Blues Festivals & Other Special Events
Idlewild Blues and Jazz Soul Reunion
July 12-14, 2002 - Baldwin
sponsored by:
WMBS, Red Rooster Lounge,
Friends of Historic Idlewild, and Idlewild Records, Inc.
by Felix Ybarra
Back in the 30's, 40's, and 50's, the center of the universe for African-American resort life was located an hour north of Grand Rapids in a little area outside of Baldwin known as Idlewild. At one time, this popular resort boasted several dozen nightclubs and hosted thousands of middle class and affluent African-Americans who came to this small community throughout all the major urban centers of the United States. It is safe to presume that every nationally known African-American entertainer had come to Idlewild at least once during their career. Desegregation during the 60's signoficantly reduced the prominence of Idlewild due to the fact that African-American entertainers were now able to perform virtually anywhere in the United States.
Early this year, serveral Idlewild history devotees met to discuss the possibility of bringing together a music festival that would incorporate the atmosphere and style that existed during the resort's glory days. For example, the resort weekly held amateur shows to promote local entertainment. Saturday night consisted of top national entertainment in the form of blues and jazz. Gospel music was as much a fabric of Idlewild as Saturday night steppin; out was.
The 1st annual Idlewild Blues and Jazz Soul Reunion will follow the format which was at the heart and soul of Idlewild's nightlife. The Festival begins on Friday, July 12th, with a huge amateur show of local talent taking place at the Red Rooster Lounge. Saturday will eb reserved for top blues and jazz acts. Presently, organizers are still putting togethhre headliners. However, at htis date several bookings have already been arranged. The Maurice Davis Trio, a blues act out of Detroit will be making a rare appearance at the festival. Also on Saturday, the Detroit Blues and Soul Review featuring Alberta Adams and Johnny Basset will be taking place in the afternoon. Detroit drummer R.J. Spangler and the Rhythm Rockers will be backing up the Soul Review.
Also of significant note is that R.J. and his band will also be backing up the R & B Pioneers. This is a group of men who recorded in the 40's and 50's with the legendary John Lee Hooker on the Sensation Label. The R & B Pioneers consist of Joe Weaver, Ken Marvin, and Stanley Mitchell. These guys were prominent fixtures on what was then known as Hastings Street, which, back in the 30' and 40's was the Detroiut equivalent of Memphis' Beale Street. These gentlemen also recorded with the likes of Jackie Wilson, and various Detroit do-wopp groups that came out of the Detroit area in the 50's.
Rumor has it that Mack Rose, famous composer of the legendary rock anthem, "Mustang Sally", and former Idlewild resident, may show up for an appearance. A large big-band orchestra is currently being formed for the sole purpose of performing at the festival. Several of these performers had previously played at Idlewild during its glory days.
Later on in the evening, Big Daddy Fox and his band will be taking the stage. Big Daddy has been instrumental in putting his support behind the formation of this festival.
Sunday is strictly gospel.
The hours for the festival will be Friday: 6 - 10 pm, Saturday: noon - 10 pm, and Sunday: 10 am - 3 pm. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.