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History of Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest presented by Arvest Bank 

For 27 years the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Gladstone, have worked to bring in well-known Blues artists to the Northland. Oak Grove Park has been rocking and groovin’ to the sounds of award winning and well-known Blues artists before the change was made in 2023 to have the festival at Linden Square.  

Bluesfest started as a BBQ contest that featured blues music, called BBQ and Blues. At the time, the BBQ contest was known as Midwest Festival Championship Barbecue and Blues Festival held in Central Park during July. Then in June of 1997, the BBQ was dropped and the venue was moved from Central Park to Oak Grove Park, and the Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest emerged.  

Then in May of 2023 the venue changed again to beautiful downtown Linden Square in Gladstone, MO. This outdoor event of music and food will still be enjoyed over a two-day period, rain or shine. The most notable performers from years past have been Shirley King, who is the daughter of BB King: Charlie Musselwhite: Tab Benoit and Kelley Hunt.  For 2024, the festival will have regional and local award-winning Blues artists. 

Friday lineup: Drum & Dye, Nace Brothers and Lionel Young Band. Music starts at 6 pm. 

Saturday lineup: Mighty Phonics, Big Luke & The Soul Disciples and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Music starts at 5 pm. 

Come enjoy the music, food and cold drinks. 

Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest will be held at Linden Square in Gladstone, Missouri on May 17 & 18, 2024. Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. There is a suggested donation of $5 at the entrance. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. The park will open 1 hour before the music starts.  

For directions or more information, visit www.gladstonechamber.com, and also check out the Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest page on Facebook. 

KC Studio

KC Studio covers the performing, visual, cinematic and literary arts, and the artists, organizations and patrons that make Kansas City a vibrant center for arts and culture.

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