Richton Park Blues and Bones Fest

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Blues and Bones Fest Update, June 8th, 2006
Richton Park's Blues and Bones Fest is over and this year's event can be considered a complete overall success, especially compared to last year's rained out event. Great weather and a tent large enough to hold the stage, food vendors and a big crowd combined to bring together a music and food fest that will be fondly remembered by all those who attended and participated.

Don Lorenz of Lorenz Appliances in Homewood, and a sponsor of the event, was there for the entire event, both days from opening to close. Lorenz said, "The music was fantastic! All the acts were incrdibly good. When Big James and the Chicago Playboys hit the stage I was blown away. An then there's John Primer, the Rabble Rousers and of course the headliners, Koko Taylor and Phil Guy. Koko Taylor was just fantastic!"

The food was provided by Tony's Ribs and Chicken and Jay and Jay's, both of Richton Park. A late addition to the food line-up was Burgundy Bistro of Olympia Fields. Harry Olson, owner and long time resident of Richton Park, said "We were a little apprehensive about doing this because we've never done a Fest before and last year the rains hurt the fest. But this year with the tent and assurances from the Richton Park Merchant's Chamber President Gary Marquardt that "help was just a booth away", made the choice a little easier and that's why we jumped in with both feet!"

Mike Conley, Richton Park's Public Works Director and his crew did a fantastic job setting up and tearing down everything. The Police and Fire Department had everything under control. The crowds were made up of the most diverse group of people you'll find in the south suburbs and everybody enjoyed themselves, the blues and the food. It was a great event for families. Richton Park's Board of Trustees volunteered to man the booths that the Village was in charge of. Richton Park Village President Rick Reinbold was on hand. Trusttee Benjamin Hughes made a great master of ceremonies. And a lot of people from the village administration also pitched in as volunteers. And last, but certainly not least, a big round of applause goes out to Sharon Filkens-Jenrich, Richton Park Economic Development Director, and John Mills, Blues and Bones Fest Promoter, both of whom worked tirelessly to get sponsors and to put this event together and to bring to the people of Richton Park one of those nice little diversions that enhances our quality of life here in the south suburbs.

A job well done by everyone involved!

See you next year's Blues and Bones Fest.

Village of Richton Park Hosts Blues and Bones Fest
Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4

Performers Include Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine, John Primer, Phil Guy, Big James and The Chicago Playboys, Sharon Lewis, Jimmy Burns, Lurrie Bell, The Harry Garner Band Featuring Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy King, The Rabble Rousers Band and More

The Village of Richton Park hosts Blues and Bones Fest on Saturday, June 3 from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday June 4 from 1 to 10 p.m. The two day "rain or shine" family music event will take place just west of the Metra Commuter station at the corner of Sauk Trail and Governors Highway in downtown Richton Park, and feature local and nationally recognized blues artists including Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine, John Primer, Phil Guy, Big James and The Chicago Playboys, Sharon Lewis, Jimmy Burns, Lurrie Bell, The Harry Garner Band featuring Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy King, The Rabble Rousers Band and more. Fest patrons will also have the opportunity to dine on ribs and "fixin's" prepared by some of the area's most popular restaurants including Calumet City's Brothers Ribs, Homewood's Chelsea's Restaurant, and Richton Park's Jay & Jays Barbecue & Seafood, Tony's Ribs & Chicken and Burgundy Bistro.

"Richton Park is thrilled to bring some of the area's finest blues talent to the Southland for what promises to be a not-to-be missed family-oriented cultural event," said Mayor Rick Reinbold. "Blues and Bones Fest will be a great way for area residents to hear great music and savor good food in their own backyard, and an opportunity to show off the richness and texture of our community to visitors."

The schedule for Blues and Bones Fest follows*:

Saturday, June 3

1 - 4 p.m...........Battle of the Bands
4 - 5 p.m...........Billy King
5 - 6 p.m...........Lurrie Bell (acoustic performance)
6 - 7:30 p.m........Big James and The Chicago Playboys
7:30 - 9 p.m........John Primer
9:30 - 11 p.m.......Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine

Sunday, June 4

1 - 2:30 p.m.........The Harry Garner Band featuring Barrelhouse Chuck
2:30 - 4 p.m.........The Rabble Rousers Band
4:30 - 6 p.m.........Jimmy Burns
6 - 7:30 p.m.........Sharon Lewis
8 - 10 p.m...........Phil Guy

* Dates/times/artists subject to change.

The Village of Richton Park hosts Blues and Bones Fest on Saturday, June 3 from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday June 4 from 1 to 10 p.m. just west of the Metra Commuter station at the corner of Sauk Trail and Governors Highway in downtown Richton Park.

Tickets purchased by May 15 are $8 for adults, $6 for students with valid ID and seniors 65+. Tickets may be purchased on line visitwww.richtonpark.org; or by check made out to “Village of Richton Park” mailed to Village of Richton Park, 4455 W. Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471, Attn: Blues and Bones Fest. Checks may also be dropped off in person at this address. Tickets purchased from May 16 through Fest dates, (including at the gate on day of show) are $10 for adults, $8 for students with valid ID and seniors 65+. Tickets are free for ages 12 and under. Parking is also free. For more information phone 708.481.8950 or visit www.richtonpark.org.

Richton Park is located 40 minutes south of downtown Chicago on Interstate 57 at Sauk Trail. Visit www.metrarail.com/ for directions from Chicago by train.

This event is sponsored in part by The Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Illinois Arts Council.