Shawn Kellerman. Photo by Brian Chilson.

Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival
Oct. 11, Helena
 
The final day of the Arkansas Blues and heritage festival in Helena opened with  Shawn Kellerman on fire on the main stage. I’m a born sucker for guitar theatrics in blues and Kellerman never disappoints. As usual, though, Cherry Street itself, and not the main stage, provides some of the best entertainment. Smells of alligator, crawfish, sausage of every description and lots of other stuff I won’t eat drift past as the blues pours out of nearly every corner. A guy playing an electrified “diddley bow,” a simple instrument comprised of a stick a cigar box and two strings from which he ripped a blues funk that drew a crowd of dozens. Then there’s the lighter sounds of Valerie June, a woman who over the years has really begun to come into her own with an expanded set list of original tunes, all of which drift sweetly from a voice that may not match her appearance, but somehow makes her all the more intriguing. This year, too, there were fewer closed storefronts along the street. Something is definitely going on in Helena.
 
Brian Chilson

Advertisement

More pics below.


Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Vote ‘No’ on Initiated Act 1 Next article Catching on