By Aubrey Stitzman
Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau

NASHVILLE — The Bean Blossom Blues Fest comes to Brown County Thursday, Aug. 27, through Saturday, Aug. 29, at the historic Monroe Music Park and Campground.

Returning for the 17th year, the Bean Blossom Blues Fest will feature performances by well-known blues musicians and around-the-clock jam sessions.

What started as a small gathering for harmonica musicians has grown into a major blues festival featuring three days of performances, along with seminars, contests and camping. Camp overnight on 55 acres of land or take advantage of the hotel shuttle service to downtown Nashville.

The festival kicks off at 6:45 p.m. Thursday with a party and jam session and continues at 2 p.m. Friday with a seminar, followed by the Harmonica Masters and & Pros Showcase, blues trivia and giveaways.

Friday evening performers will include Omar Coleman, the Below Zero Blues Band, the Danielle Nicole Band and Grammy-winning harmonica player Jason Ricci.

The festival continues at noon Saturday, when attendees can learn how to play the harmonica or guitar “like a pro” at one of the festival’s seminars. The blues bash begins at 2 p.m. with the Cabin 12 Allstar Jammers, Tas Cru, Brandon Santini, Mr. Sipp, Blues Hall of Fame inductee Deak Harp and Saturday night headliner and Tony Award-nominated singer, Mary Bridget Davies.

Festivities also will include the Indiana State Harmonica Competition, beer sampling, prize giveaways and plenty of jamming.

Tickets are available online and are $25 to $30 for single-day adult admission or $55 for an adult weekend pass. Youth tickets for ages 10 to 15 are available at a discounted rate. Golf carts may be rented for $160.

For more information, including a schedule of events, performer bios and tickets, visit the Bean Blossom Blues Festival website or call (812) 325-8836.