Howard, totally in the zone.

Do you like the blues? Do you like free activities? Then you will definitely be into the Blues on the Chippewa Music Festival coming to Memorial Park in Durand. With concessions and free camping available at Karen Park, this is the place to be the first weekend in August. Event organizers Rob Edwards and Dan Callan started this event last year with the desire to raise money for the Bread of Life food pantry. They also wanted to promote tourism and, of course, the blues. The second annual festival runs all day on Saturday and Sunday, but the music doesn’t stop there. Following both days, the bands will head to downtown venues for more. For those who are underage, music will also be played afterwards at the new downtown Chippewa View Park. If you still need to get your fill of the blues, there is what Dan Callan fondly refers to as the “after-glow jam session” for local and non-local musicians alike to sooth their souls in the blues together. This year’s band lineup includes Love Buzzards, South Farwell, Hounds Tooth, Mojo Lemon, Davey Jones & the Jonestones, Sue Orfield Band, Lucy Creek, and Left Wing Bourbon. But two groups to make sure you hear are Howard Luedtke & Blue Max and The Butanes Soul Revue. Howard Luedtke & Blue Max features exceptional slide guitar and an electric blues sound that has been rocking people’s socks off since the early 80s. The Butanes Soul Revue featuring Maurice Jacox got their start in the late 80s and is known for music that is fast, loud, and fun. This is a free event but people are urged to give a free will donation of non-perishable food or cash towards the Bread of Life food pantry.

Blues on the Chippewa • August 1-2 • downtown Durand • 1-9:30pm Saturday and 11am-7:30pm Sunday • FREE • 672-8785 • www.bluesonthechippewa.org