Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/05/2023
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
On August 5th, the Concert Series will host its first-ever Blues Night at the Stone Pier stage featuring headliner McKinley James. At 21, this Nashville-based blues rock guitarist and singer/songwriter has already been breathing fire for years. His unparalleled musical journey has taken him from the cover art and title track video of Eric Church’s critically-acclaimed ‘Mr. Misunderstood’ to stages across America and Europe. His latest EP, Still Standing By, was co-produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and he has recently toured with the likes of The Mavericks, JD McPherson, and Old 97s.
James will be joined by two special guests and past Iowa Blues Challenge Champions. The Ronley King Blues Band brings a variety of musical influences to the table while honoring the spirit and traditions of the blues. Fronted by guitar player/singer Ronley King, who has played the Stone Pier stage previously with Cory Waller & the Wicked Things, the band won the Iowa Blues Challenge in 2022. Buckmiller/Schwager took home top honors as a duo in the 2021 Iowa Blues Challenge and advanced to the semifinals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Their latest album was nominated for a Blues Blast Award in the category of “New Emerging Artist Debut” last year. They will kick off this special night of music beginning at 5 p.m.