World-class blues acts will keep a long summer of music going at the third annual Boro Blues Fest.

It’s a testament to the dedication of organizers and their main sponsor, the Lead Belly organization, that artists who have performed all over the world will grace the stage here in our little, but artistically inspired, town.

’It’s going to be a great, fun, family event,’ event organizer Cindy Phiffer said. ’We have two evenings full of music and activities for children of all ages.’

The free, family-oriented festival will be at the Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) from 5’10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, and from 3’10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

Each day festivities will begin with performances from local school blues bands, like Friday’s welcome ceremony with the McCarthy Gause Elementary School Choir. At 8 p.m. Friday, C.J. Vaughn & Highway 58 take the stage with their smooth, blues riffs, and C.J.’s vocals, a dead ringer for Johnny Lang. On Saturday local performers with DefKat Music’s Blues Jam will kick off at 3 p.m.

Phiffer advises keeping your eyes open for a friendly local rivalry between Casey Clarke & The Firehouse Band and Civil Service w/Max Johns, as local firefighters (who play with Clarke) and members of our local police department and civil service agencies (who play with Johns) take the stage.

’It looks like it’s going to be a great lineup for both days,’ said Terry Womack with Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, adding that she is personally excited about seeing sultry blues/soul singer Debbie Ritter, and the powerhouse blues of Richard ’Sweet’ Waters.

Saturday night will wrap up with two amazing artists. First is 2008 Jus’ Blues award winner for Best Female Blues Artist, B.B. Queen, who has been performing since the age of 5. She is constantly taking her sound on the road and has played extensively overseas.

Scott Holt will then bring it all home.

’Scott is a real good draw in the area,’ Phiffer said. ’He’s from Middle Tennessee, and, for his age, has a broad range of experience.’

Holt is a prot’g’ of blues great Buddy Guy (who he toured with for 10 years), and has rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s biggest celebrities, but he can still keep it blues in his home state, with a versatile repertoire and skill to back it up.

In addition to two free days of blues, the festival will also feature free children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, food, and a special new feature made possible by the patronage of the Lead Belly Foundation. The School of Recording, an offshoot of the local Youth Culture and Arts Center, will be on site to provide free musical education seminars and demonstrations for area youth. Event organizers are very excited to offer a hands-on experience to the community.

’The partnering of Boro Blues Fest and the Lead Belly organization has felt like a hand and glove, because of their desire to support music education and educational efforts,’ Phiffer said.

Founded in 1992, the Lead Belly Foundation is a nonprofit group that honors the memory of blues musician Huddie ’Lead Belly’ Ledbetter by providing music scholarships, working with exhibitions, promoting the genre at festivals and keeping blues alive.

If You Go:

Website: borobluesfest.com or leadbelly.org