Music lovers can head to the Gateway Arch as the Blues at the Arch festival returns August 14–16. On the original site of the historic Old Rock House, the festival will pay homage to the rich blues history of St. Louis.
“So many great blues stories have happened in St. Louis,” says Jason Douglas, senior event manager for the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, which organizes the festival. “We’re making sure that St. Louis has that spot in American history, shaping all of the genres that blues has influenced.”
The free festival, sponsored by the Steward Family Foundation, will feature a variety of blues artists in St. Louis’ downtown, including Tullie Brae, a contemporary voice in blues from Louisiana, as well as Chicago-based guitarist and vocalist Toronzo Cannon, who will represent the soulful side of blues. Other acts include the Soulard Blues Band, vocalist and trumpet player Lady J Huston, Stevie J Blues, and self-described “traveling bluesman” Devin C. Williams. Guest DJs will keep the music going between acts. Hosting blues artists from around the country allows audiences to hear the different voices of blues, Douglas says…