Barbecue and Blues are a great combination so start planning for the 11th Annual Bob Sykes Bbq & Blues Festival set for Saturday, April 25th, 2020 presented by the City of Bessemer. The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bbq at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park located in historic downtown Bessemer, Alabama from 12-8pm. Gates open at 11am. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day to enjoy talented blues musicians. Bob Sykes is proud to announce the music line-up that includes Bobby Rush…2017 Grammy winning blues legend, Blues Hall of Famer, 12x Blues Music Award winner, B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and makes a cameo in the Neflix Original “Dolemite is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy. Robert Kimbrough Sr Blues Connection the 2019 AMG Award winner for Album of the year. Tullie Brae; “Hurricane” Elaine Hudson; NJ Speights; Showcase band featuring Regi Yarbrough, Tara Sabree and Robert Harris. The festival is giving tribute to the memory of Henry ‘Gip’ Gipson owner of Bessemer Juke Joint “Gip’s Place.” Since 2010, the event has been filled with thousands of festival goers. Attendees of the festival range from youth to adults. 2nd generation owner and pit master of Bob Sykes Bar B Q Van Sykes says “Each year the festival grows and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and the support of the community.” City of Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley says "The Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival has been a great event for the City of Bessemer. It brings visitors to our city from across the state, southeast and even internationally. We're proud that this festival will continue to be held in Bessemer and we're looking forward to many more great years of barbecue and blues music in downtown Bessemer.” The festival has been chosen for numerous years as one of the top food festivals in Alabama by al.com. There is something to do for the entire family including a large kids corner with activities and games. Children eight and under are free with a ticketed adult. Besides great music and bbq the festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, and a diverse selection of vendors selling tempting offers. General admission tickets can be purchased at www.bobsykesblues.com or visit Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant. The festival will give a portion of the proceeds to a local Alabama charity “Caring Men and Caring Women” that motivates, empowers, and encourages boys and girls through mentoring and various other resources to be positive decision makers and to help facilitate the process that will shape them into successful and responsible adults. Since 2010, the festival has provided funding for local charities including Red Mountain Grace, Children’s of Alabama, Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation, Clay House, Hands On Birmingham, Ady’s Army and Latch and Live Foundation. Event Information: 11th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival Saturday, April 25, 2020 12pm-8pm. Gates open at 11am Located at DeBardeleben Park / 1623 2nd Avenue North / Bessemer, AL 35020 Tickets can be purchased at www.BobSykesBlues.com or at Bob Sykes Bar B Que Restaurant For More Information contact: elaine.lyda@gmail.com or call 205-426-1400