Big Muddy Do’s and Don’ts

We wanted to address a few questions we’ve been receiving about what attendees can and cannot bring to Big Muddy this weekend.

Attendees are more than welcome to bring folding chairs and sealed water bottles. Pets, coolers, grilling equipment or outside food/drinks, however, will NOT be permitted. Festival staff can confiscate these items at their discretion. Purses and backpacks will be checked when entering the main stage area.

Please plan accordingly and have a great time!

VIP is going fast!

Now is the time to buy Big Muddy VIP tickets! We only have 20 remaining for Saturday and 40 for Sunday. VIP tickets are available @ http://www.lacledeslanding.com for advanced purchase ONLY.

Online pre-sales end this Friday, Sept. 2nd at 5pm. Tickets purchased online this week may be picked up at WILL CALL at the North Entrance of the Main Stage (near Show-Me’s) . General admission tickets will be available for cash-only purchase at the Main Stage ticket booths both days of the event.

VIP perks include a personalized chair right in front of the stage, cocktail service throughout the show so there’s no waiting in line and a saved seat to return to as you check out the other stages or enjoy food and beverages at one of the Landing restaurants. Don’t miss out on the best seat in the house at Big Muddy 2011!

A letter from the producer.

Dear Big Muddy Blues Festival fans,

The 16^th annual, Big Muddy Blues Festival is this weekend and there have been a few questions on why all of sudden the event has an admission fee.  As Executive Producer of this event, I felt it is my duty to explain to our fans the reasoning behind this new format.

The unfortunate truth is that since the recession, each year our sponsorship funding has decreased. Big Muddy is a Labor Day weekend tradition for so many Blues fans throughout the Midwest and it is important to us that we maintain the event at the same great level it has been at for so many years.  In order to do that, this year we have come up with a partial-pay-for admission model.  The two side stages located at Morgan St. and Lucas St. remain FREE and open to the public.  The Budweiser Main Stage has a general admission fee of $8.00 per day (advance purchase), $10.00 per day (at the gate – cash only) and a limited VIP seating section for $25.00 per day grants you a seat in front of the main stage with cocktail service throughout the event (advance purchase only).

The main stage area will be fenced off all the way out onto N. First St.  There will be two entrance/exits on the north end and south end of N. First St.  A wristband will allow you in/out privileges at the main stage so you can also enjoy the side stages throughout the day.  Attendees can bring folding chairs but are asked not to bring any coolers, grilling equipment or outside food/drinks, festival staff can confiscate these items at their discretion.  All parking lots will remain accessible throughout the event.

Going from totally free to partial pay, we wanted to keep the admission price as reasonable as possible, similar to what you might pay as a cover charge at most Blues clubs.  Big Muddy is presented by, Laclede’s Landing Merchants Association, a nonprofit 501c6 organization.

We thank you all for being such great supporters of Big Muddy Blues Festival throughout the years and we look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Sincerely,

Emily Kochan
Executive Producer, Big Muddy Blues Festival

Need a place to stay?

We are happy to announce official hotel sponsor of Big Muddy Blues Festival, HoteLumiere.  The hotel is conveniently located only 2-blocks from Laclede’s Landing. HoteLumiere is offering a special rate for those attending the event. Make your reservation today by going to, www.lumiereplace.com. Enter code: BIGMUDDY.

Big Muddy weekly featured artist

It’s official! The Big Muddy Blues Festival 2011 line-up has finally been posted! If you haven’t check it out yet, it’s a MUST for any Blues lover. Labor Day weekend on the Landing is going to be a great time and you certainly don’t want to miss out on any of the fun this year. Start making your plans now! It’ll be here before you know it.
This week’s featured artist is Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys.
Since forming in 1988, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys have emerged as  one of the world’s most respected practitioners of American roots music—western swing, rockabilly, and traditional country—playing it like they invented it. “I think of us as just a rock and roll band—a rock and roll band that’s letting the roots show,” says bandleader Big Sandy. Whether they’re playing the Grand Ole Opry, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, or simply climbing out of a bus after rolling into your town, these guys are bringing us some great old-time rock and roll. Be sure to check out their newest release from Yep Roc Records, Turntable Matinee.

http://www.myspace.com/bigsandyandhisflyriteboys

http://www.bigsandy.net/index.htm

Who are you dying to see?

Yes, yes we know, how could you possibly just pick one. We have such a amazing lineup this year that we know we couldn’t decide, so we’re here asking you. If you had to pick one performer that you just had to see, who would it be?

Next Up… Cee Cee James!

All who have seen Cee Cee James perform live can agree that this woman steals the show. Her intensity and passion is undoubtedly the reason why her fans can’t get enough. While some say she is the perfect homage to Janis Joplin, others think her lyrics and sound are one of a kind.  In 2010 she released her newest album, “Seriously Raw,” an appropriately live concert, where she gave her fans everything she had. For the past year Cee Cee has been around the world, but is coming back to St. Louis to show our blues fans what they have been missing.  She’ll be rockin’ the stage on September 3^rd at 5:00pm, so don’t be late!