The Reel Blues Fest was founded to promote the classic American musical tradition of Blues and to use the proceeds from concerts, film screenings and other blues events to enhance the needs of the artistic community which surrounds the musical genre.
The Reel Blues Fest, Inc. sponsors musical and film events from its base in New England and seeks entities and individuals who may need assistance such as older musicians who did not have financial or medical support through their careers and filmmakers and educational entities which need funding to promote the art and craft of filmmaking.
The Reel Blues Fest was launched in 2001 at Air Station on Cape Cod. Playing to the sold-out crowd was the legendary "Superharp" James Cotton, teaming up with the talented blues musician James Montgomery. Also taking the stage at the first show was Jim Belushi, and New England favorites Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Shirley Lewis and guitarist and producer extraordinaire Danny Kortchmar. The concert was preceded by a screening of the critically acclaimed film Genghis Blues, about an amazing journey by musician Paul Pena.
The 2002 show moved to Cape Cod Community College and with comic Lenny Clarke, setting the stage for the immortal Johnny Winter. The packed house couldn't get enough of Johnny who was joined by James Montgomery to make it a memorable night. Mr. K.D. Bell and blues Diva Shirley Lewis opened the show. The Fest included a screening of a documentary work-in-progress I Love You B.B. - about blues and hip-hop.
Labor Day Weekend 2003 on the revolving stage of the Cape Cod Melody Tent brought the crowd to their feet with an all-star lineup. Grammy Award winner and New Orleans legend, Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, James Montgomery and friends, Weeping Willie Robinson, Shirley Lewis, Danny Kortchmar, John Butcher, LA blues sensation Jessie Payo, Peter Hackel, Matt Woodburn, Steven Paul Perry, Stu Kimball, and Dan Kenny. Under a separate tent, the Reel Blues Fest featured a sneak preview screening from filmmaker Martin Scorsese of the PBS Series The Blues. Also screened was the documentary Honeyboy, about the life and times of Honeyboy Edwards.
In 2004, the Reel Blues Fest went west to Agawam, Massachusetts with an all-star line up featuring Johnny Winter, Wilson Pickett, Koko Taylor and many more artists supporting this great show. In addition, the Fest returned to the Cape Cod Melody Tent with Dickie Betts, Koko Taylor, G.E. Smith and Entrain as well as a screening of the film "Los Zafiros: Music from the Edge of Time."
We presented two shows in 2005 with The Robert Cray Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Honeyboy Edwards, Shemekia Copeland, James Cotton and more. 2006 shows featured Los Lobos, Johnny A and Ernie and the Automatics. In 2007, the Reel Blues Fest went back to Western, Massachusetts with John Sebastian and Ernie and the Automatics and also to the Cape Cod Melody Tent with Kenny Wayne Shepherd. From 2008 - 2011 the Reel Blues Fest was presented the House of Blues, Boston featuring many amazing tribute performances to important members of the Blues world.
In May 2012, we are bringing the Fest back to Cape Cod with a sold out show at the Sea Crest. Look for more exciting new developments soon.
The Reel Blues Fest, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping musicians receive access to medical care and to supporting the work of independent filmmakers. Proceeds from events will be distributed to eligible 501 (C) (3) organizations pursuant to the guidelines established by The Reel Blues Fest, Inc.
For more information call 508-495-FILM | Copyright © 2012 The Reel Blues Fest, Inc.