The 4th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 7th. This festival celebrates the legacy of LOUIE BELLSON (1924-2009), the Rock Falls native who rose to become the renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six- time Grammy nominee. The event is hosted by Rock Falls Tourism which works closely with Bellson’s widow Francine
Bellson (louiebellson.com) and Josh Duffee (music director from Davenport, IA). Four bands featuring big band, jazz, and blues music, along with performances honoring Louie Bellson, will be showcased at the RB&W District amphitheater from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
The bands include the following:
1 pm – 2:30 pm — Yorkville Big Band covering a wide genre of sounds of the 40’s and 50’s incorporating modern arrangements of famous big bands.
3 pm – 4:30 pm – Avey Grouws Band brings a raw, powerful roots rock sound infused with blues and soul.
5 pm – 6:30 pm – Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters will feature music composed and arranged by Louie Bellson, along with songs that were recorded by Bellson during his career in a small group setting.
7 pm to 8:30 pm – Rare Element has a strong reputation for its high-intensity, live shows featuring funk music combining the elements of soul, jazz and R&B.
The Bellson Music Fest will kick off with a Drum Clinic at the McCormick Event Center from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Clinic to be conducted by Gregg Potter, drummer for The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, a multi-media show featuring Buddy’s daughter Cathy Rich.
