Blues Festival goers the discounted rate of $95 + tax per night. Ask for the Deep Blues Festival rate when calling. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Hudson WI (800) 821-2228

 

We will not have camping and sorry no dogs at the fairgrounds. There is a campsite a few miles south at St Paul East RV Park

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Vendors

Festival merchandise, food and beverage will be available. This is a fan friendly event and you may carry in your own meals and coolers. For safety, no glass containers, please! If you are interested in being a vendor at the the festival please contact us at: info(AT)deepbluesfestival(DOT)com for more information and specify "vendor" in the subject.

 

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Volunteers

To volunteer and work a few hours at the festival, please send your contact information to info(AT)deepbluesfestival(DOT)com for more information and scheduling. Please mention "volunteer" in the email subject. Volunteers will still need to purchase their festival tickets.

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Submissions

Band submissions for 2008 are no longer being accepted. To be considered for 2009, please forward to info(AT)deepbluesfestival(DOT)com for more information and specify "band submissions".

Final Deadline for film submissions ended: March 31 2008. More specific details check out the film page on this site, also the myspace Deep Blues Film Festivalpage.

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More Background on DeepBluesFestival.com

The Deep Blues Festival, chronicled online at DeepBluesFestival.com, stands as one of the world’s most distinctive celebrations of alternative and outsider blues. Since its inception in 2007, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering in Minnesota to an internationally recognized event in Clarksdale, Mississippi—the spiritual heartland of the blues. This article provides an in-depth look at the festival’s history, reputation, audience, cultural significance, and the unique community it has fostered, drawing on reviews, press coverage, and artist experiences.

History and Evolution

Origins in Minnesota

The Deep Blues Festival was founded by Chris Johnson, a barbecue pit master and passionate roots music enthusiast, who sought to spotlight the raw, unpolished side of blues music that was often overlooked by mainstream festivals. The inaugural event took place in 2007 in Minnesota, featuring 18 bands in a single-day celebration. Johnson’s vision was to create a space for “outsider” and alternative blues—music influenced by the North Mississippi Hill Country scene and artists like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and T-Model Ford.

Growth and Relocation

The festival quickly gained traction, becoming a haven for fans and musicians who craved authenticity and intimacy over corporate spectacle. By the early 2010s, Deep Blues Festival had established itself as a major event for alternative blues, drawing artists and audiences from across the United States and abroad. Recognizing the genre’s roots, Johnson and the organizing team eventually moved the festival to Clarksdale, Mississippi—a town synonymous with blues history and culture.

The Clarksdale Era

Clarksdale, with its legendary venues like the Shack Up Inn and New Roxy, became the festival’s permanent home. The move was more than symbolic; it connected the event directly to the birthplace of the blues and allowed it to flourish within a community that lives and breathes the music. The festival now spans four days, featuring nighttime performances at iconic venues and free daytime busking stages throughout the historic town.

What Sets Deep Blues Festival Apart

Authenticity and Intimacy

Unlike larger, more commercial festivals, Deep Blues Festival is renowned for its “fan-first” ethos and commitment to authenticity. Organizers and attendees alike emphasize the festival’s intimate atmosphere, where the town, venues, and people are as much a part of the experience as the music itself. The Shack Up Inn, for example, is a converted cotton gin, while the New Roxy is a reclaimed movie theater—both providing unique, immersive settings for performances.

Alternative and Outsider Blues

The festival’s programming is deliberately focused on alternative blues—a genre that fuses traditional Delta and Hill Country blues with punk, garage rock, and other contemporary influences. This approach has attracted a diverse lineup of artists, from living legends like Lightnin’ Malcolm and Little Freddie King to rising stars and international acts.

Community and Camaraderie

Deep Blues Festival is organized by a dedicated group of roots music fans, including Clarksdale locals and international transplants. The event fosters a strong sense of community, with artists, fans, and organizers mingling freely. Benefactor programs offer supporters exclusive perks and early access to accommodations, reinforcing the festival’s “family” feel.

Reviews and Critical Acclaim

Press and Media Coverage

The Deep Blues Festival has received glowing reviews from music critics and publications. A review of the live album “Alive at The Deep Blues Fest” described the festival as “a great interpretation of that raw, uninhibited sound of the 60s and 70s,” praising its communal spirit and the authenticity of its performances. The reviewer noted that the festival “captures the feeling in spades” and stands in stark contrast to the “corporate sterility” of larger events.

