Big talent buzzes in for Blues Festival

Movers and shakers in the local and regional blues scene will have you movin’ and shakin’ on the dance floor this weekend at the second annual Spokane Blues Festival.

And with rockin’ blues guitar virtuoso Coco Montoya closing out the two-day blues bash on Saturday night, expect a packed house at Medley’s Lounge, 14415 E. Sprague Ave.

“(Coco Montoya) is a legend in his own right. In the blues community he’s royalty,” said festival organizer Dave Green.

Considered a third-generation blues legend, Montoya began his career as a drummer with blues master Albert Collins, who became Montoya’s mentor and taught the protégé his “icy hot” blues guitar style.

Along with Montoya, the stellar lineup of artists includes Cary Fly, Too Slim and the Taildraggers and Carl Rey and the Blues Gators.

Portland’s Robbie Laws headlines tonight’s run, following local favorites The Fat Tones and Cool Stack, which is made up of players from Lockdown with a new singer.

“The Fat Tones are the best blues band in Spokane, but Robbie Laws is headlining. He’s that good,” Green said.

Both nights kick off with acoustic Delta blues by acoustic duo The Parchman tonight and Jeff Aker on Saturday.

Tickets for the 21-and-older event are $37.50 for both nights, $20 for tonight and $22 for Saturday, through TicketsWest (800-325-SEAT or www.ticketswest.com).

Overnight packages at Quality Inn Valley Suites include two festival tickets, breakfast buffet and shuttle service to and from Medley’s. Call 928-5218 for more information.

Festival schedule

Tonight:

4 p.m.: The Parchman

5:50 p.m.: Cary Fly

7:50 p.m.: Cool Stack

9:30 p.m.: The Fat Tones

11:30 p.m.: Robbie Laws

Saturday:

Noon: Jeff Aker

1:45 p.m.: Lockdown

3:15 p.m.: Milagro

4:45 p.m.: Carl Rey and the Blues Gators

6:30 p.m.: Henry Cooper

8:30 p.m.: Too Slim and the Taildraggers

10:30 p.m.: Coco Montoya