4th Annual Blues Fest Rolls Into Kent

The 4th Annual Kent Blues Fest comes to downtown Kent this weekend, with free shows by two dozen bands and artists on Friday and a headlining concert by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels on Saturday.

The popular Blues Fest kicks off at 5:15 p.m. Friday with a free after-work show by Frankie Starr at the new Plaza. The performance is sponsored by Acorn Alley and .

Then it’s off to check out the free live blues being offered at 14 Kent venues.

Friday’s line-up includes shows by Wallace Coleman, the Brighter Side Band, Mike Lenz, the Numbers Band, the Juke Hounds and many more.

The full schedule is available by clicking this link and as a .pdf accompanying this story.

One of the legends of early rock and R&B, Mitch Ryder has been thrilling audiences with his high-octane performances since the ‘60s. Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels – known for hits such as “Devil with a Blue Dress,” Sock It To Me Baby” and “Little Latin Lupe Lu” – play The Kent Stage on Saturday at 8 p.m.

“Mitch Ryder is the unsung hero of rock and roll,” said Tom Simpson of The Kent Stage. “He combines rock, blues and soul for a powerful performance. We’re thrilled to have him conclude the Kent Blues Fest this year.”

Monica Robins and the Whiskey Kings will open Saturday’s show. Robins is best known for her work as a reporter and anchor on WKYC-TV3.

Tickets for Saturday's show are on sale at www.kentstage.org.