BLUES : Festival Move Is Music to Organizers’ Ears

The Long Beach Blues Festival is moving this year, from its birthplace at Cal State Long Beach to the Shoreline Aquatic Park. And given that the festival literally grew up at the university--a low-key, one-day affair in the early ‘80s, it developed into a nationally respected production that drew about 25,000 over two days last fall--you might think the organizers would be a little blue themselves at the thought of moving on.

Think again.

The organizers say they’re more than glad to be outta there, and that behind the scenes, the last several festivals were filled with hassle and strife. Indeed, is there a single more enduring festival image from over the years than that of emcee/co-founder Bernie Pearl, standing in the wings, frantically gesturing for acts to complete their sets because of the time restrictions the university had imposed?

“We couldn’t do encores, we could do hardly anything because of the restrictions,” recalls Ken Poston, who has produced the festival since 1987. “I think this new location will work out very nicely. We have more flexibility here.”

Now, the shows can run longer and later--from 2 to 9 p.m. daily, instead of the 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule of years past. Making things even nicer, the new site is right by the water; not only will it be more scenic but it also should be nice and cool (in fact, given that the music will be running past sundown, it might not be a bad idea to bring a jacket or a sweater).

This year’s headliners are Chuck Berry (on Saturday) and James Brown (Sunday), rock and soul legends with deep blues roots. Saturday’s program also will include New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas, Honeyboy Edwards, Joe Louis Walker and the Boss Talkers, and the Poppa Chubby Band. On Sunday, watch for Snooky Pryor, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, octogenarian blues pianist Sunnyland Slim and Etta James as well as Godfather Brown. Most will be making their first Long Beach Blues Festival appearances.

(Note: Though the music doesn’t start until 2, the gates will open each day at 10, and because construction near the park has closed down one of the main parking lots, organizers recommend that you arrive early. Trams will take you from a parking lot at First and Pine streets to the festival grounds every 20 minutes. Other parking locations and traffic reports will be broadcast over KLON radio each day of the festival, starting at 7 a.m.)

What: The Long Beach Blues Festival.

When: 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. Gates open at 10 a.m. each day. Festival seating.

Where: Shoreline Aquatic Park, Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive, Long Beach.

Whereabouts: From Orange County, take the San Diego (405) Freeway north to the Long Beach (710)Freeway south. Follow the signs toward downtown, exit on Broadway, then turn right onto Pine Avenue. Parking should be available at Pine and First streets; a shuttle will leave for the festival every 20 minutes.

Wherewithal: $30 per day, $25 per day in advance. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Where to Call: (310) 498-8052 or (310) 985-5566.