8th Annual Simply Texas Blues Festival Attracts Music Lovers Statewide

Established in May of 2009, Saturday May 14, marked the 8th Annual San Angelo Blues Society "Simply Texas Blues Festival," held in downtown San Angelo. Despite the early morning rain showers, West Texans held onto that old adage of "waiting a minute and the weather will change," and sure enough it changed in their favor. A three block radius near Oakes, Twohig and Concho Streets was cordoned off and a huge stage sat near M.L. Leddy's Boots, right in the middle of the street.  

Hundreds of people attended the free "block party" styled event, many bringing their lawn chairs, tents, and blankets, while others sat on the curbs, provided bleachers, and on the steps of local businesses. Besides several bands, there were vendors selling funnel cakes, sausage, "wood fired pizza" and a variety of beverages and souvenirs.

On the next block, there were several barbeque teams competing to see who had the best ribs and jalapeno poppers. The "Work Lard Smoke Meat" team from San Angelo had a line of event goers anxious to sample their offerings, some even sitting nearby contemplating a second taste.

San Angeloan Johnny Mendiola said, "It's not on my diet, but it sure is good." Mendiola said this was his second year attending. "There's not as many people as last year yet, but I bet it will be packed later on tonight," he added. Regarding the WLSM team, he said, "You gotta try their smoked deep fried jalapeno poppers; they are so good!" 

Further down the road, remnants of the early afternoon's car show sat, glistening in the sun, while owners sat nearby, enjoying each other's company and watching the people go by and listening to good music.  

Local Bail Bondsman Rudy Hernandez said this was his 4th year coming out, and said, "It's good for the public where everyone gets out and just has a good time. It's always been run real smooth, and today I've seen a lot of old friends I haven't seen in years, even a couple from San Antonio. It's just good music, food, and very family oriented."

Nine bands and five solo/duo acts started out the afternoon and Blues fans were thoroughly entertained. One woman was so moved by the music the Anthony Wright Band was playing that she rose to her feet and danced alone, front and center. The moment could only be compared to a serene "Woodstock" type feel of emotional freedom and exhilaration, where the crowd no longer mattered and peace existed in one's soul.   

Though it was a relaxed atmosphere in the afternoon, the anticipation could be felt throughout the crowd as they awaited the guest of honor to round out the night. "Mr Sipp, the Mississippi Blues Child," (2015 Jackson Music Award Blues Artist of the Year and 2014 Gibson Best Guitarist Award) is a well known artist amongst blues fans. Some of his own influences include the legendary performers B.B.King, Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf.

As with any crowd of this size, security was in place, including traffic control volunteers from Goodfellow Air Force Base. Jason Paulovkin and Jonathon Houck, both US Army, proudly stood their post navigating spectators and cars in the area.  

"I'd say there were around 40 base volunteers who came out to help set up, in total," said Paulovkin, a native Floridian. "It's my second year to attend, and it's great whenever we have the opportunity to go off base and help out in the community."  

Houck, originally from South Carolina, said it was his first time to help out and he was enjoying San Angelo. As far as the weather goes, Houck said, "It doesn't bother me; it's a little drier here, but I really like the heat." The two volunteers estimated they would help out until midnight, for all that went up for the event, must be taken down.

A couple of familiar faces, seen at many downtown events, were present as well. John Tufts of Roadrunner Pedicab, said, "I'm here to offer service, and just want to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely if need be." Dennis Allen, DJ for KWFR, said he "was having a great time doing a live remote and enjoyed seeing all the people out and about just having a good time." 

People of all ages attended the event, and some even brought along their four-legged friends to take in the festivities. Kat Hutton, a volunteer at Concho Valley Paws, brought along 9-month-old Tumbleweed, a suspected Boxer-Schnauzer mix, in hopes someone would be interested in providing him with a "forever home." Tumbleweed was a little distracted by the marvelous aroma of BBQ, but otherwise very well behaved as his handler showed off his magnificent show dog form on the leash.

All in all, the San Angelo Blues Society, a proud member of the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, worked hard at orchestrating the event, and many people felt that hard work paid off. As stated on their website, the Society's mission is "to preserve, promote, and enhance Blues music in the area, support Blues education in schools, and promote San Angelo and area Blues musicians."

Also, proceeds of the festival go to scholarships awarded to musically involved students from the immediate area, and applications are currently being taken for members. Those who do get a t-shirt and an acceptance into the club for $30 ($20 to re-up).

For more information, check out the San Angelo Blues Society on Facebook, email them at [email protected], visit their website at: http://www.sanangelobluessociety.com, and, if you would like to make a donation to the cause, the mailing address is as follows: San Angelo Blues Society, P.O. Box 2779, San Angelo, Texas 76902.