Blues festival planned for B&O banquet hall

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 The winner of the band competition will compete in Memphis, Tenn. in February. THE VINDICATOR YOUNGSTOWN — The second annual Mahoning River Blues Festival will be held Sunday at B&O Station Banquet Hall, 530 Mahoning Ave., near downtown. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 (free admission with active military identification). Music will start at 3 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. The musical lineup includes: Jessica Lee, Pittsburgh; Triple Threat, Youngstown; FX Project, Sharon, Pa.; The Real Deal Blues Band, Cleveland; Sleepin Dogz, New Castle, Pa.; Leo Clark Squad, Columbus; Damian Knapp, Warren; Short Fuse, Hubbard; Blue Slade, Youngstown; Kidney Brothers, Youngstown; and The Burnt Barrel Blues Band, Youngstown. The bands will compete at the festival, with the winner heading to the annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., in February to compete with 115 other bands. The festival will be both indoors and outdoors. Food and drink will be available, and may not be brought to the site. Lawn chairs are welcome. A Blues Aftermath will keep the party going after the competition ends until 11 p.m. The festival is looking for volunteers. Those interested are asked to attend a meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the B&O. Call (330) 480-9859 for more information.