Blues festival hit right note for many

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 3, 2000

CRYSTAL RIVER -- The attendance for the second Blues in the Canyon Festival was better than last year, and organizers hope the event will soon join its larger country cousin, the Crystal River Jam.

On Sunday, Rock Crusher Canyon owner Stan Olsen said he was pleased with the concert. About 3,600 people attended the three-day festival.

"We're aiming at a break-even," he said. "Maybe next year we'll actually make a profit."

Even though the crowd could have been larger, most people in the audience were impressed by the Canyon's acoustics and laid-back style. A large portion of the crowd was out-of-county visitors.

"The local crowd is mostly country and western," Olsen said.

For many, not only was the show a great musical experience, but also a welcome addition to the blues scene.

"Hey, I go the the blues festivals in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota every year, so coming here will be a lot shorter drive," said Eric Washburn of Brooksville. "This opens up a new door in what was mostly country and western."

Washburn was among the few hundred people who bought a $100 VIP ticket. The VIP crowd enjoyed a nice buffet dinner each day, drank free beer and sat in the first 20 rows in front of the stage.

The Canyon's new "Party Zone" was a big hit with general admission ticket holders who were allowed to stand and dance during the show.

Fans also enjoyed meeting the blues musicians, who were for the most part accessible at the merchandising tent. The performers would hang out for a few minutes after their set, greeting fans, signing autographs and selling CDs.

Guitarist Deborah Coleman had lots of visitors after her Sunday afternoon performance. She autographed copies of her new CD and posed for photos.

"This is a really nice place, and the audience showed us lots of love," she said.

Another blues fan who said he enjoyed the festival was Ken Holmstrand of Spring Hill. He was easily noticed in the festival crowd, toting around an acoustic guitar and asking the performers to autograph it.

"I got every single autograph," Holmstrand said Sunday afternoon. "Pinetop Perkins even autographed it, and he only gave out four autographs."

The guitar belongs to T.J. Manzano, a 14-year-old friend. Holmstrand said he was going to present it to him with all the signatures to inspire him with his music.

"He's a great guitarist and this will mean a lot to him," Holmstrand said.

Many of the autographs on the guitar were personalized with "Dear T.J." greetings, followed by words of encouragement and the performers' signatures.

Holmstrand did the same thing with a drum cymbal, which he said was for an ailing friend.

"That's the best way to get autographs, is to come to the festivals," Holmstrand said. "And I will be back next year."

Rock Crusher Canyon will continue to develop its niche of putting together shows that feature new talent and established stars.

"We can't really afford to book the too hot acts who want $400,000 for a one-hour show," Olsen said. "But this is a unique place, and people these days appreciate a live music experience. That's our audience, people who appreciate a great musical performance."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright