Shemekia Copeland to Headline 2025 Blues on the Chippewa
festival leverages the power of music to promote positive change, features contemporary blues artists
Blues on the Chippewa will return to the shores of the Chippewa River this year, with an expanded lineup of national and local musicians alike — all incorporating contemporary influences.
Shemekia Copeland is set to headline the free-to-attend festival at 8:30pm on Thursday, July 31. Copeland will be the first headliner to perform, followed by Hot Like Mars on Friday, Aug. 1, and Rico McFarland on Saturday, Aug. 2.
"Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that's something we can all agree on."
SHEMEKIA COPELAND
"THE QUEEN OF BLUES"
Copeland embodies the powerhouse electric blues vocalists who came before her — most notably her father, guitar legend and 2017 Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Johnny Copeland. Dubbed the “Queen of the Blues” in 2011 by the Chicago Blues Festival, she has received multiple Grammy nominations throughout her career and has 16 Blues Music Awards to her name.
Recently, Copeland added the 2025 Blues Music Award for Album Of The Year to her repertoire, for her 2024 release Blame It On Eve.
“It’s my blues for sure but it’s the brighter side,” Copeland said to describe her latest release. “Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that’s something we all can all agree on.”
Chicago-based Hot Like Mars will deliver funk, soul, and rock to Wisconsin, the event website reads. The quintet’s live performances of studio releases — and improvisational instrumentation — have turned heads wherever they play.
Rico McFarland, Saturday’s headliner, has supported notable blues artists including Lucky Peterson and James Cotton — prior to launching his solo career in 2001. A collaborator at heart, McFarland’s original soundscape can be heard in the company of Albert King, Artie White, Kinsey Report, and other blues artists.
Longtime attendees of Eau Claire's Tuesday Night Blues will recognize local acts like Jay Stulo & The Blue Notes, who are scheduled to perform during the Durand festival weekend.
The festival will be held in Veteran’s Memorial Park (116 River St.) in Durand. Continuing the tradition of its inception over a decade ago, the three-day event will remain free to the public.
According to the event website, the festival will accept donations throughout the weekend, geared toward supporting local organizations. In previous years, donations have benefitted the Durand Area Food Pantry, Pepin County Humane Society, the Durand Women’s Club “Fill a Backpack Program,” the Pepin County Historical Society, and more.
Blues on the Chippewa will be held from July 31-Aug. 2 in Durand, Wisconsin. Visit the Blues on the Chippewa festival website online to learn more about the event lineup and new announcements.
