Red White & Blue festival broadens appeal with more ways to celebrate

CORVALLIS - No, that's not a typo. The only "s" remaining in the name of Corvallis' July 4 celebration is in the word festival, as in Red White & Blue riverfront festival. For those of you who've notice that "Blues" has become "Blue," the omission is entirely intentional.

That's because Downtown Corvallis Association commander in chief Joan Wessell decided to drop the consonant in order to de-emphasize the title's strict adherence to one musical style.

It's not that the blues are out, but rather that other types of music are in. Or, as Wessell puts it, it's an attempt to "broaden the appeal" of the whole event.

Joining purebred blues acts such as the Ben Rice Blues Band and Chris "Hammer" Smith will be the southern-fried, jazzy bluegrass of Wild Hog Gumbo - which combines local bands Gumbo and Wild Hog in the Woods into one spicy six-piece dish. Also on tap will be the rhythm and blues of Caught in the Act, the old-time blues, jazz and folk of Creighton Lindsay and the soulful rock of the Ty Curtis Band. The Corvallis Community Band will contribute patriotic songs, as well.

"We've tried to change it with a little bluegrass, a little R&B," says Greg Little, owner of Squirrels tavern and music coordinator for the Red White & Blue festival. "This year I was trying to do a little more local stuff," as well, he adds.

All the musical acts hail from Oregon, with Ty Curtis and Ben Rice calling the Salem and Newberg areas their homes. Both youngsters have also developed strong local followings, and Rice's performance at last year's July 4 party earned them an instantaneous invitation back.

"We try to catch them on the way up," Little says of the musicians, who he expects to do great things.

But this year's event won't just feature more musical options. It will also include a greater range of food, beer, wine and craft booths, as well as more activities for children and a dunk tank with a range of local celebrities ripe for the dousing. Among them will be Sheriff Diana Simpson, although Caldwell is hesitant to give any more names away, preferring to keep it a secret.

Once again, entry to the Red White & Blue festival is free, although organizers say they would certainly be pleased to accept donations. For a $5 donation, revelers will receive what Wessell calls "bling," meaning patriotically colored beads and light-up pins.

The festival will also feature the annual 5K Red White & Blue Fun Run/

Walk and the 18th annual "All-American Anyone-Can-Join Fabulous Fantastic 4th of July Parade."

To hear a podcast of the interview with Greg Little, go to www.gazettetimes.com or www.democratherald.com and click on the GT to Go logo.

Check it Out

What: The Red White & Blue riverfront festival

When: 5 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4

Where: Riverfront Commemorative Park, downtown Corvallis

Cost: Free

Information: See www.downtowncorvallis.org/promotions/RedWhiteBluesRiverfrontFestival.php