Blues fans take notice! Damariscotta is tuning up for its seventh annual Blues Festival this Saturday, August 3 from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Pack up your lawn chairs and head for Darrows Barn, venue for the main stage.

Ricky “King” Russell and The Cadillac Horns are the headliners of this year's event. Russell is a 50-plus year bluesman. During his career he has shared the stage with everyone from Honey Boy Edwards and John Lee Hooker to Roomful of Blues, James Montgomery and Susan Tedeschi.

On the eve of the festival (Friday, August 2), Black Cat Road will whet your Blues hungry appetite at Schooner Landing on Main Street, just over the bridge. This Maine-based band whose lead singer, Jessica Moore Hines, has a killer soulful voice, is also part of the festival lineup. 

Speaking of that lineup … Check out this year's festival lineup and YouTube links below!

noon – 12:45: Ragged Jack

1 – 2 : The Bad Daddys (http://youtu.be/0_-XdGELrNE)

2:15 – 3:15: Downeast Soul Coalition

3:30 – 4:30: Black Cat Road

4:45 – 5:45: Lay-Z-Gait Swing Band with special guest Joyce Anderson

6 – 7: The Blues Dogs

7:15 – 8:45: The Dave Keller Band (http://youtu.be/my6vueEaA7o)

8:45 - ?: Ricky “King” Russell and The Cadillac Horn

And, while the Blues Dogs are groovin at Darrows Barn, Pam Baker and the SGs will be playing a little “Sunset Blues” on the deck at the Mediterranean Kitchen - Man can this woman bring it on home.

On Sunday, August 4, everyone heads back to Schooner Landing for the All-Star Blues Jam at from 4 – 7 p.m.

Tickets for the August 3 event are $25 in advance ($20 if you take advantage of the $5 off on the festival website) and $30 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Mexacali Blues in Newcastle – and its other locations in the state. Or buy tickets on the festival's website and take advantage of the special $5 off offer. Online ticket purchase with credit card or through PayPal.

The Darrows Barn is located on Business Route 1 at the Round Top Farm – just follow the Blues signs. Food and drink will be available.

The Damariscotta Blues Festival was founded by, and is hosted by Paul Sidelinger.