Reviews & News

Review of the Blues at the Crossroads Festival, 2004:

Singing the Blues away Weather perfect for Blues at the Crossroads Festival By Nicole Mullins/Tribune-Star September 12, 2004

Hundreds braved the Saturday afternoon heat for a taste of soulful blues. Performing throughout the day were Scotty Bratcher, Miche Fambro, the W.T. Feaster Band and Tad Robinson. Night acts were to include The No Regrets Blues Band, The Hearne Family Gospel Choir and Six Seventy-Five. Also included were Duke Tomatoe & The Power Trio, Governor Davis and the Blues Ambassadors, the Clayton Miller Blues Band and Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise. The event was expected to surpass last year's attendance of 25,000 people by 5,000. Event organizer and The Verve club owner Connie Wrin wasn't sure if they'd have that many people until after the event. "It's going really well. The weather's great," she said, but attendance picks up for the night performances. "About 9 o'clock is when we get a real big surge coming in."

Feaster brought Florida native and new Terre Haute resident Candace Weyand to her feet. She could only classify her dancing as "free form," imitated from the yoga classes she teaches. "I feel the music and I go with it. ... I love blues music, and this is like home to me," she said, only one thing was missing. "I can't believe there's nobody dancing." Teri Obst of Indianapolis said the festival offers a variety of blues worth the travel. Her favorite is the W.T. Feaster Band, which she's followed since its early days at Vincennes University. "We never miss it. We're here every year," she said. "[Feaster's] guitar-playing is just remarkable for someone of his age." Although the event gives music-lovers the chance to sample a variety of acts, it also helps artists showcase their talents.

W.T. Feaster of the W.T. Feaster Band said without festivals like Saturday's, the music wouldn't be as accessible. "If you're not a constant follower, you have to seek it out, and when it's in your face, I think it's welcomed," he said, adding that the Blues at the Crossroads is one of his favorite venues. "The crowds come earlier, they come bigger. They're more responsive. You can just tell they're really enjoying it."

Nicole Mullins can be reached at (812) 231-4299 or nicole.mullins@tribstar.com