Local blues fans are excited that, after experimenting with a variety of formats in recent years, the 2014 Bull Durham Blues Festival returns to Historic Durham Athletic Park (the “old ball park”) on Saturday, September 6. The show features Kermit Ruffins, Shemekia Copeland, Grady Champion and more. Opening night Friday in St. Joseph’s Theatre at Hayti Heritage Center offers the Campbell Brothers, John Dee Holeman, Phil Cook and The Rousters. Doors open at 5:00 and music starts at 6:00 both nights.

According to Angela Lee, executive director at Hayti Heritage Center, there was “never any question” that the Festival would return to its traditional home at the DAP this year.  “We’re pleased to offer something for everyone,” she said, with Friday’s show in the more-intimate setting at St. Joseph’s and Saturday’s full-blown event including 7 musical acts plus food & drink and craft vendors. For many fans, it’s a chance to re-acquaint with fellow Festival attendees they may only see once a year.

Blues Fest fans can save on advance tickets by clicking here.

A similar 2-night event in 2009 produced one of the memorable Fests of recent years, with an 11-hour all-day Saturday marathon including Elvin Bishop, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Zac Harmon, Cool John Ferguson and others. Here’s a video from that show of a song made famous by Trombone Shorty’s grandfather, Jessie Hill.  See more Blues Fest videos here.