The 4th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held Saturday, June 7th, at the RB&W District in Rock Falls, IL. This event is held each year to celebrate 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).
We are pleased to announce special featured musical guest Gregg Potter who serves as drummer for The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, a multi-media show, featuring Buddy’s daughter Cathy Rich, and a sixteen-piece alumni band. Gregg fronted the BR Band throughout the Buddy Rich Centennial Celebration year and 2017-2018 World Tour.
Not only crisscrossing the United States, but barnstorming Europe, including a sold-out week at prestigious Ronnie Scott’s UK. Gregg began his professional career after winning the Slingerland/ Louie Bellson National Drum Contest at the legendary Frank’s Drum Shop in Chicago. As a High School student, he was presented with the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award along with several other individual jazz soloist awards. In 2009 Gregg won an EMMY Award for his CBS Television performance at the Grammy Foundation.
Gregg Potter will kick off the Bellson Music Fest by conducting a drum clinic at the McCormick Event Center from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Four bands consisting of blues and jazz will be played from 1 pm to 8:30 pm at the RB&W District amphitheater. Announcements of these bands performing are forthcoming.
