I can’t think of a better way to shake off the gray days of early spring than some BLUES. Rhythm and blues, that is. I’m rounding up the hubby and some friends for the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival, a three-day music extravaganza March 31-April 2 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
Now in its eighth year, the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival includes three rollicking days of blues, country and rock performed by nationally-acclaimed touring bands and our own home-grown favorites. The staggering range of entertainment and the variety of venues offer fun that will fit any budget (starting at free) and just about any musical taste.
Friday is kick-off with happy hour entertainment in the Resort Lobby, and Whispers Lounge, and the Taphouse Unchained, and a musical lake cruise AND an after cruise party at the Resort Plaza. Whew, that’s a lot of happy hours.
We thought ahead and are spending the weekend at the Resort, thanks to a special hotel and event package. Good thing because Saturday is jam packed with music that starts at the Lakeview Terrace Roof Top Blues Party at 12:30 and additional afternoon entertainment at Whispers Lounge.
“I hope you’re in blues concert shape,” cautioned event organizer Craig Heimbigner of Too Far North Productions. He’s prepping us for Saturday night, a wallop of non-stop music at the Resort Convention Center. Five bands, two stages, seven hours of continuous performances. Wow, I’d better rest up for this.
From 4:30PM till 11:30PM, we’ll be wowed by Robert Barrett & Coyote Kings, Ty Curtis Band, Stacy Jones Band and Sara Brown Band. Headliner Laith Al-Saadi, 2016 runner-up on The Voice, will command the stage with his booming voice, soulful delivery and intricate guitar fingering as he riffs through classic rock, blues and soul. Guitar Center named Laith one of the top four blues guitarists in the United States. After watching his powerful performances on The Voice, I named him jaw dropping. Check out Laith’s delivery of The Letter on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGjRyz5q5xs
Sunday is a continuation of music, fun and this time, food! Choose between a gospel trio at Sunday’s Dockside Sunday Brunch or acoustic music on a Blues Cruise Brunch.
If you’re a blues novice like me, or a blues lover, or you’re just looking for an unforgettable weekend, do not miss the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival. Ticket sales are limited – I know you hear this all the time and usually dismiss the statement as a sales pitch, but this time it is true. The Resort Convention Center ain’t the Spokane Arena and seating, standing and stomping space is limited. For a full schedule of events, profiles on all the bands and hotel packages, go to http://www.cdaresort.com/discover/activities/blues_festival. Purchase event tickets and hotel packages by calling the Resort Business Center, (888) 965-5875. See you at the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival!
Blog soon!
Linda
