By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,525)

Blues, BBQ & New Orleans food lovers –  save some portion of the September 20 – 22 weekend for the first-ever Festival on the Maine State Pier on Portland’s waterfront.  More than a dozen Blues bands and featured performers will rock the stage Friday – Sunday. The Blues Prophets & Old Blue Kats will kick off the weekend of concerts, fun and fantastic BBQ and New Orleans food according to a press release issued by Flavors Festivals who is producing the event.

The Old Port’s popular Blue Rooster Food Company will be selling New Orleans seafood: creole lobster roll, jambalaya, andoville sausage and side dishes like collard greens and local corn, (New Orleans Style).  Florida’s national blue ribbon winning Skin & Bones will be selling BBQ.  Local brewers will be selling Maine’s finest brews including Munjoy Hill’s own Shipyard Brewing Company that will be featuring a carefully selected array of their finest brews.  They include Pumpkin Head, Monkey Fist IPA, Smashed Blueberry and Export Ale.

The event runs from 4 pm – 10 pm on Friday; from 11 am – 10 pm Saturday and from 11 am – 6 pm on Sunday.

Advanced tickets are just $10 and are available now at www.bbqbluesfestivals.com   Tickets at the door are $15. if any are still available at the  time. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Good Shepherd Food Bank – the largest hunger relief organization in Maine. It solicits food donations and purchasing food at wholesale prices, then distributes the food to more than 600 partner agencies.  Since 1981, the Food Bank has partnered with individuals, businesses, farmers and other nonprofits to alleviate hunger and build community relationships.  In 2012, the Food Bank distributed 13 million pounds of food to individuals and families throughout Maine.

For more information, please visit http://bbqbluesfestivals.com/