Singing the Blues
OSBURN — Tunes a’crankin, drinks a’flowin, and hands a’sorin…
This is Blues Fest.
Wallace — the little town of many events — outdid itself again last weekend when some of the county’s top blues musicians descended upon our little slice of North Idaho to give one heck of a show.
From local favorites such as Casey Ryan and Dr. Phil & The Enablers to critically acclaimed artists such as Terrie Odabi and Hank Shreve, there was no shortage of funky and upbeat tunes.
The three day celebration of soul-grabbing music attracted people from all over the region and packed the streets of the small Silver Valley town.
Attendees trickled in and enjoyed the performances available Friday night, such as Sammy Eubanks, Casey Ryan, John Kelley, and the Kenny James Miller Band, but the real fun began Saturday at noon.
Like clockwork, festival goers moved from one stage to the next as Atomic Jive, the Bottleneck Blues Band, the Hank Shreve Band, Terrie Odabi, Duke Robillard, Dr. Phill & The Enablers, the Sara Brown Band, Doghouse Boyz, Anita Royce & the High Rollers, Casey Ryan, and John Kelley rotated out through the various venues around town.
As one band gave their encore and said their adieus on one stage, another band would kick up somewhere else on another stage, signaling a migration of thirsty music lovers to head out.
Although the weather cooperated this time around, giving the festival clear skies and calm winds, the unabridged sun light did crank up the heat during the earlier part of the day.
Attendees beat the heat by refreshing themselves with a tasty beverage, snagging some shade, and walking through some of the conveniently placed water misters around town.
During Terrie Odabi’s performance on the main stage near the old Wallace City Hall/ Fire House, Firefighters from Shoshone County Fire District #1 (SCFD#1) even helped beat the heat by spraying the crowd with water from the fire house roof.
“Cooling off the fans at BluesFest!!” SCFD#1 said on their Facebook page.
Saturday night capped off with an amazing show by Sammy Eubanks’ All Star Jam, filling the entire area in front of the main stage with listeners.
Dave Copelan, Wallace Chamber of Commerce Coordinator, could not have been happier with the result of the festival.
“A fantastic Blues Festival,” Copelan said, “We are already having folks book stays for next year’s event. Great music, well behaved crowds, and an army of volunteers to keep things running smoothly.”
The Historic Wallace Blues Festival Facebook page also had nothing but positive things to say about the event and the people who attended.
“Great time hd by all! Thank you everyone who came and everyone who helped make it possible!!”