Beginning on Oct. 25, Brooklyn will have the blues.
But if you ask Beareather Reddy, the organizer of the second “Big Eyed Blues Festival,” that’s not a bad thing.
“Blues doesn’t have to be sad,” Reddy told GO Brooklyn. “Blues is about life.”
Reddy’s festival, which began as a one-night event last year, has grown by leaps and bounds. Much like the Brooklyn blues scene itself, the festival has added a slew of talent and clubs in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Clinton Hill to its roster and will take place over four nights, each with its own theme.
Opening night features “Ladies Singing the Blues” with vocalist Reddy, performing alongside singers Pat Tandy and teen chanteuse Melanie B. Charles (pictured) at Bed-Stuy’s Petit Bassam. Additionally, there will be musical history lessons on the roots of the blues and youth workshops for aspiring musicians; Reddy wants to ensure another generation of blues artists is nurtured in this borough.
“I am a champion for the blues,” she said. “I wanted to create a place for people who love the blues, so they don’t have to leave Brooklyn to hear it.” And, with only a year’s work, that’s exactly what she’s done.
“The Big Eyed Blues Festival” will begin at 7 pm on Oct. 25 at Petit Bassam (393 Lewis Ave. at Macdonough Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant). Tickets are $20 and include food. For a full schedule and ticket information, call (718) 919-0697 or visit www.bigeyedbluesfestival.com.
