A2 preps for Blues and Jazz

Courtesy of Triple X Records Bo Diddley will appear at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival.

The Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival is the event that proves that people who say "there's nothing to do in Ann Arbor" are as stupid as you think they are.

The wild rumpus gets underway on Friday, September 11 at 8 pm when Maceo Parker holds court at the Michigan Theater.

Running concurrently with the evil prince of funk is alto sax legend and fertile sample source Lou Donaldson, with shows Friday and Saturday at 9 and 11 p.m.

The first day of outdoor offerings at Gallup Park begins with award-winning local underrated piano hero Rick Roe at noon.

Campus favorites Poignant Plecostomus take the stage at 1:15 p.m., followed by Olu Dara and up and coming swingers The Atomic Fireballs. Saturday concludes with Groove Collective at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday is framed by the blues and filled with ecclecticism. Bluesman and DJ super-heavyweight Robert Jones opens at noon and the mighty Bo Diddley finishes the day at 6:30.

In between, are acts as diverse as Rosie Ledet (zydeco) and the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars.

Tickets are still available for all the events through the Union tickets office and local businesses like Espresso Royale, as well as the usual TicketMaster.

Hipsters come, lend them your ears.

09-09-98