Bluebird festival puts Midwest on display

This festival will try to appeal to a younger crowd.

By Leland Bonner

Published Oct. 16, 2009

For many, the month of October in the Midwest usually means cooler temperatures, Halloween and Homecoming events. This time of year can sometimes put Midwesterners in a gloomy mood because there are fewer social activities to anticipate. There is nothing to fear because Columbia is looking to change this as they host the second Bluebird Music and Arts Festival this weekend, Oct. 16 to 17.

John Henry, a local musician and lead singer for John Henry and the Engine, is helping to organize the event.

"We're showcasing 70 bands and we have 12 music venues and six art galleries throughout downtown Columbia," Henry said. "This year we have more bands, more artists and more venues in order to put on a better event. Music will range from folk grass country to hip-hop and be scattered throughout the city."

The Midwest is widely known for not having a "defined" culture as compared to other regions such as the South or elsewhere.

"The motivation behind the festival is to bring attention to Midwest culture and what we have to offer," Henry said. "We want to celebrate the music and artworks that is exclusive only to us a region."

Bluebird Vice President and Co-director Casey Reeves said they are "creating a culture with this festival."

The idea seems simple enough. The plan for this year's Bluebird was for it to be bigger and better than last year's.

"Our whole goal is to showcase the best of the best of the Midwest," Reeves said. "Whether it be with local artists from Columbia or traveling bands, we want to create a sense of culture."

Art and music of various sorts will be scattered around venues in downtown Columbia including Ninth Street Deli, where prints by artist Ben Chlapek will be on display. Larger scale venues such as The Blue Note will also house local and other Midwestern talent.

"We're targeting more of a younger, upbeat crowd as compared to that of other festivals such as Roots 'N Blues," Reeves said. "We're trying to provide a venue for young, local talent, some hailing from the University of Missouri-Columbia as well as other places."

In order to provide balance within the festival there is also an emphasis on visual art. Several galleries around town such as Artlandish Gallery and Sven's Kafe and Gallery will be showcasing paintings, drawings and illustrations from Eric Seat, Mark Koch and many other artists.

The Bluebird festival Web site said this event is the nation's only Midwest festival. It will boast superior art as well as music and bring the not only the community of Columbia closer but that of the Midwest.

The events scheduled for this weekend aren't just for music or art lovers, but for anyone who has strong ties to the community of Columbia. Event organizers said they want this to be a community wide event that also incorporates local businesses as well as showcases what the Midwest has to offer.

"This is a culture we are proud of and we want everyone to see just how much talent there is here," Henry said.

Passes for festival-goers can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, The Blue Note or student charged at the MSA/GPC box office.