Saturday in Norcross GA, one of our favorite festivals took place. The Bluesberry and Beer Festival completed its 9th year in tremendous style. Some of the best blues musicians in the Atlanta area entertained a large and happy crowd.

First up was Frankie Lee’s Blues Mission. It was Frankie Lee’s 61st birthday, and we all sang Happy Birthday to him. After Frankie Lee’s band completed their great set, Cody Matlock and his band of Atlanta favorites delivered some tasty funk and soul and had lots of people on their feet and dancing.

Organizer Mike Holley is also the drummer of the fantastic, Real DealBlues Band. They served up hot blues with old-school flavor. Love that harmonica!!

As the evening began to creep upon us, Red Sugar Blues took the stage in her awesome red boots and tutu and delivered fabulous Chicago blues. Then, we had a special treat as Albert White’s band backed up Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, whose concession to being 80 years old was to play and sing sitting down but with as much fervor as ever. Mike presented her with the first Bluesberry Legend Award, richly deserved.

By the time Ms. Beverly finished, it was about 9. The Cazanovas came on to close the show and they were in fine form as always. We stayed until a few minutes before closing time. We drove away happy to the strains of one of our favorite bands playing the finale of one of our best-loved festivals. Thanks to Norcross, Mike Holley, and all of the artists and other festival attendees for a wonderful evening!