The Mississippi Valley Blues Society

10/12/2026

MVBS.org presents Brother John Kattke, a renowned Chicago blues musician, celebrated for his guitar, keyboard, and vocal performances, as well as decades of collaborations with legendary artists. Come see him live Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 pm at The Hauberg Estate in Rock Island. The performance is free and donations are accepted. More info: https://www.mvbs.org/events/brother-john-kattke/

MVBS.org presents Brother John Kattke, a renowned Chicago blues musician, celebrated for his guitar, keyboard, and vocal performances, as well as decades of collaborations with legendary artists.

09/27/2026

Where do you plan to be two weeks from today? MVBS hopes to see you at The Gypsy Highway. Rocky Athas will be playing at our big blues party on Sunday October 18th from 3:30-6:30.
$15members $20 non members.
DON’T LOSE THE BLUES!

Rocky Athas, known by critics and fans as The Texas Tornado, The Malice from Dallas, The Young Eric Clapton and The Last Great Bluesbreaker Guitarist, possesses an arsenal of punishing guitar riffs and catchy hooks that have opened every door. From his first solo album at Willie Nelson's studio with multi-Grammy winning producer, Jim Gaines, to recording with Buddy Miles and SRV's Double Trouble to Glenn Hughes, Joe Walsh and John Mayall, Rocky has a blues rock pedigree that reads like a Who's Who of musicians. You might not remember how to pronounce his name correctly, but you will most certainly remember his playing! With his wonderfully crafted new album, Livin’ My Best Life, Rocky gives his fans “ten bodacious tracks of high octane music” to encourage everyone to live their best lives. The album includes smokin' hot tributes to Jeff Beck and Peter Green and an instant classic performance by John Mayall on harmonica. Rocky delivers this musical message with his trademark soaring guitar pyro-technics, monstrous tone and iconic Texas style.

After carrying the mantle of the coveted role of lead guitarist with John Mayall's legendary Bluesbreakers for eight years, Rocky Athas returned from the international touring stage to reclaim his rightful place front and center with his successfully established solo career. The much anticipated reunion between Rocky's good friend and multi-Grammy winning producer, Jim Gaines, delivered Shakin' the Dust to rave reviews and garnered a nomination for Album of the Year!

Partnering repeatedly with Grammy Award-winning producer Jim Gaines, Rocky Athas has released a series of albums, including Miracle, Voodoo Moon, Lightning Strikes Twice, Let My Guitar Do The Talking...with my friends and his band of Texas musicians wows audiences everywhere they go.

09/24/2026

Scott Caldwell was the lucky winner of the 2026 Bluesfest Artist Autographed guitar, donated by Musicians Pro Shop in Burlington. Looks like a 7th chord so Scott knows his Blues chords. Congratulations Scott, and thanks to all the raffle ticket buyers. All raffle proceeds go towards the mission of the Mississippi Valley Blues Society to help keep the Blues alive!

09/23/2026

Wow, another great BluesFest! A heartfelt thank you to all the artists, volunteers, sponsors and attendees who turned out to help preserve and celebrate the Blues. Friday weather was beautiful but Saturday intermittent rain and storms. And despite Saturday weather we had another successful Blues Skool with Dustin Arbuckle and Big Bill Morganfield leading the sessions. It was very gratifying to see the younger folks and young families show up and keeping the Blues Alive.

09/21/2026

Well that’s a wrap for the 41st festival year. 41 years of year long planning, set up, tear down and lots of amazing
volunteers. Thanks to all for your hard work and to all the fans that came in support of our beloved MVBS regardless of the weather. The sea of colorful umbrellas keeping that blues beat was a site of joy. We appreciate all of you blues lovers for a tremendous weekend of fun, conversation and this incredible art form of music called blues.
Thank you!!!!
DON’T LOSE THE BLUES!

09/18/2026

Rain or shine. The blues are fine. We need you here to drink some b**r. These are the clues.
DON’T LOSE THE BLUES!

09/16/2026

Big thanks to James Kipp, owner of Musicians Pro Shop in Burlington, Iowa for donating this brand new Epiphone SG!
We’ll be raffling it off at the Festival Merchandise tent this weekend!

09/11/2026

2026 Blues Fest Artist Profile — Levee Town brings together guitarist and vocalist Brandon Hudspeth, bassist and vocalist Jacque Garoutte, and drummer Adam Hagerman. Hudspeth is a three-time Blues Music Award nominee, including a 2026 nomination, and a six-time Blues Blast Music Award nominee.

The band’s music has made an impact of its own, with “Music Martyr” reaching #1 on the Roots Music Report Blues Rock Song chart. Together, Hudspeth, Garoutte and Hagerman bring their blues-rock sound to Blues Fest for a special role in this year’s Saturday night lineup.

Mid-September is almosthere, and Blues Fest is now just a few short weeks away. After Shemekia Copeland closes the Main Stage Saturday night, the music isn’t over—head to the Pedigo-Jones Stage at 9:30 PM for the Tent Jam hosted by Levee Town.

Join us September 18–19, 2026, at LeClaire Park in Davenport, IA, on the banks of the Mississippi River, for two days of incredible music, great food, and unforgettable vibes.

Get tickets at the website: https://www.mvbs.org/blues-fest