Blues, Brews & BBQ in McHenry announces lineup

‘We are bringing together some of our best fan favorites from over the years,’ an organizer says

After canceling Blues, Brews & BBQ in 2020, the McHenry Area Rotary is announcing an “all-star” line up for the 10th anniversary of the August festival.

The fest – co-presented this year by D.C. Cobb’s-McHenry and Gary Lang Auto Group – is scheduled for Aug. 20 to 22 in Petersen Park, according to a news release.

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 20, 3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and noon Aug. 22, according to the release. The fest ends at 11 p.m. Aug. 20 and Aug. 21, and 5 p.m. Aug. 22.

“We are bringing together some of our best fan favorites from over the years,” Diana Mark, lineup chairwoman for the McHenry Area Rotary’s Blues, Brews & BBQ Committee, said in a statement.

“From local faves John Todd, Jimmy Nick and Ivy Ford to Chicago Blues greats Toronzo Cannon and Howard and the White Boys, plus the always popular Blooze Brothers and Kevin Purcell, our 10th anniversary year will be one fans absolutely do not want to miss,” she continued.

Tickets are $12 at the gate and $10 if bought by Aug. 14. Children 12 and younger are admitted to the fest free. Advance tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com.

VIP tickets are $50, and include run-of-fest, three-day admission plus one BBQ dinner and four beer or wine tickets per buyer as well as admission to the VIP area, which are open Aug. 20 and 21 only.

“After a pandemic year of shuttered fests, food vendors are champing at the bit to be part of Blues, Brews & BBQ this summer,” Denis Buch, co-chairman of the 2021 fest along with Don Tonyan, said in a statement. “We’re grateful for their interest; it bodes well for all who attend.”

Proceeds from the festival go toward McHenry Area Rotary donations, including to entities such as the Northern Illinois Food Bank, TLS Veterans and Pioneer Center, Club President Mike Lehman said in the release. Blues, Brews & BBQ has generated more than $300,000 since its inception in 2012.

Full lineup details are available at mrbbb.com/blues.