By Katie Arvia
LANSING, Ill. (August 14, 2022) – For two days, Fox Pointe was filled with “Blues, Brews, and BBQ” as the festival of the same name returned for its third year. Hundreds of people gathered at Fox Pointe to enjoy live music, craft beer, and delicious food.
This year, the fun kicked off on Friday, August 12 with the gates opening at 6 p.m. and the music of the Nick Byrd Band and Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee Big Dog Mercer playing until 10:30. The festivities continued on Saturday, with a longer schedule of events; gates opened at 2 p.m. and live blues music was played from 3-10:30. The musical line-up included The Smiley Tillmon Band, the Matteson Allstars, the Stoney Curtis Band, and Wayne Baker Brooks.
Enjoying the fest from out of town
The Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival welcomed people from Lansing and beyond, including Munster resident Tony Katalinic, who says he comes out to Fox Pointe often. “I think the events here are fantastic. A couple of my friends who are from Lansing introduced me to it.” Katalinic has attended several events at Fox Pointe, including the recent Dick Diamond & The Dusters concert that took place on August 10.
Traveling all the way from Tinley Park was Shawn Troxell, who said he came out to enjoy Fox Pointe for a few reasons: “The opportunity to hang out with friends and family, meet new friends, and see some live music! It’s a beautiful night, it’s a great atmosphere … how could you not have fun?”
Brews and BBQs
Of course, part of that fun was the mouthwatering BBQ that was served. Catering included mouthwatering offerings from Punz BBQ and Lansing’s own Lynnie Ques. There was even special BBQ served by Fox Pointe’s usual food provider, Ace Catering. As for the brews, One Trick Pony Brewery was on deck providing several craft beer options.
Another successful fest
Mayor Patty Eidam was excited to be at the Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival and explained what inspired the event: “We try to be inclusive … this year, we did a better job of making sure that all different kinds of music and entertainment were included [in the Fox Pointe line-up].” She enthusiastically noted that it was clear many Lansing residents were blues fans and was very happy with the event’s turn out.
In fact, the Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival attracted new folks to Fox Pointe, including Lansing resident Gloria Brown and her friend Carmella McKinley. Brown said that although she has lived in Lansing for a few years, this event was her first time at Fox Pointe this season. A big blues fan, Brown said she was interested coming out because of the “blues music and a chance to mingle with people.”
The fun at Fox Pointe will continue with upcoming events such as more live music, L.O.O.P., Autumn Fest, and more. For a complete list of happenings at Fox Pointe, visit the article below:
