������

The fifth annual Kent Blues Fest will take place on July 19 and 20, and will feature free, live entertainment at 17 venues in downtown Kent. Some of the artists performing are Blue Lunch, Colin John, Memphis Cradle, the Wallace Coleman Band, the Wanda Hunt Band and many more.

The kickoff concert will feature the Brighter Side Band at Acorn Alley Plaza from 5:15-8 p.m. on Friday, July 19.

“This year’s event is bigger and better than ever,” says Mike Beder, owner of the Water Street Tavern. “The community has really embraced the Blues Fest as a great annual tradition.”

Grammy-nominated guitarist Tab Benoit will headline the show at the Kent Stage on Saturday, July 20, at 8 p.m. Benoit is a past winner of the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award and a committed environmental activist.

Sponsors of the Kent Blues Fest include the ������ Hotel and Conference Center, PARTA, Akron General Medical Center, Apollo Heating and Cooling, Cascade Auto Group, College Town Kent, Hungry Howie’s and Huntington Bank. Kent State’s WKSU is a media partner for the event.

For more information on performers, locations and times visit, .

To purchase Tab Benoit tickets, visit, .