Hard to believe it's already been five years since the first-ever Bainbridge Jazz & Blues Festival, but sure enough the 5th Annual event is here —and it's all going down this weekend in Downtown Bainbridge.
And once again, our good friends at Southern Philosophy Brewing are at the center of all the action!
Saturday, Feb. 1, is the day that over a dozen jazz & blues acts — hailing from all over the region — will perform on multiple stages as Downtown Bainbridge becomes one big ol' party for nearly 10 hours. The Festival kicks off at 11 a.m. and goes until late in the evening — meaning, no matter WHEN you show up, you're going to have any number of performances to choose from to watch.
And the best part about this festival? It's absolutely FREE to attend. No tickets required - just come out, walk around, and take in all the action at your leisure.
However …
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There IS a VIP option — and, in our opinion, it is THE BEST WAY to go for this event.
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VIP tickets get you access to the VIP tent located directly in front of Southern Philosophy Brewing — open from noon-9:30 pm — and includes ALL your food and drinks, plus preferred seating in front of the Main Stage.
The menu this year will be slow-smoked St Louis-style ribs, Cajun gumbo, pizza, craft beer, wine and more by The American restaurant and Southern Philosophy, who are both the de facto hosts and organizers of the festival. The VIP tent will be heated, have a private bar, and tables and chairs provided for drinking & dining while facing the main stage so you won't miss your favorite bands.
Stellar lineup
Speaking of bands, the lineup is once again filled with all-star acts, including:
That is a crazy-great lineup, y'all!
'It still feels intimate'
Southern Philosophy owner Gallagher Dempsey said he never imagined the event would get this big when they started it 5 years ago, but every year it just keeps growing.
"I think the growth has been organic, but it still feels intimate," he said. "It's definitely become a known festival and has grown every year by a good amount. I think as it grows, we try to book more music and expand the perimeter of the festival, while also involving additional downtown businesses and organizations. Last year, there were 6 stages/venues with 14 acts - and this year there are 8 venues/stages with 17 acts."
Tallahassee was once home to the Florida Jazz & Blues Festival at Cascades Park from 2017-2019, but it flamed out after only a few years. And the Tallahassee Museum has held a similar two-day event for decades, just on a smaller scale. Gallagher said they started theirs simply to utilize the downtown area for a local music extravaganza once a year — and it has since exploded in popularity.
"There is definitely a desire for events like this — one that is free and open to the public and very accessible. You don't feel tied down when you come to this festival. It's an experience. You can check in when you want to and leave when you want to," Gallagher said.
"You can walk about and explore wherever you want to from the mighty Flint River, to beautiful historic downtown Bainbridge, the many great shops that we have here that are run by independent small business owners, the restaurants, the art especially at the Firehouse Arts Center, the parks, and yes I hope some of the visitors also want to sip on our beer!" he said. "We have a great open container policy for the downtown district for drinks purchased from approved downtown businesses in an approved cup. The festival is spread across a few downtown blocks and the roads are barricaded off for safety."
Returning talent and local talent
As for the acts he's most looking forward to in Year 5, Gallagher said — as always — that's hard to pick and choose "because they're all great."
"Johnny Marshall and Dabbit for sure - these 2 groups have played every year. Love them both. Last year, Avis Berry was the guest vocalist in Bill Peterson's Group, and this year she is heading her own group on the main stage. She is always so enjoyable to listen to and brings such a positive energy to the stage," Gallagher said.
"Ben Flournoy & the Jerry Thigpen Trio are also returning from last year. I am also really very excited to see Billy Allen & the Pollies coming in from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. They opened for JJ Grey & Mofro on their last tour and I met them there. They were phenomenal but only played a short time opening on the tour. Here they will have up to 90 minutes to really do whatever they want and I am excited to see what they bring.
"Also, the Bainbridge High School Jazz Ensemble is opening up the festival this year so that's really special to have the local youth take the Main Stage to open the festival! Again, every act playing is going to be exciting and talented."
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Special beers: Blue Valentine and more
Of course, this is a craft beer-centric column, so we would be remiss if we didn't tell you about the SPECIAL beers Southern is tapping on Saturday in honor of the event.
Blue Valentine - a blueberry sour made with local Bainbridge blueberries - is being released once again and will be on tap in the brewery and in the VIP tent.
Also, aptly-named "Smashing Guitars" Hazy Double IPA will be released for the event as well. And Southern just tapped a new batch of Attapulgus Amber Lager, and they'll also be rolling out the final kegs of Peach Wit and "Where I Disappear" imperial stout.
Gallagher added that pulling the Bainbridge Jazz & Blues Fest off is no easy task, and that he'd need 30 uninterrupted minutes to list all those who help make it happen year-in and year-out. But there is one person he has to mention — because this year's event will be an honor of his legacy left behind.
Dedicated to the late artist Dargan Long
"Gotta give special thanks and mention to Dargan Long and his family. (The American owner) Tyler Thomas and I asked Dargan back in May or June to work on the art for this years' festival. Each year we strive to work with a local artist on the festival art/poster and designs," Gallagher said.
"Dargan is one of Bainbridge's finest artists and he did a fine job on this year's artwork. Little did we know that while he was working on the piece, he was suffering from cancer and he sadly passed away this December. We are grateful to be able to honor him with his piece that he painted for the festival."
"At the end of the day, we could not do this without the support of the sponsors, which are all community businesses or organizations, plus Tyler at The American and the Firehouse Arts Center for their partnership on the event, all the venues this year that are participating, the many volunteers, the musicians, and — of course — Downtown Bainbridge and Bainbridge Public Safety for assisting with the street closures and ensuring public safety, Nikki Rich for her help with all the graphics and my wife Nicole for her support as I work long hours in the lead up to make it all happen!"
So there you have it, Tallahassee - the full rundown of the 5th Annual Bainbridge Jazz & Blues Fest. So start making plans now to take the short drive up Highway 27 on Saturday and support this amazing event!
Danny Aller is the co-founder, along with Matthew Crumbaker, of the TLH Beer Society. Reach the Beer Society on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or email [email protected].
If you go
What: 5th Annual Bainbridge Blues & Jazz Festival
When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Southern Philosophy and Downtown Bainbridge, Georgia
VIP Tickets: eventbrite.com