Festival draws crowd to river

Monday, August 28, 2006 Winners gained entry into the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. By LAURE CIOFFI VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Michael Stambolia and her friend George Nitzsky have been blues fans since the 1970s. Both will travel far for good music, but on Sunday, they didn't have to go far at all. They were part of the crowd at the B&O Station Banquet Hall for the second annual Mahoning River Blues Festival. "I love it. I love the blues," said Stambolia, of Girard, who was giving the performers her own ratings throughout the show. "They are all very good." Nitzsky, of Youngstown, was pleased with the outdoor venue where trains periodically passed as the performers sang the blues. "This is a beautiful venue," he said. The day got off to a wet start as a downpour drenched early fans, and organizers nearly moved the event indoors, but after a short rain, the sky cleared. Promoter Tom Weatherby said he was pleased with the crowd, despite the rain. He, too, liked the venue. "I was born and raised in Warren, but I love downtown Youngstown," he said. This is the second year Weatherby has organized the Mahoning River Blues Festival. Last year it took place in several clubs in the Valley. What's next Winners of this year's event will travel to Memphis, Tenn., in February to compete in the International Blues Challenge. Damian Knapp, of Warren, one of Sunday's early performers, was assured his entry to the Blues Challenge as the only solo artist in the competition. Knapp, who attended last year representing Columbus, said he will be happy to represent his home area this year. Knapp, 31, said he started listening to blues at age 11 and started playing it a short time later. He said he's looking forward to performing what he calls "ghetto blues," the type of blues often heard in this area, at the Blues Challenge. "Up here we have a harder sound. It's probably because we are part of the 'Rust Belt.' You can hear it in the music," he said. While he enjoyed playing in the Valley, Knapp said he's moving to Columbus, which has a much more vibrant blues scene. John Thomas, of Warren, one of Sunday's judges, said they were looking for uniqueness in the performers as well as talent. Besides Knapp, 10 blues groups were scheduled to compete. Blues fans say they were just happy to hear the music, which echoed through the downtown Sunday afternoon. Fans want repeats Dianne Fowler, of Boardman, said she was happy to see the blues festival. After living in Arizona for a number of years, she's found there are few events like it around. "Youngstown needs to keep the doors open. Coming from Arizona, I've found it's very limited here," she said. Her husband, Michael, agreed. "It's laid back. It's a nice atmosphere," he said. Musicians played through the night, and winners in various categories were expected to be named sometime early today. The blues lovers on hand were all in agreement that they want more of the same in the future. "It's really nice to have something this close to home," said Anita Koch, of Youngstown. cioffi@vindy.com