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The blues fest is back in town

It started in 2001 with a one-night free concert, scheduled to coincide with Ely’s Harvest Moon Festival.Three years later, the Boundary Waters Blues Festival is an extravaganza all on its own.The 2004 edition is set for this weekend at Winton’s Longbranch, featuring several big name acts and including nearly 20 hours of music over two days.In its brief history, the festival has become one of the best small-town blues events in the country, according to organizer Mike Jankovec.Jankovec, co-host of WELY Radio’s morning show as well as the host of a weekly blues show, said the festival has evolved quickly since its inception.The first two events were one-night shows at Whiteside Park, held on the Saturday night of Ely’s September Harvest Moon weekend.The festival grew in 2003, expanding to a second night and moving outside the city limits to Winton.“Last year was the first real festival where we had a chance to charge (admission),” said Jankovec. “The first two were free in the park, but they shut us down at 10 (p.m.) and we couldn’t have alcohol. That’s why we’re in Winton. And this is the first year we’re not with the Harvest Moon. We’re trying to make this into its own weekend.”Jankovec has also been able to attract well-known blues musicians, who’ve played before big crowds at Whiteside Park the first two years and an estimated crowd of 2,500 people at the 2003 event.The festival also caught the attention of Blues Revue magazine, which threw its weight behind the event this year.“Somebody from that magazine showed up last year and they went to the publisher and said we’ve got to get behind this thing,” said Jankovec. “They take a select amount of festivals and get behind them. The owner of the magazine said he wanted to work with us. He said a festival of our size would never be considered if it didn’t have legs to stand on.”Ely’s reputation as a tourist destination, coupled with the success of the first few festivals, give the Boundary Waters Blues Festival potential to take off, according to Jankovec.The extra publicity has helped. The bulk of local ticket sales are generally done on the day of the event, but advance tickets have been sold to people from as far away as Arkansas and into Canada.Ticket prices are $15 for a one-day adult ticket and $25 for two days. Children from age 8-12 are admitted for half price and those under 8 get in free.By way of the festival’s website (elyblues.org) patrons said they wanted longer acts in 2004, and organizers have delivered.All of the artists are set to work 100-minute sets on stage at the Longbranch.A full schedule starts at 4 p.m. Friday, when the Sky Blues Band takes the stage.The rest of the Friday lineup includes Paul Mayasich and the Benders (6:25 p.m.), with Jimmy D. Lane (8:50 ) and Joe Kubek and Bnois King (11:15) to follow.Lane has appeared on Conan O’Brien’s late-night television program as well as the Chicago Blues Festival.Kubek goes by the nickname “Smokin Joe” and has played with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. He and Bnois King met in 1989 and formed a band that has appeared in thousands of clubs and festivals.The Sky Blues Band and Mayasich both return for repeat performances Saturday, and previous festival participant Melvin Taylor returns in 2004 for a Saturday afternoon show.Taylor has released several albums and is known as one of the best blues guitarists of this time period. He has opened shows for B.B. King, Santana, George Benson and Canned Heat.Later Saturday, Mojo Buford with Jimmy Smith and the Chicago All-Stars go on stage. Buford, 75, has had a long career in blues and has released many albums and toured the country.Renee Austin, nominated as the best new blues artist of 2004, performs at 8:45 Saturday and Bernard Allison closes the show at 11:10.Those who want a sneak preview of the weekend festivities can go to the Hideaway in Babbitt Thursday, when Austin performs at the festival kickoff party (7 p.m.).Campers are welcome for the festival. Rates are $12 for one day and $20 for two.Jankovec is coordinating the festival along with Rhonda Prahl.“She’s the one who keeps track of everything,” said Jankovec.Organizers say it will take more than $40,000 to put the festival on. They hope to recover those costs through gate admissions and sponsorships.

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