***Entrance on Eleanor Street***
Parking available in Arcadia ramp at the corner of Eleanor and Rose Street
Street parking is free at meters
Additional ramps on Rose and Water or Water and Edwards
Additional information here
Blues fest returns to it’s roots, 30 years after the first event! We are back at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, July 27th, 2024! Online pre-sales has ended. See you at the festival!
Tickets will be $30 at the gate, cash or credit.
Don’t miss the amazing return of this historic festival!
What: The Kalamazoo Blues Festival, celebrating 30 years of the KVBA bringing the Blues to the Zoo
When: Saturday, July 27, 2024, noon to midnight
Where: Arcadia Creek Festival Place, Kalamazoo, MI
Entry gate is on Elanor Street, we recommend you park in the Arcadia Ramp on Elanor. Street parking is free on weekends. There are ramps on Rose St and Water St.
Who: The amazing Blues lineup is listed below with links to each artists page
Parking: The city has plenty of parking ramps and options, street level parking meters are free on Saturdays. Due to the ever-changing nature of construction, please plan ahead for traffic considerations. There is no on-site parking available. Those with mobility needs should contact kvba@kvba.org for assistance. Festival entry will be on Elanor Street just down from the Arcadia Ramp.
Chairs: Lawn chairs are permitted and encouraged. Please keep them un-bagged for security checks. There will be some limited, first come, first served seating options.
Rules: No weapons, outside food or beverage, drugs or controlled substances will be allowed. Smoking and vaping in designated areas only. Re-entry will be permitted. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult entry. Unattended children will be offered a free puppy and espresso.
The KVBA is proud to bring you the Kalamazoo Blues Fest, complete with great Blues music, food trucks, drinks and more! It’s sure to be a bluesy great time for all.
The Lineup:
Out of Favor Boys These guys have been doing it at a high level for 20+ years and keep on churning out new music while putting on electrifying live performances. We’re thrilled to have them represent Kalamazoo as we celebrate 30 years of bringing Blues to the Zoo!
JR Clark Band JR and his amazing band have toured internationally and even have ties to our headliner, LIttle Ed. A guitar virtuoso, JR is backed by one of the tightest bands around, they put on an amazing show. We can’t wait to see them on the big stage!
Mandalyn and the Hunters fresh off of their finals appearance at the Memphis Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge! They have a great mix of guitars, keys and Mandalyn’s soulful voice, providing a fresh yet familiar sound that will blow you away!
The Jimmy’s This Midwest 7-piece funky blues band will have you on your feet! With a horn section and a danceable beat, you’ll be sure to have a great time. One reviewer described their show as follows: “Not yes, HELL YES!! The fun provided is so spectacular!! You’ll smile and sing for weeks after seeing and dancing to their show!! Bring it on!!”
Nikki Hill w/ Laura Chavez Overlapping soulful, sensual and bold vocal tones with powerful chrome-plated riffs and swagger, her voice finds a home in it – a soul singing, bar rocking, roots revivalist, that writes with frank self-reflection at a dancing tempo.
Little Ed and the Blues Imperials There when it all began 30 years ago! We are proud to welcome back to the Kalamazoo Blues Fest, Little Ed and the Blues Imperials!