Blues great Montgomery tops Blues Fest slate

James Montgomery (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - New England blues legend the James Montgomery Blues Band will headline Rochester's 4^th annual Blues Festival next month.

By far the most renowned act ever at the venue, Montgomery has toured with mega bands like Aerosmith, Steve Miller, Johnny Winter, J. Geils and the Allman Brothers.

Montgomery even played with Muddy Waters at the old Paul's Mall on Boylston Street in Boston.

The blues fest is set for Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on North Main Street at the Cocheco Riverwalk.

Other entertainers include Rochester's own Linda Pouliot, Poor Howard and Bullfrog Rogers, Deep Fried Blues and the Threedom Blues Band.

There is no admission charge but donations are accepted.

The festival also features an array of kiosks lined along a roped-off North Main Street featuring food and other items.

A barbecue cook off is also being organized by Leone, McDonnell Roberts, PA, that includes a Peoples Choice Award of a $100 cash prize and plaque. Judging will take place for best chicken, pulled pork, ribs and brisket offered. A $5 sampling badge entitles the first 200 people to sample the barbecue, and anyone there before 1 p.m. will get to vote on the Peoples Choice Award.

Proceeds from the sampling help projects in the downtown area.

Rochester Main Street volunteers will also be dishing up blueberry dumplings while they last.

A bounce house and face painting is planned for children.

For more information - or to volunteer - contact the Rochester Main Street office at 603-330-3208.

Groups partnering in the event include City of Rochester Public Works and Police Departments, Waste Management, Rochester Truck Sales, Masiello Group Real Estate and St Elizabeth Seton School.