The lineup just keeps getting better and better for the 25th annual Prairie Dog Blues Festival, which is set for July 27-29 in Prairie du Chien.
This blues-rock music party returns to St. Feriole Island, where nearly a dozen artists will add their fresh takes on rock and roll, country, soul, pop, and funk to the blues genre. Three of the 2023 acts have been nominated for Grammy Awards, and others include a former opening act for George Thorogood, a party animal favorite in the beer tent, and several returning acts back by popular demand to southwest Wisconsin.
A free slate music will be offered on Thursday, July 27, along with free camping on the island that night.
According to Festival president Todd Yeomans, “This is a good chance for people who have never attended to check out the longstanding festival and the electrifying live music that is available every July in Prairie du Chien. We like to think it’s one of the biggest parties of the summer on the Upper Mississippi.”
The Thursday Night Kickoff Party will feature a favorite of the Prairie du Chien area, classic rock band High Mileage, from 6:30-8 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m., along with blues/roots-rockers The Kris Lager Band, from 8-9 p.m. and 10:30-Midnight. All food vendors will be set up at 5 p.m.
Friday’s main stage lineup will include: Louisiana Gospel roots singer-songwriter Tullie Brae kicking things off at 5:30 p.m.; real deal Chicago blues musician and two-time Grammy nominee John Primer at 7:30 p.m.; and Grammy-nominated boogie woogie keyboard and horn band Victor Wainwright & The Train shutting down the main stage at 9:30 p.m.
All evening Friday, between main stage acts, Kris Lager Band will be mixing up their cocktail of booty-shakin’ celebration music on the beer tent stage.
Next, Saturday’s lineup will feature: stage-burning guitarist Kyle Renfro at 1 p.m.; Grammy nominated artist Duwayne Burnside, a Mississippi-hill blues artist and son of a legend (R.L. Burnside), at 3:10 p.m.; Blues Blast winner and fest-circuit favorite Rev. Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys featuring Westside Andy at 5:20 p.m.; a four-year opening act for George Thorogood, Nick Schnebelen, at 7:30 p.m.; and fresh off their European tour, revved-up rock-n-rollers Jane Lee Hooker, who will bring the crowd to its feet at 9:30 p.m.
Taking the beer tent stage throughout Saturday will be the eclectic roots and blues artist Orphan Jon & The Abandoned.
For more information or to purchase tickets and/or onsite camping, visit prairiedogblues.com or find the fest on Facebook and Instagram.