Duke Seaward, owner of Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ in East Dundee, is hosting his annual Blues-N-BBQ Fest. The two-day event starts Friday and features a variety of blues artists and plenty of food. (Alicia Fabbre | Staff Photographer)
Blues and barbecue will take center stage in East Dundee during Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ Fest.
The two-day music and food festival, organized by Duke Seaward, owner of Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ restaurant, kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with the Dundee-Crown High School marching band. The festival features well-known blues artists, food trucks and, of course, Seward’s specialty, BBQ.
The two-day event will be at the Depot, located at 319 N. River Street. There is no charge for entry to the festival.
On Friday, Mark Bettcher & Friends will take the stage at 5:15 after the Dundee Crown High School marching band opens the festival. Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee Mike Charles will perform from 8 to 11 p.m.
An opening ceremony featuring gospel singers kicks off at noon on Saturday. Caesare Salad and the Spicy Croutons takes the stage at 12:30 p.m., followed by Jimmy Nick from 3 to 5 p.m. Blues Heart Mama Bear and Madisen Ward, Mama Bear and Nu Blue will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sharay Reed and Friends will close out the festival from 8 to 11 p.m.
Of course, Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ, which operates a year-round restaurant in downtown East Dundee, will be serving up plenty of BBQ throughout the weekend.