6th Annual ‘Big Blues Bender’ at Hard Rock Hotel Recap

Wrapping the sixth annual festival, Big Blues Bender hosted an impressive lineup of the biggest names in Blues music in an intimate event over the course of four days in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” After selling out the past several years, this year, the only in-Vegas hotel takeover moved to a larger location at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, allowing the annual event to accommodate more guests and feature larger acts.

Big Blues Bender kicked off the festival Wednesday night with its sold-out fundraising event, “Bender Party with HART.” Featuring a star-studded musical review and live auction, Big Blues Bender raised over $30,000 for H.A.R.T. (Handy Artist Relief Trust) Fund. The Blues Foundation established the H.A.R.T. Fund for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns impacting artists. All production costs and artist fees are paid for by Big Blues Bender so 100-percent of the proceeds benefit the community of artists in need, totaling more than $130,000 raised to date.

Highlights throughout the weekend included GRAMMY® nominated Tab Benoit playing to a sold-out crowd, legendary rock ‘n’ rollers Little Steven And The Disciples of Soul performing some of their timeless hits, Robert Cray wowing the crowd with his trademark soul drenched vocals, and beloved jamsters Gov’t Mule performing an impressive high-energy set.

To top it off, in this year’s installment of the legendary “One” series, GRAMMY® nominee Victor Wainwright and his group of Bender All-Stars took to the stage for One Night on Yasgur’s Farm to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the generation-defining music festival. Dozens of Big Blues Bender artists, including Mike Zito’s Big Blues Band and special guest Ruthie Foster performed together to take festival goers back to Yasgur’s farm in a celebration of peace, love and music.

Big Blues Bender features four days and nights of music and accommodations, with “Everything, An Elevator Ride Away.®” Big Blues Bender has become a festival favorite among Blues fans and artists alike, making it a “bucket list” event for all who attend. Attracting fans from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries, the annual sell-out event features the most talented and sought-after Blues artists touring today, performing on multiple stages with everything an elevator ride away.

For more information, please visit www.bigbluesbender.com.