FERNDALE – For the eighth year in a row, the annual Ferndale Blues Festival will bring music and crowds to downtown Ferndale with more than 60 concerts and events in at least 22 venues over a 10-day period, Jan. 23 to Feb. 1. The annual music festival is held in late January to raise money for two local charities, including Ferndale Youth Assistance and Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, and to bring music and camaraderie to folks often suffering from cabin fever and winter blues. Top sponsors this year are Bud Light, Blue Care Network, Svedka Vodka and Dino's Lounge.
"The economy is in a shambles, holiday bills have come due, the days are short and the nights are long, dark, and cold," said festival Co-Chair Craig Covey in a press release. "What better time to get out of the house and listen to some live music and party with friends?"
New venues this year include Go! Comedy, Sakana, Emory and Club 9. Most of the concerts are free.
Several dozen volunteers help make the event successful, and are assigned to concerts and help raise money through donations at the door and by passing the blind blue piggy banks that are icons of the festival. More than 75 of the piggy banks are in stores, shops, and restaurants throughout Ferndale.
Blue lights are also being strung across the downtown.
The second annual outdoor Blues Barbecue and Ribs Burn-off is planned from noon to 8 pm Jan. 31 in the City Library Parking Lot and is sponsored by Garden Fresh Salsa and Bud Light. Up to 10 local restaurants and chefs compete for the best ribs.
An up-to-date schedule of events and concerts is at http://www.ferndalebluesfestival.org
