Text and Photos by Joseph A. Rosen
In May 2009 I had the privilege of attending and photographing Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Blues for the first time and I was knocked out! I’m blessed to attend many of the best and largest Blues festivals and cruises all over the country, but this event is particularly special.
What makes it so special one might ask?
First is the location. It’s right on the waters of Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis, Maryland. There are spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, sandy beaches and playgrounds nearby, a beautiful full rig professional stage complete with Jumbotron, tons of seating in a grassy lawn surrounded by an array of food, beverage and craft vendors. It’s a wonderful spot!
Obviously, it is special because of the music. The festival always has a totally top notch line up of performers. 2009 was headlined by Los Lonely Boys and Johnny Lang. For 2010, the promoters have flat out out done themselves by bringing in two true legends, Chuck Berry and Buddy Guy, as headliners. In addition there’s a superb supporting line up, including everything from a Mummers parade to string bands to top local and national Blues acts. There are way too many to list here, but check out www:bayblues.org for complete listings and information. It’s a killer line up!
Last and perhaps most important, the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival has a purpose beyond the good times and the great music. It’s all for charity. To my knowledge that makes it unique among large Blues Festivals. It is largely staffed by dedicated volunteers. The promoters contribute the proceeds to Special Olympics, We Care, Camp Face and a new beneficiary this year, Special Love. The festival’s web site has a lot more information about these great organizations.
Now isn’t that special? You bet it is! I suggest that if you possibly can, clear up the weekend of May 22 and 23, get your friends and family on board, get some tickets, go to a great place, have a great time, hear great music for all; the right reasons!
What follows are a selection of photos from the 2009 Festival. I hope that these will give you a sense of the spirit of the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival and that this look back will be a preview of what promises to be an even bigger and better event this year.
Photo Gallery – 2009 Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival
Last year’s Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival was a feast for Blues fans and the 2010 Festival, scheduled for next month promises to be every bit as good, or better. So, do your best to make it there and support the Blues, all for a good cause!
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About Joseph A. Rosen:
Joseph A. Rosen is a New York City based professional photographer whose work has appeared in Time,Newsweek, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and more. Corporate clients include JP Morgan/Chase Bank, American Express, Nordstrom, PepsiCo and IBM. He has been a working and exhibiting professional since prior to his graduation from Carnegie-Mellon University with a degree in Photography and Related Studies. His music clients are some of the greatest names in the industry from blues, R&B, soul, rock, Cajun/Zydeco, and jazz, the record companies for whom they record and their management groups. Joe has received the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive in Photography and Art Award for 2002. The award is presented by the Blues Foundation of Memphis to an artist who has created a body of work which has brought the Blues to the public though photography and “made a significant contribution to the blues world.” For more information about Joseph A. Rosen, please visit www.josepharosen.com.
Related Links
Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival 2010
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
All photos in this article – Copyright Joseph A. Rosen 2009.