September 29, 2021
By:
The blues takes center stage in the country Saturday, Oct. 2 for some down home fun under the stars at the inaugural Center Hill Blues Fest. The family and pet friendly event will be held at the Burlap Room Beer Garden and Tap Room on the scenic grounds of Bert Driver Nursery in Smithville, DeKalb County.
“We’re thrilled to have Jackie Venson headline our inaugural Blues Fest,” says event organizer and host Bert Driver. “She carries on the tradition of Texas greats like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Stevie Rae Vaughan with her own uniquely soulful style of guitar and singing.”
Venson (www.jackievenson.com) has been featured on her hometown’s Austin City Limits, released several critically acclaimed albums, and is currently on a national tour. She hits the stage around 8pm, backed by drummer Rodney “Rodzilla” Hyder. The music begins around 6pm when openers, Few Miles On (www.fewmilesonband.com), a power trio out of Cookeville, crank up the festivities with their
Southern blues groove.
“Throughout the year, at events like our Earth Day, Lake Fest, Hemp Fest, and Crawfish Boil
we’ve highlighted a range of American musical traditions: bluegrass, Southern and classic rock,
R&B, jazz and the sounds of New Orleans,” says Driver. “Blues is the root of them all, and with
the Center Hill Blues Fest we want to give this seminal style the celebration it deserves.”
Representatives of Nashville’s new Museum of African American Music (www.nmaam.org) will
also be on hand to promote the museum and its special mission during the Blues Fest. “We’re
proud to have an opportunity to help spread awareness of a museum dedicated to music and
performers we all love,” says Driver.
Gates for the Center Hill Blues Fest open at 4:00 PM. The music starts around 6:00 PM with
Jackie Venson slated to hit the stage around 8:00 PM. For more information call 615-597-9560.