Westport is many things to many people. We’re hedge fund headquarters, an arts colony, and a great place to raise kids.
For 2 days every year, Westport is also the blues and BBQ capital of the Northeast.
A multi-hued, very diverse crowd of music and food lovers descended on the Westport Library and Imperial Avenue parking lots, plus the Levitt Pavilion, today and tonight.
The 8th annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival kicked off in its highest gear ever. From kick-ass music to definitely non-vegan food — and with games, booths, fun and more for all ages — it was the liveliest opening day ever.
Tomorrow’s (Sunday) show runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you’ve never been, you have to check it out (info here).
If you’ve been before, you know you’re going back.
Anders Osborne — the Swedish bluesman from New Orleans — rocked a full Levitt Pavilion house tonight.
Amits Bread was a perfect complement to Big Animal Barbecue. Check out their smoker, next to Amit.
What’s a barbecue festival without ribs…
…and fried food.
These kids loved Tom’s roid-rippin’ hot sauce.
Dane Tilghman came from Pennsylvania to show his blues-infused artwork.
Tats: They’re not just for teenagers.
The Levitt Pavilion concerts were sold out. But a brass band played for everyone else in the Westport Library parking lot.
An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the Levitt Pavilion shows.
Even at the crowded Levitt, there was a chance to chill, and enjoy the day.
Fried Oreos. Yum. Are they still open tomorrow?
Yep. As noted in the story, the Blues Fest is on today (Sunday) from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.!
Fried Oreos do sound kinda awesome…but it’s the “Fried Kool-Aid” that has me puzzled. Is it true you have to sign a release before purchase?
On a more serious note, I would like to thank First Selectman Jim Marpe; Town Operations Manager, Dewey Loselle; the Levitt management; the Blues & BBQ promoters; the DMA and, of course, the Westport Police, for their superb efforts to mitigate the impact of noise associated with this event on the surrounding residential neighborhood. By an order of magnitude, the situation has improved from last year and that truly warrants recognition. This is a superb event (full disclosure: I have an unnatural attraction to BBQ) and, like the new Levitt, will no doubt only get better with time.