Why did the Boundary Waters Blues Festival move to Grand Rapids, MN?
Throughout its 9 year history, the Boundary Waters Blues Festival has been held in 3 different locations.
It began as a free concert at Whiteside Park in Ely, Minnesota back in 2001.
In 2003 the festival moved to the Long Branch in Winton, Minnesota and remained there for the next six years.
In January of 2009 we were informed that the Long Branch would be unable to meet their financial agreement and we had to hunt for a new location.
Our 2009 Festival was held, after an unreasonable amount of hoop jumping, within the city limits of Ely, Minnesota, on land in the Ely Business Park that is currently owned by another corporation.
This was meant to be a temporary location and I had made a promise to the surrounding businesses and neighbors that the festival would only be held there for one year, as we located another reasonable location for the event.
We spent nearly a 6 months looking for a permanent home for the festival in the Ely area. After a meeting with the Ely City Council and the neighboring Morse Township Board, it became clear that we would not be able to come to any agreement over land use or, more importantly, a liquor license for 2010.
In late October 2009, the decision was made to move the festival out of the Ely area.
Many things have to be taken into consideration before moving a festival in its 10th year of operation.
We looked at several different areas in and around the Iron Range and the decision to move the festival was difficult. Grand Rapids had been looked at as a potential location for an additional event.
Once the decision was made, we met with various people in the Grand Rapids location and became very excited about the community and all the opportunities in the area. Our new site, the Itasca County Fairgrounds is everything that we had hoped for throughout our search. We found it refreshing to deal with a community that is so supportive of this event.
The Grand Rapids Visitor Center has been very helpful and informative, helping us prepare for the festival.
The Grand Rapids Mayor, City Council, and Police Department have all been very supportive in helping us get things under way for 2010. It took about six minutes, during a public hearing, for the Grand Rapids Mayor and City Council to agree to give the green light for the variances and licensing needed for the Boundary Waters Blues Festival.
Will you be keeping the same name?
Because it is our 10th Year Anniversary, I decided it would be best to retain the Boundary Waters Blues Festival name to avoid confusion. We may look at a name change for 2011.
I signed up for the Blues Army last year. When do I get my stuff?
At ease soldier!
We will be sending out Blues Army packets soon. We are a bit behind with the move and all. I apologize for the delay.
Please cut me some slack and keep in mind that this is basically a 2 person operation.
Will there be camping at the new facility?
Oooooh Yes, there will be camping. It is far superior to what we had in the past. The new campground is one of the major reasons we chose this new location. It is absolutely beautiful. It looks sort of like a state campground, complete with bathroom and shower facilities, laundry, electrical hook-ups, dump station, water to fill your tank, fire rings, picnic tables.... You name it. You will love the huge trees that provide a feeling of privacy and solitude without isolation from the event.
The Itasca County Fairgrounds will be in charge of camping reservations for this year.
You can contact them with any questions.
Can we bring dogs?
If your particular breed of dog enjoys blues music, and leaving him at home is not an option, you are welcome to bring your dog. Please remember, no dogs will be allowed in the performance area.Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it if it poops. Common sense is an important thing at the B.W.B.F.
What will be different about the new location?
Only it's location on the map.
There will be camping on-site, a lake, (complete with crappies) grass under your feet, music in your ears and a fantastic weekend of entertainment that only the Boundary Waters Blues Festival can provide. Same as it ever was.
How will the added Sunday work?
You Boundary Waters Blues Festival veterans will notice that we have added an extra day to our event.
Sunday, August 1 will be a little bit different than what you're used to. It will be a little bit more subdued and acousticish (new word). It will begin late enough so that you can begin to tear down your camping and end early enough so that you can make it to work on Monday morning.
It was exciting, booking the bands for this Sunday show. I have an interesting mix put together for you, so stick around for this extra day of fantastic music.
What about the kickoff party on Thursday and July 29?
KAXE Radio in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has a fantastic band shell / tent type of stage set up outside of their broadcast studio, right on the Mississippi River. They were gracious enough to host the event, and we look forward to working with them. There will be vendors, and adult beverages available at the kickoff party.
What if I purchased Early Bird Tickets at the 2009 event, but can't make it to Grand Rapids?
If you purchased tickets in advance at last year's event, assuming it would be in Ely Minnesota,
and can't make the trip to Grand Rapids ,we will be happy to refund the purchase price of the tickets.
Refunds will be made available after April 1, 2010. Contact us for further information.
What about the wheel of meat?
Do you think I'd let you down on our 10th Anniversary?
Is there anything else I need to know?
If you have any other questions about anything, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send an e-mail.
How far is it?
Distance to Grand Rapids Mn from:
Chicago, IL 471.2 miles
Ely, MN 91 miles
Duluth, MN 73.6 miles
Minneapolis, MN 157.4 miles
Coleraine, MN 2.5 miles
Memphis TN 856 miles
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada 218 miles (351 km)
Bovey, MN 2.6 miles
Tupelo, MS 929 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Boundary Waters Blues Festival Dates July 29 - August 1, 2010
