I have long been a big fan of the blues. As a result, I have been elated with many of the performances over the past few years at the Dutch Mason Blues Festival in Bible Hill.

I was thrilled to finally see and hear the legendary Buddy Guy and, like many others, got goosebumps listening to the wonderful voice of Bonnie Raitt. There have also been unexpected surprises, like the talented Jimmy Bowskill.  This past weekend, I was caught up in the energetic performance from Lukas Nelson. He was having a great time and so was I.

I was also looking forward to Saturday’s headliners, but there was a problem. In order to see them, I would again have to sit through the same Saturday evening show I had seen for the past several years. I opted out.

The performer is, without any doubt, a blues legend. However, why do organizers give him the same prime time slot on Saturday evening at the festival every year? There are many who would like to see the headliners but they are not willing to wait until midnight for them to hit the stage. As a result, they either leave or don’t attend.

Suggestion to organizers: continue to bring the legend back as long as he will attend. But, spread him around. Give him a Friday night slot. How about the popular position late Saturday afternoon? Or maybe have him headline on the closing Sunday show.

Here’s hoping for even better things next year!