First Blues at the Crossroads Gets Rave Reviews

Date: 9/17/2001
By Jason Hathaway
Tribune-Star

"We're happy with it," said Tim Popoff, co-owner of The Verve. "It's probably going to get 10 times bigger, but this is pretty good for a first year crowd. I think it's a good thing to have. This is fun. You just don't want to bring everything to a grinding halt because of terrorism."

Todd Nation, owner of the building that houses The Verve at 677 Wabash Ave., was glad that the event was going so well.

"I was afraid with the international situation we're in right now that people would stay at home, but instead, they've come out to enjoy some blues and community spirit After living downtown for five years, I go to all the festivals," Nation said. "I love the fact that we have so many. This is one of the best festivals I have been to down here."

Nation served up grilled bratwursts and cheeseburgers Saturday night at his "All American" food booth. The festival also offered a range of American soul food at booths from such local restaurants as Bernard's Barbecue, Stables Steakhouse and Ambrosini's. Festival-goers also got some liquid refreshment at Blues at the Crossroads' beer garden.

Musical offerings throughout the day included popular regional artists the Cook 'n Blues Band, Clayton Miller Blues Band, 675, Boone Dunbar, Backfish & Dillon and In The Pocket. Chicago blues musician Jimmy Burns and Greencastle blues musician Tad Robinson, both Delmark Records recording artists, headlined the show.

Although many were focused on getting their mind off terrorism attacks, some attention at least was warranted. The festival was kicked off by a memorial service that featured speeches and prayers from local clergy and the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by local singer Tina Wautlet. Collections were also taken up from festival-goers to raise money for American Red Cross victim relief efforts in New York.

"They've got collection jars over there where you get your beer," Nation said. "People seem to be giving generously."

It was difficult not to find a smiling face in the crowd Saturday night, or bodies moving to the upbeat music, for that matter, as those in attendance took in the music. Terre Haute resident Chuck Shutt was enjoying the live blues and was glad to see another festival in town.

"I would say it's another great event for Terre Haute," he said. "We've got the Oktoberfest, the Ethnic Festival and now this. I think it's great to see the people of Terre Haute trying to bring more entertainment to town. I'm a blues fan anyway. It's good music that really lifts you up."

Of course, it was also nice to have a night away from television news reports of terrorist violence and focus on just having a good time.

"You can watch [the news]," Shutt said. "The news is interesting and we need to watch it and we need to know, but after a while, you need to get up and look somewhere else for a while. We need a little break every once in a while."