The Simply Jazz and Blues Festival returns to uptown Beckley, Aug. 19-21, with a three day lineup of jazz, blues and gospel music. Located at Word Park on Neville Street, the festival is free to the public and features local, regional and national music artists. Also associated with the festival is the Jazz & Blues Takeover which gives locals a taste of the music that will be offered at the festival. It is hosted by various venues in southern WV featuring jazz and blues artists. Simply Jazz and Blues Festival Schedule: Friday, Aug. 19 5:30 p.m. - Jenny Wilson Trio 6:45 p.m. - Dugan Carter & Full Flavor 8 p.m. - The Bob Thompson Unit Saturday, Aug. 20 Noon -1 p.m. - Creek Don’t Rise 1:15- 2:15 p.m. - Veronika Jackson 2:30 -3:30 p.m. - Lady D 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. - Austin Walkin’ Cane 5-6 p.m. - Miss Freddye’s Blues Band 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. - Slam Allen Blues Band 8 p.m. - Packrat’s Smokehouse Sunday, Aug. 21 1 p.m. - Apostle Ronnie “Diamond” Hoard 2 p.m. - Gospel Reunion 3 p.m. - Bare Bones 4 p.m. - Donnie V 5 p.m. - Inspiration Jazz & Blues Takeover Venues & Schedule: Beckley Art Center - Thursday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. - Jenny Wilson Trio Friday In the Park - Friday, Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m. - Jenny Wilson Trio Adventures On the Gorge - Friday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m. - Slam Allen Sir Walter’s Tavern - Friday, Aug. 19 - 9 p.m. - Melissa Mckinney The Grove - Friday, Aug. 19, 9 p.m. - Veronika Jackson Calacino’s - Friday, Aug. 19, 9 p.m. - Austin Walkin’Cane Tickety Boo Mercantile - Saturday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m. - Kayla Massie Calacino’s - Saturday, Aug. 20, 9:30 p.m. - Blues Afterparty Arts and Crafts and food vendors will be on site. Anyone interested in vending at the festival or needing more information, contact: Doris A. Fields (Lady D), Simply Jazz and Blues Festival, P.O. Box 3053, Beckley, WV 25801; call 304-222-2536; email info@simplyjazzandblues.com or website www.simplyjazzandblues.com.
