The savory scents of barbecues fired up by passionate pitmasters and the sultry sounds of blues singers are set to converge Saturday and Sunday in and around the Levitt Pavilion for Westport’s 11th annual Blues, Views and BBQ Festival.
Sponsored for the first time by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce (WWCC) — taking over from the Westport Downtown Merchants Association — the event opens at 11 a.m. each day, with performances starting at 11:30 a.m.
“This will be the place to be Labor Day weekend,” said Matthew Mandell, WWCC executive director. “Two days of great music and fun for every one of every age at the biggest event in town.”
The “Levitt Live” performances on Saturday will feature Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds. Denson has just come off being on Tour with the Rolling Stones, Mandell said.
Headlining on Sunday is Grammy Award winner Fantastic Negrito and Caroline Wonderland. Fantastic Negrito won the Grammy in 2017 for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
There will be six bands playing each day, Mandell said.
The “Imperial Jam” to be held in the adjacent Imperial Avenue parking lot will feature many local bands, including the Alpaca Gnomes and the Mighty Soul Drivers.
In addition, Mandell said there will be a third stage for children’s performances, plus numerous children’s activities including bounce houses.
A major highlight each year is the annual barbecue competition. The event will also includes artisan vendors, food trucks, cooking demonstrations and beer and wine gardens, Mandell said.
The BBQ Festival was founded by Bob LeRose, of Bobby Q’s, who has teamed up with the WWCC to expand the festival music and footprint. The WWCC worked on the festival the last two years which allowed for a seamless transition and production.
For further information about the event and tickets that on sale, visit http://www.bluesviewsandbbq.com.
