Blues Inc. presents the 2nd Annual Yank Rachell Memorial Blues Festival, Saturday, August 28th, 1999, 3 –11 PM on the scenic Canal Walk in downtown Indianapolis at the St. Clair Street Bridge.

The legendary John Sebastian headlines this event and receives the 2nd Yank Rachell Lifetime Achievement Award*.

Free to the public. Cross-cultural and family oriented, the festival showcases Indiana's best blues bands and Special Guest Musicians. Tasty regional foods & Hand-crafts are also featured.

The festival is held annually on the last weekend in August to honor the memory of Yank Rachell, who passed away at his Indianapolis home on April 9th, 1997. Its purpose is to preserve the rich heritage of Indiana's beloved blues mandolin man, composer, lyricist, and recipient of Indiana's highest citizen award, "Sagamore Of The Wabash".

Presented in partnership with Jazzline, Inc., whose 15th annual Wes Montgomery memorial jazz festival, WES FEST '99, is set for Sunday, August 29th, at the same scenic location.

This year's musical line-up includes: Webb-Stratyner-Webb-Stone - musicians who produced and played on Mr. Rachell's last recording, "Too Hot For The Devil", Harvey Cook's Harvey and the Bluetones, Ron Hacker (with special guest Sheena Rachell ), Debbie Nelson and In Full Transition, Gene Deer and The Blues Band, Gordon Bonham Blues Band, and the Yank Rachell Tribute Band with Sheena Rachell and others who gigged with Yank.

Vendor space is still available for one or both days of the festivals. Inquiries regarding corporate and personal donations, sponsorship and program advertising are welcome and appreciated! If interested contact Blues Inc. at (317) 579-3050 or (317) 475-1755 or reach us at carolrae@iquest.net