Louie Bluie Music & Arts Festival

CARYVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Louie Bluie Music and Art Festival, produced by the Campbell Culture Coalition. On Sept. 28, 2024, Cove Lake State Park will once again come alive with the sounds of incredible live music and the vibrant displays of Appalachian art from 10am to 6pm.

Admission to the festival is free with donations gratefully accepted at the gate to support the Campbell Culture Coalition’s ongoing efforts to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of the community.

Stay tuned for the exciting lineup of performers, which will be announced in the coming months. Be sure to follow the festival’s Facebook page and visit louiebluie.org for the latest updates and information.

“We are thrilled to continue the tradition of the Louie Bluie Festival in 2024, showcasing the extraordinary talents of both local and national musicians and artists,” said Jocelyn Woods Griffo, festival co-chair. “Our dedicated team is working hard to curate an unforgettable experience that truly captures the essence of Howard ‘Louie Bluie’ Armstrong’s legacy.”

The festival, inspired by the legendary Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong, aims to celebrate his immense contribution to the arts while nurturing the talents of the next generation of musicians and artists. With Campbell County’s deep roots in music, the Louie Bluie Festival serves as a testament to the enduring power of Armstrong’s influence and the importance of keeping these traditions alive.

Back by popular demand, the festival will feature the beloved Jamming Tent, where musicians are invited to bring their stringed instruments and join in impromptu sessions with some of the festival’s talented performers. These spontaneous collaborations are sure to create unforgettable moments that showcase the true spirit of the festival.

Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind celebration of music and art in the heart of Appalachia.

Call for vendors and performers

Performers

Performers and their agents seeking gigs at the festival can visit louiebluie.org/booking-application and fill out an online application. In addition to standard information, the application also asks how the applicant’s performance fits our mission, which is described in the paragraph immediately above the form. A link to the applicant’s music and videos can be inserted, and a short bio which will be used in promotion/publicity if they are selected.

Arts & Crafts Village

This year’s festival will once again feature the Arts & Crafts Village. Festival organizers are actively seeking artisans for the Arts & Crafts Village. Crafters whose work shows originality, craftsmanship, quality of design, and appropriateness to the Appalachian tradition are highly encouraged to apply. We’re looking for individual artists, school art clubs, or organizations dedicated to encouraging the arts, as well as certified 501(C(3) nonprofit groups that may want a presence to deliver their mission to attendees. 

In the past, some examples have included pottery, jewelry, homemade soaps and candles, marshmallow launchers, walking sticks, local authors, and fine art.

Booths are available for $60 per 10 x 10 ft. space, limited to two spaces. Electricity is available at an additional cost of $15/booth, but limited due to the number of park outlets.

The deadline to register is Sept. 3. Arts & Craft Village applications are on the louiebluie.org website so please register online.

Food Trucks & Food Vendors

The food vendor’s deadline to register is Sept. 1. In the past, we’ve had around 10,000 visitors, so we need lots of vendors to keep them from going hungry.

Mobile food trucks and church and community groups are encouraged to apply. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and participation is subject to approval to prevent too many vendors offering the same items.

Food vendor applications are on the louiebluie.org website so vendors can register online.

Artisans can create a buzz and make an impression by demonstrating how a craft is made.  Demonstrating (kept simple) is the best way to attract traffic.  With a curious crowd, you can explain what it’s like to make your wares, how many hours it takes, what decisions are involved, and why you love doing what you do. Let your bright passion shine through. You don’t have to give away trade secrets, but once a customer understands the labor and value of your craftsmanship, they are more likely to buy.

The 2024 Louie Bluie Music & Arts Virtual Festival is funded, in part, by the Tennessee Arts Commission through the General Assembly. We extend thanks to all our sponsors who have supported past festivals.

Additional festival information is available at LouieBluie.org. For information about the Campbell Culture Coalition, visit campbellculturecoalition.org. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/16/2024-6AM)