We attended the event Saturday August 15th not Friday the 14th.
Last year I did not make it down to the Arch grounds for Blues at the Arch. This year I did not plan on missing this event. It is a three day festival held at the North side of the Arch grounds. The beauty of it being on the north side is the MetroLink that has a station right on Laclede’s Landing. I took Gremlin #2 with me as he asked to tag along. You can’t pass up on father and son time, specially at the request of your son. I prepped him ahead of time I was heading out there and it would be hot! He was game so the both of us made the trip. It was nice having him tag along so he could carry the chairs and umbrella. I arrived ahead of schedule, I was expecting more traffic coming across the Ead’s bridge.
There was ample parking in the parking lots and along the riverfront. I paid $15 for parking so I didn’t have to lug my equipment a further distance. We get to the Arch grounds and see the bowl shaped depression where people were already set up on the hill under the trees. The stage was placed parallel to the Ead’s bridge. There was a path in front of the stage with stone barricades that separated the lawn from the path. Some people also staked their claim on the barricades. We stationed ourselves stage right and in the middle. I would have tried to find some shade but we brought a big golf umbrella that did the trick. The first act on August 15th was set to start at 3:00 pm. I have not heard of Stevie J Blues Band before so I went to the Blues at the Arch website to see his bio.
A Jackson, Mississippi native, Stevie grew up immersed in gospel music before finding his true passion in the blues. A former member of Bobby Rush’s band, he shared stages with the legends like Denise LaSalle, Sir Charles Jones, and Shirley Brown. His diverse discography blends Southern soul and traditional blues and is known for his electrifying performances and raw, authentic sound, Stevie J Blues continues to make his mark as a leading voice in contemporary blues music.
Stevie J Blues is a dynamic and soulful musician whose powerful sound and emotive performances have earned him a dedicated following. Known for his deep connection to the blues, Stevie’s music resonates with authenticity, blending classic influences with his own unique style. Whether performing on stage or recording in the studio, his rich voice and masterful guitar skills captivate listeners, taking them on a journey through raw emotion and timeless storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from the greats of the blues world, Stevie infuses his music with passion, while also adding his own modern twist. His performances are a reflection of his genuine love for the genre and his ability to connect with his audience on a profound level. Every note he plays and every word he sings speaks to the soul, making Stevie J Blues an unforgettable artist.
It’s always tough being the opening performance for a multi-day event. Stevie J came out with great energy from the first note. It took the crowd a little time to cool off to finally get into the groove. With the heat index topping out at 106 degrees in the sun, it was brutal to be in midday sun. The event was emceed by Queen Mocha Latte, who is a local radio personality. Don’t the let the local part fool you. She is an award winning individual who does so much for the community. The Steward Foundation was the presenter for the event. Along the walkway there were various vendors selling everything from drinks to turkey legs. Yes entire turkey legs. Gremlin #2 was excited to buy one until he saw the price. We decided on a fresh fruit frozen Popsicle from Dulce Homemade. I picked a watermelon and hibiscus pop and my son picked a strawberry mango pop. It was the perfect choice for such a hot day.
Blues at the Arch was prepared for the heat with a cooling station bus provided by Metro, a free water station, and plenty of free paper fans. You could have also brought your own shade. I witnessed a group bring an entire pop up netted tent. You can catch a glimpse of it in the video above. This event was for all ages and we saw newborns to the elderly. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. People were up dancing and singing along. If you get a chance to attend this free event, make sure you are prepared for the elements. This event is also a perfect date night idea. Pack some snacks, refreshments, and your date for the evening. It is a low cost option and the best part is the music is free! To help this event continue for years to come you can join Gateway Arch Park Foundation.
