Located at the Blues Ranch in Winthrop, Wash., the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues festival takes place annually and has been running for 23 years. It is a three-day event packed with a world class lineup of blues musicians. Past festivals have featured famous and popular artists such as Bo Diddley, Bobby Rush, Koko Taylor, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Eric Burdon, Susan Tedeschi and many others. The festival usually takes place in July on the scenic Methow River with plenty of campsites and amenities available. Purchase tickets online at winthropbluesfestival.com or by phone at 800-422-3048.
Funk Fest is a music festival in Florida that mixes both young and old blues, soul, funk and R&B acts. The one-day outdoor music festival designed exposes a diverse audience to old-school R&B acts, showcasing artists such as Frankie Beverly, Babyface, Bell Biv DeVoe and Doug E Fresh. The festival takes place every year in May at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. Tickets can be bought online at funkfestconcerts.com/tickets.
Ribs n' Soul R&B Jazz Fest is a three-day festival held annually every August for the past 15 years in downtown Detroit's Hart Plaza. The Ribs n' Soul Festival has showcased the talents of Detroit R&B, soul, jazz and funk acts such as Alexander O'Neal, Cherrelle and Enchantment. A major highlight are the Ribbers, who compete in the Rib Cookoff competition to determine the Ribs n' Soul's "Best Ribs and Best Sauce," and satisfy the appetites of attendees. Purchased tickets by phone at 800-643-1220, or at the door for VIP seating, or online at ribsnsoulrnbjazzfest.com.
The Essence is a rhythm & blues music festival that features more contemporary R&B performers, as well as gospel and blues acts in downtown New Orleans. Artists such as Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Keri Hilson, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Raphael Saadiq and more will perform. Performances as well as seminars will be held at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, as well as other downtown locations. Purchased tickets online at www.essencemusicfestival.com/tickets.php.