By Jeana Tetzlaff
For 28 years, the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the city of Gladstone, has worked to bring well-known blues bands to the Northland. These groups are known locally, regionally and internationally.
This outdoor event of music and food takes place over a two-day period, rain or shine, and attracts an audience of young and old from far beyond the Kansas City area.
In 2025, Bluesfest has been moved to Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, at Linden Square, 602 NE 70th St., in downtown Gladstone.
Friday, May 16 lineup:
Back Porch Blues with Tom Baker & Friends: The band is from eastern Kansas presents a mix of contemporary blues.
Levee Town: They are a two-time Blues Music Award winner and six-time Blues Blast Award nominee. They are a local band, often featured at Knuckleheads in Kansas City.
The Steepwater Band: From Chicago, they are an American rock and blues band known for their gritty, soulful sound, blending classic rock, blues and roots influences with a modern edge. Steepwater will be the Friday evening headliner.
Saturday, May 17 lineup:
Bel Airs: They have performed for 35 years at festivals and nightclubs across the United States and internationally. They grew up on country soul and rock-n-roll and developed their own harmony vocal style in American rhythm and blues.
Sister Lucille: From Southwest Missouri inspired by the musical legacy of Memphis, this band has turned the world’s blues, roots and soul on their collective head and created their own genre – Memphunk. They are award winners from the Blues Foundation.
Zac Harmon: This award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter whose distinctive style continues the lineage of American blues music will be the Saturday headliner.
Live music plays from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 16 and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 17. There is a suggested donation of $5 at the entrance. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating. The park will open an hour before the music starts. For directions or more information, visit www.gladstonechamber.com, also check out the Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest page on Facebook and the special section that ran in the May 8 Gladstone Dispatch or online at gladstonedispatch.com.