Artist Testimonials

Artists who have performed at Deep Blues Festival often speak of the event’s unique energy and supportive audience. Bands like GravelRoad, who have been closely associated with the festival, highlight the deep social and cultural connections fostered by the event. For many musicians, playing at Deep Blues Festival is both a career milestone and a homecoming to the roots of their craft.

Audience Experience

Attendees consistently praise the festival’s welcoming atmosphere, affordability, and the opportunity to see both established and emerging artists up close. The festival’s intimate venues and small-town setting allow for spontaneous musical collaborations and personal interactions with performers—a rarity in today’s festival landscape.

Notable Lineups and Performers

Deep Blues Festival has hosted an impressive array of artists who embody the spirit of alternative blues. Past lineups have included:

• Nikki Hill Band

• Lightnin’ Malcom

• Little Freddie King

• AJ Ghent

• Bill Abel

• Lil’ Poochie Watson

• Hezekiah Early

• Bob Log III

• Hillstomp

• Reverend John Wilkins

• Buffalo Killers

• Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires

• Left Lane Cruiser

The festival’s programming often features both legendary figures and innovative newcomers, ensuring a dynamic and unpredictable musical experience.

Venues and Festival Structure

Iconic Venues

• Shack Up Inn: A former cotton gin turned juke joint, renowned for its rustic charm and historical significance.

• New Roxy: A partially restored movie theater, offering both covered and open-air stages for performances.

Daytime and Nighttime Programming

• Nighttime shows at the main venues feature headline acts.

• Free daytime busking stages are scattered throughout Clarksdale, allowing visitors to experience live music in a variety of informal settings.

• The festival also encourages exploration of Clarksdale’s other blues hotspots, such as Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art and Red’s Lounge.

Tickets and Accessibility

• Weekend passes are affordably priced, with single-night tickets available for select shows.

• The festival’s benefactor program offers additional perks and helps sustain the event’s non-corporate ethos.

Cultural and Social Significance

Preserving the Blues Tradition

Deep Blues Festival plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the less-commercialized forms of blues music. By focusing on alternative and outsider artists, the festival keeps alive the traditions of the Mississippi Delta and Hill Country while fostering innovation and cross-genre experimentation.

Tourism and Local Impact

The festival has become a major draw for cultural tourism in Clarksdale, attracting visitors from around the world. This influx supports local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, and helps sustain Clarksdale’s reputation as a global blues destination.

Community and Education

Beyond the music, Deep Blues Festival serves as an educational platform, introducing new generations to the history and significance of the blues. The event’s communal spirit encourages dialogue about the genre’s roots in African American history, its evolution, and its ongoing relevance in contemporary culture.

Examples and Highlights

Live Recordings and Releases

The festival’s influence extends beyond the event itself. “Alive at The Deep Blues Fest,” a live album recorded during the festival, showcases the raw energy and diversity of its performers, receiving critical acclaim for its authenticity and spirit.

Artist Collaborations

The festival’s informal atmosphere often leads to unique collaborations and impromptu jams. Artists and fans alike recall memorable moments where established musicians joined newcomers on stage, blurring the lines between performer and audience.

Social and Cultural Dialogue

Interviews with participating musicians, such as members of GravelRoad, underscore the festival’s role in addressing social and political themes through music. The blues, as performed and celebrated at Deep Blues Festival, remains a powerful vehicle for storytelling, resistance, and community-building.

Audience and Demographics

The Deep Blues Festival attracts a diverse audience, including:

• Hardcore blues fans seeking authenticity and connection to the genre’s roots.

• Younger listeners drawn to the festival’s alternative and punk-inflected programming.

• International visitors making a pilgrimage to Clarksdale, the “crossroads” of American music.

The event’s inclusive, community-oriented approach ensures that both seasoned aficionados and newcomers feel welcome.

Press and Media Recognition

Deep Blues Festival has been featured in numerous music publications, blogs, and cultural guides. Media outlets consistently highlight:

• Its unique blend of authenticity, intimacy, and musical innovation.

• The festival’s role in revitalizing Clarksdale’s music scene and supporting local culture.

• The passionate commitment of its organizers and supporters to keeping the blues alive in its rawest, most vital forms.

 

DeepBluesFestival.com documents the ongoing story of a festival that has become a beacon for alternative blues music worldwide. From its humble beginnings in Minnesota to its current home in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the Deep Blues Festival is celebrated for its authenticity, community spirit, and unwavering dedication to the music’s roots and future. Through its carefully curated lineups, legendary venues, and welcoming atmosphere, the festival continues to inspire artists, fans, and cultural tourists alike—cementing its status as a must-experience event for anyone passionate about the blues.

 

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