The 2016 version of the Garvin Gate Blue Festival is scheduled for October 7 and 8, at the corner of Oak and Garvin Place, with activities spread out down Garvin Place. Arguably one the finest - if not the finest - free festivals on Louisville's busy festival calendar, the festival organizers, with the assistance of the Kyana Blues Society, consistently book a high quality lineup. This year, the headliners are Karen Lovely on Friday and Mr. Sipp, the Mississippi Blues Child on Saturday. Also appearing for the first time is the Hector Anchondo Band; besides that, there is a set by Louisville White Lightning Curtis, a.k.a. Curtis Marlatt and band. Marlatt, of course, is well-known to Louisville blues fans, having fronted Curtis and the Kicks for many years in the city, before moving up north. The entire lineup is: The Tarnations, Southern Avenue, Tyrone Cotton Band, Laurie Jane And The 45s, Mr. Sipp, The Mississippi Blues Child, The Tarnations, Hector Anchondo Band, Laurie Jane And The 45s, Louisville White Lightning Curtis, The King Bees, Laurie Jane And The 45s and daMudcats, on two stages. Did I mention that it's FREE? Lend an ear to "The Mississippi Blues Child," recorded a few months back:

--Paul Moffett