Another Year at the King Biscuit Blues Festival

Tommy and Dad Watching the Acts

I went to the King Biscuit Blues Festival (KBBF) again this year. It was October 8-10. Once again, I worked the main stage.

We did not have a lot of help this year, but it might have run the smoothest I recall the festival ever going. The acts were given about 30 minutes between when one finished and the next needed to play. It was wonderful! We had all kinds of time to get set up and prepare for the next band. It worked out great!

Anson Funderburgh Playing Guitar

Dad Shirron and I went this year. I was trying to remember how long I have been going to the festival, and I believe I started around 2004 or 2005. I am not exactly sure. I have been going every year since, only missing 2020 when the whole festival was canceled.

I thought all the acts this year were really good. Sometimes there are bands that play where you question why they were there, their sound is not good, or they are difficult to work with getting them on and off the main stage. This year, we had no issues at all. Everything went smoothly, and it was great!

Back Stage of Paul Thorn

As we were leading up to the festival, the weather was forecast to be hot, with rain all day on Saturday. As the weekend approached, we did have hot weather on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures around 91 degrees both days. It was not too bad, but it did get hot and sweaty.

Saturday was forecast to have a 95% chance of rain, with possible flooding due to the hurricane coming up from the south. As Saturday approached, though, we noticed the forecast changing. Finally, Saturday morning, the rain went completely out of the forecast. It turned out to be a beautiful day in the seventies, overcast, and with no rain at all. It was glorious!

Bart and Me Working the KBBF

Every year as KBBF approaches, Dad Shirron talks about how it will be his last, and Tommy says the same thing. On the drive down this year, I was asked if I would continue after they stopped going. Before the festival, I was not sure. I mainly go because I want to spend time with Tommy and Dad Shirron and see other friends.

After this festival, though, I can see myself continuing. I did lead a few of the stage acts this year, getting people on and off the stage and making sure they got started on time. It went really well, which made me feel better about possibly continuing in the future.

Robert Nighthawk Playing B3

Dad did leave everything he normally takes with him from Topeka at the festival for whoever takes over the stage manager role. We will see what happens next year.

Here are a few pictures, and that is it for tonight. I am writing this early Sunday evening after getting back from our last camping trip of the year.

Until next time, have a great week, and I will talk to you later.

Bobby Rush and His Dancing Ladies

Dad Watching Anson Play

Blues, Friends, and Good Times at King Biscuit Blues Festival 2025

I’m behind on this week’s update since I was away camping over the weekend, so here’s another short recap of the prior week.

The 2025 King Biscuit Blues Festival took place over two days this year: October 10 and 11. That’s one day shorter than in previous years. After almost not having a festival at all, it was great to enjoy two days of music, friends, and blues.

Corrie didn’t attend this year, which meant Carrie didn’t either. Eddie and I headed down on Wednesday even though the festival was only Friday and Saturday. We planned to meet up with Tommy, Eddie’s childhood friend, Tommy’s nephew Eddie, and Bart, a family friend. We stayed together for four nights in a VRBO. Two nights on our own before the festival started gave us time to relax and get ready for the fun.

The house was in Dundee, MS, right across the river from Helena, AR. It was our first time staying there for the festival, and it turned out to be a great spot. We spent time relaxing by the lake, enjoying the sun patio, and watching baseball at the house while we prepared for the weekend.

Thursday is usually busy with the festival kicking off, but this year was different. We had a laid-back day with lunch in downtown Helena and plans for dinner at Kathryn’s that evening. We called ahead and heard their voicemail say they were now open Thursday through Saturday. Perfect! We left a message for reservations. But when we arrived Thursday night, they were closed. We were so disappointed because we had really been looking forward to that meal. Instead, we headed back to the house and had leftovers from the night before.

Friday, the festival began, and we had a great time. There were some solid acts, including regulars we see every year like Anson Funderburgh. The weather was perfect, not too hot, cold, or rainy. Ideal for a festival.

Saturday was another good day of music and catching up with friends. With the schedule changes and uncertainty about the festival, the crowd wasn’t as big as usual for a Saturday night, but it was still a fun day and a great festival overall.

Until next time...