At 6:00 p.m., R. L. Burnside will perform. His music has been described as polyrhythmic, hill country blues, influenced by his life in northern Mississippi. Playing since the 1960s, Burnside did not hit the big-time until the 1990s with his latest release Too Bad Jim, earning a 3 1/2 star review from Rolling Stone.

Ward said the only rules and regulations will be no glass bottles and no pets. He also encouraged people to bring coolers and grills if desired.

Other entertainment will include arts and crafts, local musician booths selling recordings and a food tent organized by the Patriots Bravo Company, a non-profit organization whose profits go to American MIAs and POWs.

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Glasser said they want to continue the blues fest in the future with bigger-named acts.

The goal is to get the biggest blues names we can find, such as B. B. King, he said. A matter of a couple of years and we are going to do it.

Ward said the Murphysboro Police, auxiliary police and hired security will be on hand to make sure everyone has a relaxing day in the park.

A spokesman for the Murphysboro Police Department said they will only be looking to keep the peace and ensure no major infractions are made.

Other performers for the fest are Wild Man Eddie Snow and the Snowflakes at 4:45 p.m., Tawl Paul with Slappin’ Henry Blue at 3:30 p.m., Gravediggers at 2:00 p.m. and The Pryor Brothers’ All Star Blues Band at 12:45 p.m.

Gates open at 11 a.m. with a $5 cover charge. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.