In 2001, the idea that eventually led to Blues Brews ’N’ BBQs was born. Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth wanted to make an impact in the community while showcasing local musicians, so volunteers developed a series of coffee-house events called Higher Grounds. These talent-filled concerts have proven to be popular events through the past 13 years, raising more than $13,000 to donate to charity. In 2012, Mount Olivet moved the music outdoors.
“Blues Brews ’N’ BBQs is a one-day event to build and strengthen the community while featuring high-profile Twin Cities blues artists, local craft beer and barbecue from professional pit masters,” says Joe Kaatz, marketing specialist at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Within the past two years, the music festival has drawn in more than 2,000 people and distributed more than $34,000 to beneficiaries that include Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and PRISM Minneapolis.
This year’s event will feature Davina and the Vagabonds, Tampa Spatz, Sena Ehrhardt, General B and the Wiz, Mary Jane Alm and Jacy Pelstring. “We’ll also be focusing more on providing activities that the whole family can enjoy during [the festival] and blocking off several hours where there will be kids’ activities available,” Kaatz says.
If You Go
Tickets will be available online from highergrounds.moply.org, at Mount Olivet Church, 12235 Old Rockford Road, and at the gate August 16. The festival runs from 2 to 10 p.m. Price: $10 in advance
