One of the region’s premier blues music events returns to the shores of Des Moines WA 

AUGUST 25 was the 9th Annual Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Fest lands at Des Moines Beach Park. 

Close to 20 craft breweries and cideries provided the refreshments to enhance the enjoyment of four of the region’s top blues artists. www.DrinkTo Music.org

According to the event’s musical director Steve Swank, the featured bands have each garnered multiple awards from the blues community. They include CD Woodbury; Rae Gordon; Randy Oxford; and Eric Rice. 

“Both the Washington Blues Society and the South Sound Blues Association have recognized Blues and Brews as one of the top showcases of authentic blues music,” says Swank. “The WBS has nominated us as Best Community Based Blues Festival four years in a row.”

Swank reports that artists look forward to playing this unique summer celebration.

“Blues and Brews is always a standout in the annual calendar,” says Swank. “It’s a great setting, so close to the beach, and the bands, as well as the breweries, appreciate that 100% of net proceeds benefit close to a dozen local charities.” 

Those charities include the Des Moines Food Bank, Highline Schools, Coats for Kids, Des Moines Parks and Recreation, and Highline Music4Life. The latter provides new and used musical instruments to low income students.

“As a music festival, we think it’s very special that Music4Life is a major benefactor,” says Swank. “Starting kids early with a love for music can be a lifetime gift.”