10th Annual Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival

Experience two Texas traditions during Labor Day weekend in Dallas Fort Worth at the 10th Annual Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival August 31 through September 2. The three-day event combines the Lone Star State’s love of music and food with performers and pitmasters from across the country. Tickets can be purchased now online; general admission tickets and parking are free August 31as part of the “Friday Night Free-For-All.” Setting the stage for one of the best blues concert in Texas are headliners Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, who closes out the festival Sunday at 9:30PM, and fellow Louisianan Tab Benoit, who performs Saturday at 9:30PM. Known as a “young blues rock guitarist,” Shepherd has sold millions of albums worldwide, won two Billboard Music Awards, and is a five-time GRAMMY® nominee. Benoit is also an acclaimed guitarist, as well as a singer and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter. He won the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Best Contemporary Male Performer at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, and received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2006. The live music line-up, which takes place on two stages beginning Friday at 6:00PM, also includes Samantha Fish, Chubby Carrier and Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials. New this year, and raising the bar in barbecue contests, is the unprecedented BBQ Triple Play competition with three sanctioning organizations participating: International Bar-B-Que Cookers Association, Kansas City Barbeque Society, and Steak Cookoff Association. Pitmasters from throughout the U.S. will compete for more than $24,000 in prizes in 14 categories. Attendees can sample the very best these pros have to offer at the popular People’s Choice competition September 1, 3:30PM -5:30PM. A second tasting event, Battle of the BBQ, takes place in the food court September 2, 3:00PM -5:00PM. The event also features a marketplace with more than 70 artisan, craft and commercial vendors. Hours of operation are Friday 6:00PM to 10:00PM, Saturday 2:00PM to 10:00PM, and Sunday 2:00PM to 10:00PM. Tickets are on sale and start at $7 per person; specialty seating and packages are also available. General admission and parking are free Friday, August 31. Tickets may be purchased online at www.bedfordbluesfest.com. Come for the BBQ and stay for the Blues!