By Harvey County Now staff
Next Saturday will feature bands, food trucks and craft beer as Newton’s sixth annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue will kick off Sept. 23 in Athletic Park.
Doors open for Newton’s largest at 4 p.m. Bands go on at 6 p.m. The event serves as a local fundraiser with 100 percent of the gate and beer profits going back to support local journalism.
“It’s the same great concert,” Harvey County Now Publisher Joey Young said. “We just try to tweak it every year and try to listen to feedback.”
Lineup
Keefer Madness, a Wichita area “rocking boogie woogie blues band,” will open the show and begin their performance at 6 p.m., in the park.
Piper Lee will then perform at 7 p.m. Lee was invited back to the concert after feedback from attendees and has a driving voice that does performers like Janice Joplin justice in her covers.
“I think people will be excited to see Piper Lee back again,” organizer Bruce Behymer said.
Arbuckle and Woods will go on at 8 p.m. The due features long-time fixture Dustin Arbuckle teaming up his harmonica and soulful vocals with Matthew Woods, who brings a more fiery approach through his singing and guitar skills.
Beers
There will be six regional craft beers on tap, ranging from dark to hop heavy to light—for the domestic drinkers. That includes the event-exclusive brew from Walnut River Brewing Company, Off the Record Ale. Wine will also be served.
“There will be a good Kansas local beer selection,” Behymer said.
Vendors
Three food vendors will also serve the audience, including Taco Mike as well as Wings and Tails. A third will be announced.
“That number seems to be a sweet spot,” Behymer said.
Finally, the concert event will have a number of local vendors selling their wares.
Tickets and what to bring
The National Weather Service forecast lists Saturday to have a high of 81 degrees with the day mostly sunny and evening partly cloudy with a low of 57. Bring a lawn chair and a light jacket if you think you’ll get cool.
Tickets can be purchased at harveycountynow.com/bbb or at the Harvey County Now office, 706 Main Street. Call ahead if purchasing tickets in person and ask about discounts for blocks of 10 or more.
The regular price for tickets is $20 before the day of the concert and $25 at the gate.
The event and local journalism are supported by contributions from Conrade Insurance, Krueger Insurance, Charlsen Insurance, Citizens State Bank, Secure Storage 50, Berkshire Hathaway, Signs and Designs, Anderson’s Liquor, and Human-Centered Leadership Group.
